Understanding the different ways of dealing with cargo damage is crucial in domestic shipping. Damaged freight describes any harm that wholly or partially happens to the goods during transportation. Multiple players in the supply chain will be affected when this occurs. This is not only for the shipper and trucker but also for the end receiver, who can be a customer. Businesses that are shipping products may not only lose customers but revenue as well. For truckers, this can lead to a negative image for the company and monetary loss. While damages can happen when moving goods internationally, this article will focus on shipping by truck.
How Does Cargo Damage Happen?
Due to the length of the journey for transporting cargo, there are various ways that damage can happen. The primary types of damages include:
Physical Damage – Physically damaged cargo is when dents or cracks happen to the packages and the goods inside during the journey. This occurs when freight rolls, bumps, or falls in the container. Even before transport, incorrect mishandling and unloading also cause physical damage.
Water Damage – When moving cargo inside a container, damage can occur from moisture exposure. Ways that this happens include rain, floods, leaks, and exposure to humidity. Along with flatbeds and air-open trailers, water damage happens to non-open containers, too. For example, when it rains, droplets stick to the ceiling and walls and then seep down to the freight, damaging it.
Contamination Damage – Contamination damage results from the cargo’s poisoning or pollution, making it unsuitable for human use or consumption. Various ways that contamination can happen include dirty containers, lack of proper separation, and contact with hazardous substances.
Reefer Damage – Reefer damage specifically affects refrigerated containers that must stay at a specific temperature during transport. Freight like foods, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, flowers, and other cargo that uses a reefer container can be affected by this damage. This damage may also happen due to improper temperature settings, equipment failure, or lack of air circulation.
Infestation Damage – Infestation by rodents and other animals can damage the cargo during transport. For food shipments, infestation damage can make the cargo unfit for human consumption.
What Are Ways For Preventing And Dealing With Cargo Damage?
While cargo damage can happen randomly, there are steps that the supply chain players can take to prevent its chances of happening. For shippers, this can include using the correct packaging for the cargo. The packaging should be the right size for the freight and free from holes and tears. Proper labeling should also be on the cargo to prevent mishandling. The loader must adequately clean the container to avoid contamination damage. Proper ventilation allows air into and out of the container, which prevents reefer damage by letting out moisture. The cargo should also be packed into the container appropriately and have proper weight distribution.
Another way to prevent cargo damage is using a freight broker’s help. Brokers coordinate cargo movement on behalf of the shipper by finding a carrier for them. A broker’s primary responsibility is finding the best trucking company to transport a shipper’s cargo. They screen potential carriers, find secure transporters, and look for the best rates. Speak to a freight broker at info@a1wwl.com or 786-375-9420 regarding the movement of your cargo domestically.