Common Shipping Mistakes Businesses Make
Common Shipping Mistakes Businesses Make
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Inaccurate Shipment Dimensions and Weight
- Choosing the Wrong Shipping Method
- Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
- Underestimating Handling and Operational Charges
- Not Planning for Size and Airline Limitations
- Delaying Communication With Your Freight Provider
- Avoiding Costly Shipping Errors
Introduction
International shipping plays a critical role in supply chains, but small mistakes can quickly lead to delays, additional costs, and operational disruptions. Many of these issues are avoidable with the right planning and guidance.
Here are some of the most common shipping mistakes businesses make and how they can be prevented
Inaccurate Shipment Dimensions and Weight
One of the most frequent mistakes is providing incorrect measurements or weight details.
Freight rates are calculated based on dimensions, volumetric weight, or chargeable weight. If the information provided is inaccurate, it can result in rate adjustments reweighing charges, or shipment delays.
Accurate measurements from the start ensure correct CBM calculation for sea freight and proper chargeable weight assessment for air freight.
Choosing the Wrong Shipping Method
Not every shipment should move the same way. Businesses sometimes select air freight when sea freight would be more cost effective, or choose LCL when FCL may be more suitable.
Factors such as cargo volume, urgency, and budget all influence the right shipping method. Selecting the wrong option can increase shipping cost unnecessarily or cause scheduling inefficiencies.
Understanding whether LCL, FCL, RORO, or air freight is more appropriate makes a significant difference in overall logistics performance.
Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Missing or incorrect documentation is one of the leading causes of customs delays.
Certain cargo types require specific paperwork. For example:
Dangerous goods require inspection and an MSDS.
Perishable cargo require proper declaration and temperature handling arrangements.
Even minor documentation errors can result in inspection delays, additional storage fees, or clearance complications.
Underestimating Handling and Operational Charges
Many businesses focus only on the base freight rate and overlook operational components that form part of the total shipping cost.
Additional elements may include
DNATA handling fees
DNATA acceptance
Customs inspection
Failing to account for these factors can lead to unexpected expenses.
Clear communication and full cost breakdowns help prevent surprises during the shipping process
Not Planning for Size and Airline Limitations
For air freight shipments, size, and weight limits per piece must be considered. Standard general cargo has maximum dimension and weight guidelines.
Shipments exceeding approved limits may require special approval or alternative arrangements, which can impact timelines and costs.
Planning ahead avoids last-minute adjustments.
Delaying Communication With your Freight Provider
One of the most overlooked mistakes is engaging a freight partner too late in the process.
Early coordination allows for proper route planning, cargo classification review, documentation checks, and cost optimisation. The more complete the shipment details provided upfront, the smoother the process will be.
Avoiding Costly Shipping Errors
Most shipping mistakes are preventable. They typically result from incomplete information, rushed planning, or lack of clarity on freight processes.
At JTRANS, we work closely with our clients to review shipment specifications, cargo type, documentation requirements, and operational factors before booking. This proactive approach reduces risk, improves efficiency, and ensures transparent freight pricing.
Contact Us if you would like guidance on your next shipment or need assistance selecting the right shipping method, our team is ready to assist.
