Ensuring that an order or product is delivered to the customer on full terms (without any damage or scratching), is not always easy. Still, it is a MANDATORY REQUIREMENT for your business to be successful and stand out from the competition! That is why during logistical operations, you must avoid accidents, operational errors and damage to loads and goods. But it is certain that sometimes unforeseen events (disasters, company/ driver/ transport external factors), which with the right tools and mechanisms, allow you to minimize the damage caused, reduce the damage to the company, avoid inconvenience to your customer and prevent unfurling the brand image.
What would you do or what have you done, given a scenario similar to the above?
First and foremost, you must ALWAYS ensure that the goods are delivered on the date and time set, even if you have to outsource the service. Note that in this case, despite being in the presence of an unforeseen event, you have fulfilled the goal you have committed to, transmitting high responsibility and good service to the client.
To help you AVOID DAMAGES in your FLEET LOADS, we present you below 9 TIPS!
HOW TO AVOID LOAD DAMAGE - FLEET´S LOADS
#1 INVEST IN PRACTICAL AND SPECIALIZED TRAINING
Your drivers must be properly trained to follow your instructions, follow directions, and apply good practices to prevent loads damage. As well, they must be aware and follow the indications presented in the packages, to ensure product integrity during transportation and handling.
#2 CHOOSE THE MOST SUITABLE PACKAGING
Before transporting any product or merchandise, it is crucial to pack it in the most appropriate package according to the instructions given. To do this, you will need cardboard boxes/ wood or other material to protect products from impacts, accidents or spills, and these must be properly identified (eg.: fragile product or not, correct storage position, origin and destination).
NOTE: the packaging opening should be a quick and easy process for the customer.
#3 CHECK TRANSPORT STORAGE CONDITIONS
Do you know how important it is to avoid: water, moisture, spills, high temperatures or other conditions that interfere with the integrity of the stored product, correct?! But remember that it is not enough to isolate the load only from spills, but also from rain or "load sweat" (caused by changes in temperature), through dissecting and/ or insulation tapes!
#4 CHOOSE THE BEST MERCHANDISE TRANSPORT
Be it air, sea or land! Because the most sensitive/ flammable loads require a safer or more adapted means of transport, which may vary depending on the load needs.
#5 NEVER LEAVE EMPTY SPACES IN BODYWORK
Braking, cornering or even road conditions can displace and move loads, damaging them. To prevent this from happening, fill ALL shipping gaps with bubble wrap, shredded paper, or air-filled plastic bags!
#6 EQUIP THE VEHICLES FOR THE FRAGILE LOADS
As we mentioned earlier, road conditions or tar friction can damage loads. To avoid them, you must install an Air Suspension System, also known as Pneumatic System, which provides greater load protection by reducing the impact of the ground (which are reduced to the minimum and provide greater smoothness during travel).
#7 USE IMPACT INDICATORS
Attached on the outside of the packages, the Impact, Shock or Inclination Indicators are devices that identify operational errors and measure the impact type (if applicable) that the load suffered during transportation. As well as, indicate at what stage of loading the load suffered some kind of damage.
#8 AVOID DANGEROUS REGIONS IN DEAD HOURS
Always try to follow the defined route, but if this is not possible (due to an accident, catastrophe or other), avoid driving/ traveling in dangerous or dubious considered areas. And be aware that some locations are conducive to loads thefts, between 9 pm and 5 am.
#9 PLAN EACH STEP OF TRANSPORTATION
Obviously you already know the importance of having a Planning Strategy, right? In this way, you must know exactly the order in which the load is accommodated in the bodywork, in order to expedite the removal of it and so that heavier loads do not crush the lighter ones. However, you should also know the material type in each package and at what times the vehicle should leave.
If you have come here, you have found that the Fleet Manager work is thorough and demanding, to ensure good customer service and optimize the results of the company. But in addition, REMEMBER: transportation SAFETY and its DELIVERY, is directly related to the company's PROFIT! 💰😉
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