Worried About Your Shipping Being Mishandled? You Should Be!

Unfortunately, many shipping companies mishandle packages. Dishonest companies may seem to have lower prices, but they often charge hidden fees that actually make them more expensive. Inexperienced employees work slowly, lose track of packages, and damage fragile items. Here are some easy ways to avoid these dangers and keep your stuff safe.

Choosing the Right Courier

Anyone can call themselves a courier, but a trusted courier company should be certified by a trade body like the Canadian Courier and Logistics Association or CCLA. They make sure that all members follow a standard code of practice.

Keeping Track of Your Items

Disassemble and reassemble large items yourself to save money. This also lets you pack all the pieces of an item into a smaller package. Avoid using separate packages for the pieces. Nothing is more frustrating than receiving all the parts of a valuable item except for an essential screw or hinge.

Using Quality Packing Materials

Cardboard boxes start to break down and lose their structural integrity after just one shipment. Items packed in boxes that are too large, too small, or not cushioned or padded correctly could be damaged. Choose a courier service that only uses sturdy new boxes. Large, heavy items should be packed in wood crates. With a reputable company, any fees for materials like packing peanuts, boxes, or bubble wrap are part of your initial estimate.

Buying Insurance

Most companies offer very basic insurance on items that they ship for free. However, they usually base the potential payment on the weight of lost or damaged items, and claiming payment is difficult at many companies. Without additional coverage, insurance would pay much more for a broken refrigerator than for an expensive diamond ring. You should always get extra insurance if you’re shipping valuable items.

Taking Pictures

A legitimate courier should inventory your property to make sure nothing is lost, but taking photographs of valuable property provides an extra layer of protection. Use a camera with a time stamp feature to take pictures of your items before shipping them. Then you’ll have proof that your property was undamaged before shipping and you can easily get compensation from the courier or your insurance provider for even minor damage.

With over 15 years of experience, Power Link can make sure that a wide variety of shipping, from mail to frozen food, arrives at its destination safely and on time. All employees, including drivers, have many years of experience in providing high levels of customer service. Through our sophisticated Proof of Delivery system, drivers transmit an immediate, time stamped email to customers when they make their delivery.