how to reduce product damage when loading

Products can experience lots of different types of damage when it comes to loading and transportation:

This can occur through rolling around, breakages, knocks during transit and more.

This occurs when products are exposed to water or wet conditions.

This is caused by failure or improper function of a reefer (refrigerated) trailer. This could include thawing, decay, freeze damage, bruising and more.

This is caused by large numbers of rodents or other animals which can also lead to contamination damage. 

The loading process is highly physical and there are many different ways products can end up on the receiving end of some during loading.

Improperly aligned forklifts can puncture loads if the prongs of the forklift are pushing into the load. They can even crush it! Forklifts can also push pallets or some of their goods off a rack if they’re on one. 

Sometimes, warehouse workers may not be using the correct equipment to transport the load into a trailer, which can also damage the load. It’s important that they train in the correct usage of forklift trucks and other equipment for loading. 

If you’re looking to reduce product damage during loading for your company, you can find the ideal material handling equipment solution today by visiting our Systems section.

Load configuration and handling is a major cause of product damage. Some logistics operators will double stack pallets that they shouldn’t. If the products haven’t been stacked correctly in the warehouse, they may even already be damaged before loading begins. 

Note that operators should observe the maximum weight capacity and distribute the weight of the goods evenly. Not only does this help to avoid crushing, but also helps to keep the loading of trailers and the transportation of the goods safe, and also increases safety in the unloading stage of the process. Operators should also stack dry goods on top of liquid goods so that if there’s any leakage, this will be onto the trailer bed and not onto the dry goods. 

Even if operators load a shipment correctly, this can all be in vain if the packaging is weak. Sometimes cartons are too weak to hold the products well. Converting paper to corrugated and using better sealing techniques are possible solutions.

Logistics operations feature lots of different elements, which means there are lots of different measures and strategies operators can employ to reduce damage or avoid it altogether.

Stacking should be uniform and stable. Keep the height of the pallets uniform and distribute the weight on the pallets evenly. Refrain from double-stacking pallets. Use a cushion to prevent product damage that swinging during transportation can cause. Fill up gaps with proper dunnage to stop the cargo from shifting. 

Match the size of the container to your requirements and avoid selecting a container that exceeds weight or size limits at any stage of the shipping process. Consider any climatic changes that could affect the cargo. 

Beware of avoiding containers that incur an additional cost because of the ventilation control, fan, etc. Often, this can cost you more in the long run because temperatures may increase in the container and spoil the goods. 

You can learn more about the most efficient and safe way to load a container today by visiting our Container Loading section.

Take some time to check your container. Residues can be hazardous or contaminate the goods. If you have any doubts, return your container and have it cleaned.

Check, too, for structural damage such as post rail damage or corner casting damage. This can also cause damage to the goods. Can you lock the doors securely? Again, any doubts, don’t hesitate to return the container. 

What about the dryness of the container? Is it dry? Has handling equipment made any holes that could let in moisture? Check for rust. Check for stains around the door, which are a sign of possible leaks. A light test can reveal holes in a container.

If you’re looking to learn more about what containers are suitable for your logistics operations, and what you should check for when using a container, visit our Container Loading section.

As time goes by, products and processes change, so ensure to conduct regular inspections. Check that staff are implementing their training and if they’re following protocols to keep safety in place.

Inspect physical equipment regularly as well. Machines, docking bay lights, pallets, racks etc… are any of these in need of repair or replacement? Using damaged equipment can harm products and injure staff.

A lot of damage comes from workers who don’t know how to operate devices or perform tasks correctly. Some might feel scared to ask or not be open enough to ask. Training staff frequently with their tools and on their tasks is a simple way to stop them from repeating steps that could damage goods during loading. 

Automating, as well as taking the hard graft out of loading and unloading, is a safer, more efficient way to load trailers and containers and not inflict damage on the goods during the process. 

Our automated loading solutions, for instance, reduce the goods’ exposure to hazards such as damage from mishandling by workers or damage from forklift trucks as they enter the trailer or container. All forklifts have to do is place the goods onto the system, which then transfers the goods into the trailer or container, or from it. 

We offer three main automated solutions:

Goods can experience all kinds of damage, depending on how they’re stored, how they’re loaded and how they’re secured during loading. By planning loads, using the right equipment to load them onto trailers and into containers, training staff in loading and conducting regular inspections, you can help to reduce damage to goods so that they reach their final destination intact.

If you’d like to find out more about our automated loading solutions and how they can help, get in touch through our lets chat page or send an email to hello@joloda.com. We’ll be happy to advise you on the best system for your operation and will also take care of installation.