Freight damage is not just a problem; it’s a significant financial burden for U.S. businesses, eating into profits and disrupting operational efficiency. Some estimates suggest freight damage costs businesses 0.5% of gross sales annually. Packaging Digest reports that up to 11% of unit loads arrive at distribution centers damaged, highlighting the severity of the problem.
The repercussions of damaged shipments extend far beyond lost profits. They result in wasted products, costly returns, and customer service issues. More significantly, frequent freight damage can undermine customer trust, leading to a loss of business and tarnishing your brand’s reputation. When customers receive damaged goods, they may think twice before ordering from the same supplier again, potentially leading to a long-term revenue loss.
For businesses determined to stay competitive, investing in effective load securement and damage prevention strategies is crucial. These measures minimize damage claims, improve supply chain reliability, and strengthen customer relationships, paving the way for long-term success.
3 Strategies for Eliminating Freight Damage
To effectively prevent freight damage and ensure products arrive safely, companies should implement the following proactive measures:
- Effective Transit Packaging Solutions—Investing in durable transit protection and load securement solutions is key to minimizing damage risk. Quality transit packaging absorbs impact, evenly distributes weight, and prevents product shifting—the leading cause of freight damage. Regularly evaluating packaging methods and materials ensures continuous improvement and prevents costly issues.
- Employee Training—Proper packing, loading, blocking, and bracing training secures cargo, fills voids, and prevents shifting. Employees must understand best practices in freight handling to minimize poor stacking, unsecured loads, and improper weight distribution. A well-trained team ensures that freight is positioned correctly and that load securement materials, such as dunnage bags and void fillers, are used appropriately. Hands-on training sessions help maintain high standards and ensure the safety of the cargo.
- Collaborative Partnerships—Working with load securement specialists provides access to customized damage prevention solutions. These specialists can identify vulnerabilities and optimize solutions, helping businesses avoid potential freight damage challenges. By collaborating with reliable transit protection partners, companies can leverage their expertise and proactively prevent freight damage.
Partnering with Litco
At Litco, we specialize in eliminating freight damage through innovative solutions and expert support. Since 1962, we’ve helped businesses move goods safely, securely, and sustainably. Our team provides best-in-class products and strategies to protect shipments by:
- Diagnosing and solving shipping challenges
- Training employees in proper blocking and bracing techniques
- Offering high-performance transit protection solutions
Litco’s transit protection products ensure cargo arrives safely from the warehouse to the receiving dock. Our wide range of products addresses various freight damage concerns and maximizes protection while maintaining cost efficiency.
Our Industry-Leading Products:
- Engineered Molded Wood™ Pallets—Tested by Virginia Tech’s Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design, these pressed wood pallets outperform GMA-style pallets in strength, durability, and stiffness. They support a circular economy and are certified sustainable by Cradle to Cradle® and USDA BioPreferred®.
- Corrugated Void Fillers & Panels—Custom-made bulkhead panels, void fillers, and cargo separators prevent shifting and movement, stabilizing loads and creating a more secure shipping environment.
- Core Plugs—Built for superior crush and impact resistance, our Engineered Molded Wood™ core plugs protect paper, plastic film, and foil rolls at a cost-effective price.
- Airbags—Stabilize cargo with inflatable airbags, including kraft, polywoven, and vinyl options, as well as specialized inflator tools. Airbags provide cushioning and prevent cargo from shifting.
- Corner & Edge Protectors—Reinforce box edges and corners to prevent strapping damage, maintain structural integrity, and reduce the risk of product loss.
- Custom Crates—Precision-built wooden shipping crates offer maximum product protection. Designed for durability and reusability, these custom wooden crates add the ultimate defense against freight damage.
Minimize Freight Damage, Maximize Profits
Freight damage is costly, but businesses that adopt proactive strategies can reduce both direct and indirect losses. Investing in reliable transit protection packaging, employee training, and collaborative partnerships makes all the difference. Implementing these three strategies safeguards products, improves customer satisfaction, and boosts profitability.
Let Litco help you build a damage-free supply chain and protect your bottom line. Learn more about how our innovative solutions can safeguard your shipments and streamline your logistics. Contact us today!
