When it comes to logistics, even the smallest error can have a ripple effect. A mislabeled package, a late delivery, or a missed compliance requirement does more than frustrate customers, it costs your business valuable time and money. In fact, research shows that shipping mistakes account for billions of dollars in avoidable losses across supply chains every year.
The good news? Partnering with a third-party logistics provider (3PL) can help prevent these costly missteps before they happen. Below are five of the most common shipping mistakes businesses face.
- Inaccurate Documentation and Labeling
From invoices and customs forms to shipping labels and pallet tags, accurate documentation is essential for every shipment. Even a small typo in an address or a missing piece of paperwork can result in delays, lost packages, or return fees. Inaccuracies also create confusion for carriers and customers, making it harder to resolve issues quickly. - Poor Packaging Practices
The wrong packaging material or method can leave products vulnerable to damage during transit. Overpacking wastes space and increases costs, while underpacking exposes items to breakage, leaks, or contamination. Inconsistent packaging can also lead to inefficiencies in loading and storage, further raising the risk of loss.
- Overlooking Compliance Requirements
Whether shipping domestically or internationally, regulations must be followed. Hazardous materials, oversized freight, and international orders all have specific requirements. Failure to comply can mean fines, delays at checkpoints, or even denied entry for a shipment. Staying ahead of these requirements is critical to avoiding costly disruptions. - Inefficient Routing and Scheduling
The shipping route chosen has a direct impact on delivery time and cost. Without careful planning, shipments may travel longer distances than necessary, sit idle between transfers, or arrive late due to poor scheduling. Inefficient routing not only increases expenses but also affects customer satisfaction and supply chain reliability.
- Lack of Visibility and Tracking
Today’s customers and businesses alike expect to know where their shipments are at all times. Limited visibility into the status of deliveries can lead to miscommunication, delayed responses to problems, and dissatisfied clients. Real-time tracking has become a standard expectation, and not having it can put companies at a disadvantage.
For many companies, partnering with a third-party logistics provider (3PL), like Pierce Distribution, offers a way to strengthen these processes with added expertise, technology, and resources. To learn how Pierce can help your business operations stay on track, contact us today.