Whether it’s the summer holidays or Christmas (it’s not as far away as you think!), shipping time-sensitive goods across continents is always fraught. At times of high traffic and high demand, it’s not always easy to ensure that important loads reach their destination when they should.
This short guide should help you to take control of your time-sensitive imports and exports.
A Guide to Shipping Time-Sensitive Freight to Europe In Peak Periods
Plan ahead
While there’s not always the opportunity to arrange early shipments – some goods simply can’t withstand that – the better prepared you are, and the earlier you plan, the more likely you are to get your goods where and when they need to be. Booking an earlier shipping slot can help, giving you a buffer in the event of delays. And by liaising with your carrier ahead of time, you can be certain that they’ll have room in their schedule to accommodate you.
Work with the right carrier
A good freight forwarder will be able to not only supply a range of European freight services operating across a variety of routes. But they will offer additional provisions to ensure that your company has everything it needs to do business well. This might include online freight booking and tracking services, digital payments and credit applications, or a full remit of freight administration services. So, it’s worth taking time to think about what you need from your carrier before making a booking.
Select the right delivery service
Selecting the right delivery service isn’t just about choosing between road, rail, sea, and air. It’s about drilling down into the details. At Plexus Freight, for example, we don’t just offer an express freight service, but there’s an economy express option for those working with time-sensitive goods, but who also have a little wriggle room. It’s also worth keeping in mind that in peak periods, standard delivery services won’t always suffice. So, it’s worth assessing your business’ needs on a regular basis, so you’re not caught short when it matters.
Pack your cargo well
There may not seem much of a correlation between poor packing and cargo delays, but inadequate packaging is a fail-safe way to ensure that your goods won’t reach their destination well. Even if they do get there on time. So, follow the basic rules of pallet shipping. Protect your products for your customer. And save your haulier the trouble of having to clean up goods that have collapsed in transit.
Track your goods
Although cargo tracking won’t necessarily help to reduce delays. Working with a freight forwarder that employs cargo tracking can keep you informed. And this puts you in control of damage limitation. If you notice that your cargo is behind schedule, you can contact the logistics supplier for an update – it may just ease your mind to find out that things are under control. And if delays are likely, then you can take the initiative and prepare your customer. Because expected delays are always more acceptable than simply leaving your customer waiting.
Don’t forget freight insurance
Sometimes things happen beyond anyone’s control. Extreme weather. Road traffic accidents. Strikes. When that happens, even the best freight forwarders will struggle to deliver the service you expect. And that’s where freight insurance helps. Because while carrier liability can help you to recoup some of the costs, freight insurance will cover the full value of your goods. And as time-sensitive goods are frequently of high value, this can be really important for your business.
Shipping goods in peak periods is always taxing, and often frustrating. Working with a reliable freighter and taking care to plan ahead, can make all the difference.
Get in touch to find out how Plexus Freight can help you with your time-sensitive shipments.
