If your clients rely on your business to transport their products and goods around the country or ship internationally, it’s important to get them to their destination with great care.

Failure to do so can result in a negative impact on your company’s reputation and potentially leave you out of pocket in extreme circumstances.

There are many factors involved in keeping goods intact while in transit, which we’ve explored below.

Packing goods securely

Items should be packed in the appropriate boxes, containers or pallets. This will help reduce movement while on the road, minimising any risk of spillages, leaks or other damage.

Ensure loads are secure and weight is distributed evenly across the vehicle to prevent the possibility of handling issues that could arise from a wayward payload.

Use Coloured Security Wraps

It’s not uncommon to hear about stolen packages or boxes being opened at drop off points. If the items are of sufficient value like jewellery or technology gadgets, you can help keep them concealed by placing them in coloured security wrappers. This will prevent those interested in stealing from wasting their time opening a package if the contents are unknown to them.

Have insurance

When shipping goods, there’s always the risk of items either getting lost or damaged. Taking out the correct transport insurance may provide you with a layer of protection should things go
wrong.

Despite the transportation of goods not being inherently dangerous, you never know what could happen to them while on the road.

Vehicles could be involved in an accident, subject to criminal damage, or have items stolen, so being prepared for those eventualities is important.

Staff training

Training is essential for all members of staff to understand the nature of their work and how to complete jobs in the most effective andefficient way possible.

Make sure that all drivers and staff, including dispatchers and handlers, are properly trained and know how to protect goods. It’s incredibly important to maintain a skilled workforce that is capable of
responding appropriately to any issues that arise.

Ensuring you have dedicated employee training programmes can increase productivity and help your business become more competitive. Highly trained staff will get the job done well and boost brand reliability.

Ensure a safe driving route

Route planning can help you ensure your route is cost-effective, time-conscious and safe for your driver and the goods.

Smooth journeys will reduce the risk of any damage to the products, so try to stay away from any unsuitable roads. Driving on concrete, narrow lanes or poor-quality surfaces can make for a more stressful and dangerous driving experience overall.

Ensuring modernised roads that have clear markings take preference provides HGV drivers with a more straightforward experience, reducing the risk of road accidents.