Misclassified freight, incorrect weights, poor packaging and wrong addresses may seem like minor slip-ups, but they can quickly lead to major expenses.
These costs creep in when avoidable mistakes are made, and before you know it, they have eaten a big bite out of your bottom line. The good news? With a sharp eye and the right partner, most of these pitfalls can be avoided.
Let’s unpack the 5 most common mistakes shipping beginners make:
Jumping at the first quote or skipping the fine print often means paying more than you should. Without good negotiation (or the right forwarder on your side), you could be locked into rates that are way above market or loaded with hidden surcharges.
Carriers have begun declining many damage claims due to improper packaging. Remove these costs and limit liability by consulting established freight forwarders.
Think about: Comparing rates from multiple carriers or forwarders and look beyond the headline price. Additionally, ask for all-rates so you can avoid being blindsided by hidden fees later on.
One missing apartment number. One typo in a postal code. That is all it takes to send your shipment wandering off to the wrong place, or bouncing back with fees attached.
Sometimes cargo is mistakenly dropped off at the office instead of the warehouse! Address correction charges and reshipping costs are not just annoying, they directly drain your profit margins.
Sure Fix: Double-check addresses before dispatch. Use verification tools, especially for bulk orders, and make sure your checkout system flags incomplete details before an order goes through.
Eyeballing the weight of your shipment or picking a cheaper freight class might look like a clever shortcut. In reality, it is a fast track to extra fees. Carriers reweigh and recheck every shipment at their terminals, and if your numbers do not match, you are looking at reclassification charges that stack up quickly.
Smart tip: Use a certified scale to weigh in-house, and take time to understand freight classes. They are based on density, handling, stowability, and liability. If in doubt, get your carrier or forwarder to confirm the right class before you book.
Having one “go-to” carrier might feel like smooth sailing—until rough waters hit and you are left with no backup. Putting all your cargo in one basket makes your supply chain fragile.
Smart tip: Build relationships with multiple carriers to stay flexible and competitive. Better yet work with a trusted freight forwarder that taps on multiple carriers to offer more competitive shipping options.
A missing permit or invoice detail can lead to costly delays, racking up charges at ports and warehouses. For example, the Bill of Lading (BoL) is the passport for your shipment. If it has errors such as featuring the wrong weight, missing details, or incomplete consignee information, you risk delays, misrouted cargo, and even denied claims.
Prevent it: Slow down when filling out your shipping paperwork. Double-check piece counts, descriptions, and special instructions. Even better, have an experienced freight forwarder prepare the document instead. A second set of eyes reviewing the BoL before handover can save you from costly disputes later.
In shipping, you do not just pay for weight, but for the space too. This is called volumetric (or dimensional) weight. If your cartons are bulky but half-empty, you are literally paying to ship air. Carriers calculate charges based on whichever is higher: the actual weight or the space your shipment takes up. That means oversized packaging can quietly inflate your costs.
Prevent it: Use right-sized cartons that match your product’s dimensions closely, fill voids with protective but compact materials instead of bulky fillers, and where possible, combine smaller parcels into one well-packed box.
Sending multiple small LCL or parcel shipments might seem easier but each box comes with its own handling fees, customs clearance charges, and delivery which quietly piles on the costs.
Prevent it: Work with your forwarder to bundle shipments into a single load wherever possible. Try to forecast demand and align your orders so they can move together instead of piecemeal.
Shipping mistakes do not just cost money. They cost time, reputation, and customer trust. By avoiding these five pitfalls, you are not just cutting hidden costs. You are setting your business up for smoother, more profitable growth.
At SW Logistics, we believe shipping should empower your business, not eat into it. With clear communication, fuss-free updates, and industry expertise, we help you avoid these pitfalls so your profits stay where they belong: with you.
Choose us to start building your bridge to smoother and faster delivery.
👉 Let’s sail past costly mistakes together.
Let us make your logistics simple. Whether you need freight forwarding, warehousing, or end-to-end 3PL support, we’ll tailor a solution to fit your exact needs. Get a fast, no obligation quote and find out how we can help your business grow.
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