Whether it’s being transported by an individual or a shipping company, protecting the cargo is a top priority. If you use a dry van trailer to transport, it is easy to protect the goods, but if you use a flatbed semi-trailer, you need to do more.
1. Tarp
This is the most common way, and the vast majority of open-air cargo can be protected with a tarp. When positioned correctly and secured, cargo can be protected from inclement weather and accidental damage from dust, dirt, debris, etc.
If you’re consigning shipping, adding a tarp will add an extra cost, usually between $100 and $150.
2. Gift wrapping
Wrap the cargo on all sides in a protective tarp to prevent any kind of exposure during transport. This method is time-consuming and therefore only suitable for the most sensitive open-deck freight.
Since this is a more elaborate packaging method, as a consignor you may need to pay no less than $500 to fully wrap your legal shipment in a tarp.
3. Crating It
Loading cargo in wooden crates is also a solution. By doing so, the company is able to keep the cargo safe.
The most common of these is the use of crates to protect cargo. But in the event of wind, rain, snow, hail, etc., the crate will be severely damaged and unable to function. So, it can be used as an internal filler to prevent the cargo from being squeezed or bumped during transportation.
But many carriers don’t offer this service, so if you’re a shipper, you’ll need to find some that do.
4. V- Boards
In the process of transportation, in order to fix the cargo, transportation companies usually use belts or chains. However, prolonged compression and repeated friction may cause damage to the cargo. To avoid this problem, shipping companies often use V-boards.
5. Beveled Dunnage
There are some goods that are easy to move during transportation, such as steel bars or I-beams. In addition to this, they are prone to damage to the deck of the trailer. In this case, beveled dunnage is a good solution.
Typically, beveled dunnage has four square edges, with one sloping, non-square edge. This prevents unwanted movement or slippage of the cargo throughout transit.