Preparing Your Shipments for Transport

Do not ship your goods without proper protection. Improper packaging can result in increased damages and claims, and may eliminate the carrier's liability. Contact your packaging supplier or a packaging consultant for assistance.

Stacking a Pallet

DO:

• To maximize carton strength, stack the pallet vertically;
• Secure cartons to the pallet with banding, shrink-wrap, stretch-wrap or breakaway adhesive;
• Place cartons squarely on the skid with no overhang;
• Be sure the top surface is flat;
• Add sheets of cardboard between layers for additional strength.
• Limit the height of cartons to 48 inches

DO NOT:

• Hang things over the pallet: pallet overhang can reduce compression strength.
• Misalign items placed on pallet as it reduces compression strength.
• Place single containers on top in the middle of the pallet. Either place the single container on an outside corner of the shipment or ship the single container as a loose piece.

Labeling Shipments

Accuracy and consistency are vital when you are preparing your freight for shipment. Be sure all labels are legible and complete. The shipper and consignee must correspond with the bill of lading and on the labels.

Properly mark each package, bundle, or loose piece of freight in a legible fashion and place the shipping label in a conspicuous area on the shipping container surface. The label information should clearly include the name and address of the shipper supplemented by a listing of the consignee address showing city, state and ZIP code.

The shipping label information should coincide with the bill of lading document. Any discrepancies should be corrected prior to pickup, and in cases of reconsignment or when containers are reused, the previously applied labels should be removed or sufficiently covered to reflect the most recent destination information. DOT hazardous material labels are required when shipping DOT hazardous materials.

Labeling Guide

NOTE: Unless specifically provided elsewhere in the NMFC, address markings must be located approximately as shown. The location shown indicates the top, a side or an end. If more than one location is shown, you may choose which one to use.