The Hidden Impact of Poor Packaging on Freight Efficiency and Cost
When most people think about freight costs, they focus on rates, lanes, or fuel surcharges. But there’s a quieter culprit that eats away at budgets and efficiency every single day: packaging.
At first glance, packaging might seem like a warehouse detail, tape, pallets, shrink wrap. But in reality, the way freight is packaged has a direct impact on how much you spend, how smoothly shipments move, and how carriers handle your freight. Done right, it saves money and protects relationships. Done poorly, it can snowball into costly problems that most shippers don’t see coming.
Take damage, for example. A pallet that isn’t secured properly or doesn’t distribute weight evenly is far more likely to shift in transit. One rough stop and you’re dealing with crushed product, replacement costs, and an unhappy customer. Or consider density. If freight is packaged in a way that takes up more space than necessary, carriers may bump it into a higher class. That one change can erase margins on the load.
And then there are the hidden extras: shipments that can’t be stacked, freight that requires extra handling, carriers applying accessorial charges because the packaging makes their job harder. Even worse, consistently sending poorly packaged freight can damage relationships with carriers who prefer freight that loads easily and moves safely.
We treat packaging as a critical part of the shipping process. Before a shipment moves, our team reviews specs, checks freight density, and confirms that packaging meets carrier requirements. We stay current on NMFC updates and work directly with carriers to resolve issues before they become delays or re-bills. The result? Fewer surprises, fewer costs, and no guesswork on your end.
The truth is, packaging can be either a hidden drain or a hidden advantage. Shippers who treat it strategically see fewer claims, fewer surprises, and more predictable costs. Those who don’t often pay the price in ways that aren’t always obvious until it’s too late.
At WTS, we help turn packaging from a liability into a strength — protecting your freight, your budget, and your customer relationships.
Ready to eliminate the hidden costs of poor packaging? Visit www.shipwts.com to see how we can help.
