3 Must-Haves to Avoid Loss when Shipping Overseas

Carrier liability is not enough to protect you and your cargo from damage during overseas transit. Find out how to safeguard your assets.

The risk of damage to containers and packages when shipping overseas is extremely high. Mishandling of packages are common, but only the beginning of your concerns. Weather can introduce a number of damaging factors to cargo both directly in indirectly. Moisture is, of course, the primary concern, be it from humidity, rain, or the sea. On top of that, ships do sink occasionally.

Of course, the only way to avoid that is to choose another method of delivery, so we won’t concern ourselves with the off chance the whole boat goes down.

As for the other concerns, you want to do everything you can to protect your assets. There are three things you absolutely should do when choosing to ship overseas, especially large packages or containers.

1. Get insurance. The carriers themselves carry limited liability, so you want to find a qualified, credible company to insure your cargo. It is safest to assume you will need it, and it is generally quite affordable. You can find some helpful information about choosing insurance here.

The downside of insurance is that you have to prove how and when damage occurs. When these incidents occur overseas, they are handled differently than in the US, so you want to protect yourself as much as possible. This is why we suggest number two:

2. Use a professional packaging company. This is extremely important if you have a large and/or unusually shaped item to ship. The package itself can prevent the most common damage that occurs during shipping. It’s important to use the right materials that properly fit and protect your cargo. Packnet, for example, specializes in packaging solutions for oddly shaped machines and products. Their engineers have a solid track record in designing solutions that work. Additionally, Packnet uses vapor barriers and corrosion inhibitors that offer successful protection from the elements, especially for metal surfaces.

3. Opt for the recording device. As mentioned above, it can be difficult to prove to an insurance company how and when damage occurred. Packnet uses ShockWatch products that offer a full spectrum of damage prevention solutions. They measure and record shock, vibration, temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure. Your package solution will protect your cargo during regular transit, but it can’t always protect against mishandling. ShockWatch makes the difference between your claim being approved and you taking a loss.

If your big shipments are not physically and financially protected from damage, your company can suffer a devastating loss. Invest in a few solid measures to keep your product safe, and protect your sale, reputation, cargo, and bottom line. Contact Packnet for a custom solution to your packaging and shipping needs: 952-944-9124.