Shipping large items across the country or overseas can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve got some tips that will help you get your items from point A to point B safely and easily.
Determine the size and weight of your item
You should know the dimensions and weight of your item, as well as the dimensions and capacity of the box you are going to use to ship it. If you’re shipping internationally, check with your customs broker to find out if there are any restrictions on shipping your item. For example, some countries don’t allow the import of meat or meat products; other countries have restrictions on certain chemicals or goods. Advance checking will make sure that you will not have any problems along the way.
Find a shipping company that can transport your large item
You’ll want to find a shipping company that can transport your large item. This is important because it will determine what kind of shipping rate they charge and whether they have any restrictions on the size or weight of your shipment.
Asking these questions will help you ensure that:
- You get an accurate quote for the cost of transporting your item(s)
- The company has experience shipping large items
- The company offers competitive pricing structures
Decide if you want to choose a freight carrier or parcel carrier
When choosing a freight carrier, you want to ensure that they can handle the size and weight of your item. Most carriers will charge more for larger shipments, but they’re also much more likely to be able to handle them safely.
If you’re shipping something that can get damaged easily like fragile glassware or small appliances, go with parcel carriers instead. They’re typically cheaper than freight carriers and don’t have as many restrictions on their services—so if it comes down to cost alone, choosing this route might be the best for you.
Book your shipment, select a pickup time and prepare your item for transit
Once you are ready, you can then start to book your shipment. Visit the website of your carrier of choice and select a pickup time and prepare your item for transit. Also, make sure to include all the necessary information in your shipment order especially if you are shipping a fragile item. Make sure the item is secure, clean, and dry.
Checking the weather forecast before you ship your package will also be beneficial for you. If the forecast is bad, it may be best to postpone your shipment until the weather improves especially if you are shipping overseas. You can also call your carrier and ask if they offer any protection against adverse weather conditions.
Track your shipment to ensure it gets to its destination on time
Tracking your shipment is a must. It’s the only way to make sure it arrives on time, and if something goes wrong with your shipment—like it gets lost or delayed—you’ll know about it immediately.
You may check your shipper’s tracking page to see the latest information about your shipment. Most shipping companies will provide you with all the important information such as:
- Date shipped
- Location of origin
- Real-time location of the shipment
- Destination address
- Estimated date of arrival
Shipping large items across the country
Sometimes, shipping large items is a necessity. For example, if you are moving your home across the country or simply shipping large goods for your business, you do not have a choice but to deal with it. This can be a stressful time and it’s important to be prepared. If you follow these steps, you’ll be able to ship your large item without worries that you will be having major problems. Shipping large items across the country is not easy, but it can be done. It’s important to plan, weigh your options carefully and make sure that you choose a shipping company that will meet your needs. Once you have made a decision, you will need to contact the carrier of your choice, take inventory of your belongings and get all the important information ready before you call. Soul Logistics has a lot of experience in handling large shipments both for business and private individuals. You may reach out to us anytime for your large shipment needs.
