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10 common shipping mistakes and how to avoid them

10 common shipping mistakes and how to avoid them

Shipping makes life easier for consumers as it facilitates the delivery of goods and helps businesses expand their reach. But even a single error with shipping can result in a waste of time and money and possible loss of customers for businesses. Hence, shippers must be very careful while shipping products across long distances. Streamlining shipping processes is a must to increase efficiency and send goods across on time. Here are some common shipping mistakes to avoid:

Not packing the parcel properly
Sometimes, shippers overlook the importance of packaging, especially if the product is sturdy and not likely to break. But no matter how strong the product is, proper packaging ensures it reaches the recipient in good condition. It is usually easy to identify if a product has been packaged properly or needs a different packaging solution. For example, the product may hang out of the pallet on which it is shipped, which means that a pallet of a bigger size is needed. Stacking items methodically can help fit all the products securely in a package. One should use other packaging items like bands and stretch wraps if necessary.

Writing incorrect information on the Bill of Lading
Shippers need to mention details of their shipments and provide their signatures in a Bill of Lading (BOL) document. The document also lists the fiduciary duties of shippers and suppliers, so it is an important contract. All the details in a BOL document should be accurate, including the number of products inside the parcel and its total value. Weight and freight class is another category that needs to be estimated correctly. Companies should be careful to mention accurate parcel details because wrong information can affect their reputation.

Not using an online shipping platform
Being old school may not be the most productive strategy when it comes to shipping. These days, there are several online platforms that automate shipping, with many plugins for tracking, calculating the amount, labeling, and helping with logistics. These features are convenient for both shippers and recipients, so it is a great idea to use an online shipping platform.

Relying on the services of one carrier
Sometimes, businesses may use only one carrier for all their shipments. But this might be restrictive because other carriers may have more options, especially when it comes to international shipping. One way to explore is to find out which shipping carriers offer the best services locally and internationally so one can have different carriers for each. Some online plugins provide access to all the relevant carriers in one place, so even these may be used.

Disposing of delivery receipts
Businesses cannot be held responsible if a shipment is damaged during transportation. So, if a product gets damaged during shipping, businesses should be able to prove that it was damaged during shipping and not at the packaging stage. Procuring delivery receipts at every stage of the supply process helps shippers trace at what stage of supply the damage took place so that they can demonstrate to their customers that they had not shipped an already damaged product.

Not labeling the product correctly
Shipments need to be labeled correctly so that they are shipped to the right places and live up to the set quality requirements. These days, there are many online platforms that read product barcodes and print accurate shipping labels. Companies shipping their products should use such technology to save time and be more accurate with their labeling.

Overlooking the importance of pallets
Pallets are incredibly useful in handling heavyweight shipments and preventing damage. Also, many shipping carriers have made it compulsory for shippers to use pallets for all their shipments. And if the shipper fails to use one, they may levy additional charges while palletizing the products. To avoid all these hassles, it is best to find a pallet of the right size for shipments and place packaged goods on them, securing them to the pallets properly. Dense, sturdy hardwood or plastic pallets are the best bets for shipping.

Not knowing shipping regulations for different countries
Shipping regulations differ among countries and help ensure the safety of shippers, suppliers, and end users. So, while shipping internationally, shippers should be aware of the regulations in the recipient’s country and follow all the required procedures, like filling up additional forms or paying any extra charges. If one is not very confident about understanding these regulations, it is best to hire a reliable freight forwarder to help with the process.

Not taking freight insurance
Freight insurance protects shippers if the shipment gets damaged or lost along the way. If shippers do not have freight insurance, they would have to pay for such damages, which can burn a hole in their pocket. While choosing a freight insurance company, one should compare premium rates and check the company’s reliability and records so that they receive financial compensation promptly if anything happens to the shipment.

Choosing a carrier that does not offer proper tracking
Tracking in real-time is important for shippers as well as recipients. So, one needs to choose a shipping carrier that has a proper tracking system in place. Also, its customers need to be prompt so that they can immediately contact the company in case of any problems.

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Migraine is a prevalent health condition in which a person experiences severe headaches, usually on one side of the head. There may also be other symptoms like sensitivity to light, tiredness, and nausea, which can last a few hours to two days. The ailment is triggered due to stress, certain foods, and other factors. While there is no cure for migraines, the following tips can help manage the symptoms effectively: Use the correct treatment options There are several treatments for migraines, but it is essential to choose the correct one after consulting a doctor. The popular options include: Nurtec ODT Nurtec ODT is an oral treatment that can help alleviate symptoms like headaches, pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light in adults. One can use Nurtec ODT on alternate days or as the doctor recommends. Its side effects include allergic reactions, trouble breathing, and rash. UBRELVY It is a fast-acting treatment option that blocks a specific protein in the body known to induce migraine attacks. One can consult a doctor to determine the dosage according to their condition. The most common side effects of UBRELVY are nausea and sleepiness. Excedrin Excedrin is suitable for temporary relief from migraine headaches. It can also treat aches caused by other factors, such as arthritis and toothaches.
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Certain foods that are healthy for us may be beneficial for your cat. As a responsible cat parent, it is essential to be aware of the foods and their sources before slipping a morsel from your plate into your pet’s bowl. Ingestion of toxic foods can adversely affect the cat’s digestive system. Hence, it is advised to consult a vet for recommendations. Here is a list of human foods that are perfectly safe for cats: Meat Cats are carnivores by nature. Most of the commercial cat food in the market contains different meats, an excellent protein source. So, feeding them bits of cooked meats like beef, turkey, or chicken from your lunch plate is entirely alright. Make sure you limit the quantity of the meats. Overeating may cause digestive issues in cats. Salmon Cats love fish, and most vets recommend feeding them fish-based foods. They are a good source of omega-3 and other nutrients. Oily fish like tuna, salmon, or mackerel prove beneficial for their eyesight and joints. However, do not feed your feline straight from the can as they might lick it too aggressively, leading to cuts and bruises on their tongues. It’s best to feed them cooked fish without bones.
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Strengthening the lungs can help one avoid respiratory issues and diseases. Even when diagnosed with a lung-related illness, making significant changes to the lifestyle and food regimen can help people manage the symptoms and restore lung function. However, it is equally important to avoid the food items that damage these organs and cause issues like inflammation, sneezing, and wheezing. Here are a few foods to avoid to improve lung health: Salty food Foods with excessive salt should be avoided as their long-term consumption can have severe consequences on the overall health. Excess sodium in such food items can enlarge the muscles of the heart, cause headaches, increase blood pressure, and lead to a wide range of kidney-related issues like stones. Such foods can also have a negative effect on the health of the lungs and have been linked to an increased risk of bronchitis. Additionally, too much salt in meals can also worsen the symptoms of respiratory issues like asthma. This is because sodium can cause fluid retention, leading to shortness of breath in those with lung diseases. To reduce its intake, one should start by limiting salt in their meals and instead add more herbs and spices as seasoning.

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