by TQL
7/6/2010
Chris first began working with his client in April of 2009, arranging approximately 20-30 truckload shipments each week. By September, one particular lane was causing Chris and his client some trouble. The truck would hit bumps along the way causing the product to “jump” up and down off the pallet. After 800+ miles, the product would often fall completely off the pallet, causing damage.
Initially, it happened once or twice a week, then it became much more frequent. In fact, it happened on nearly half of the 8-10 shipments Chris arranged on this lane each week. The result was $100-$300 in claims or damage with each shipment.
In an attempt to solve the problem, Chris took it upon himself to do some research. He first monitored the carriers he was hiring for the loads to be sure it wasn’t erratic driving causing the problems. Then, he asked a few of his regular drivers to watch while the product was being wrapped and loaded.
One driver pointed out that while the product was being wrapped to the carton, the carton was not being wrapped to the pallet. It was merely sitting on top of the pallet. Based on this feedback, Chris suggested two things to his client:
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Wrapping the product and then subsequently wrapping it to the pallet to make one whole unit.
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Wrapping it at a tighter setting at the bottom and loosening it on the way up. This would allow some wiggle room for the product to move without falling off the pallet.
The shipping manager took Chris’ advice and the product hasn’t been damaged since.
Expressing her appreciation to Chris, the client stated, “You have become a valuable asset to our company. Thanks for going well above and beyond to move freight that delivers free and clear.”
