The process of shipping valuable parcels is a normal affair until it is lost or damaged. These losses are not usually dramatic; they just creep in through the gaps in processes that you are unaware of.
In case you are relying on constant shipping as a safety net from margins and reputation loss, there are tools such as Secursus that can ensure safety in place and also enhance accountability. Accountability is always a welcome feature for any powerful team.
However, coverage is not enough. In this post, there are seven workflow checks that you can use to reduce shipping losses with Secursus.
Address Validation, Verification, and Order Detail Validation
Shipping headaches always begin with easy mistakes. A misplaced apartment number, old customer information, or a wrongly typed number can redirect a package miles off course.
A good workflow will involve the automatic checking of addresses prior to a label being printed. A level of accuracy is achieved by taking a moment of silence to verify order information.
Micro-checks can be done in a few seconds and avoid a shocking loss and time wastage. In the case of high-value deliveries, that time is a low price to pay for tranquility.
Packaging SOP Compliance and Damage Prevention Standards
There is a tendency for mistakes in packaging to occur when in a hurry or when another person is involved in the process of order fulfillment. Over time, everyone develops their own idea of what it means to properly package and protect products in the box. This is bad.
Having proper packaging procedures ensures that everything always goes back to normal. Your procedures may include:
- Proper box weight and cushioning materials
- Correctly padding fragile products
- Sealing tape types and passes
- When to double box the product
When your team is accustomed to similar procedures, fewer damages will occur, and it is easier to dispute claims.
Accurate Coverage Confirmation
For insurance to work properly, the information must be correct. Before shipping, verify the amount of insurance, the shipper, the final destination, and the tracking number to ensure it all matches the policy you have purchased.
In working with Secursus, the process of buying shipping protection has been made easy. However, the accuracy of the information will depend on your internal process. Coverage confirmation should be a formal part of your process, not an afterthought.
Think of it like reconciling a payment before closing the books. A quick check will verify the package leaving your facility has the correct insurance.
Carrier Choosing Rules and Alignment of Service
It may seem effective to select the same carrier to send all of the shipments, yet it is never optimal. Each carrier performs well in specific areas and services. Others are better dealers with delicate packages, and others with international flights.
Internal regulations would be the most appropriate to assist the staff in making a deliberate choice instead of an automatic one. You may need a signature on some of the goods or limit some specific carriers to international orders.
Regulations lower the possibility of a shipment to be placed in an environment where it is more susceptible. It is a considerate carrier selection that reduces risk better than most individuals might think.
Photo Documentation of Pre-shipment and Barcode Scanning
Photographs are silent internal control systems that ensure that the package was made properly. A mere sequence of shots of the item, padding, and unopened box will contain a whole narrative that can come in handy later during any queries.
The barcode scanning puts an additional level of precision in avoiding label interchange or confusion. A single mislabeled package can travel to the other side of the nation. This is prevented by automated scanning.
The combination of photos and scans forms an effective chain of evidence and avoids follies that can be easily evaded.
Chain of Custody Tracking and Delivery Confirmation
Visibility is needed once your carrier has picked up your parcel. A continuous chain of custody procedure assists you to track the package at crucial stages during transit. That makes it easier to intervene at the stage when something appears wrong.
Your internal checklist may include:
- Pickup scan confirmation
- Midway scan on time
- Out-for-delivery status
- Signature on delivery where necessary
This is not about micromanaging the carrier. It is protecting customer experience and early identification of problems before they turn into losses.
Incident Logging, Exception Triage, and Claim Documentation
Even the smoothest of operations will encounter problems. The key is to address these problems well. Logging all incidents, including small ones, helps you identify patterns you might otherwise overlook.
A sharp increase in breakage might indicate changes to your packaging. Excessive delays might indicate problems at a particular facility. Patterns become clear in a hurry when you log all incidents in one place.
Logging incidents also helps with claims since you already have all the photos, time stamps, scans, and other information at the ready.
Protect More Than the Parcel
You have Secursus financial protection on your side, but discipline in your workflow is what secures your shipments from end to end. These security measures fortify different aspects of your process. Together, they can greatly minimize any losses while making life easier for all concerned.
If your business involves shipping high-value items, now is a good time to shore up your internal processes. A few extra minutes at the bench can save you days of hassle.
