Do I Need Labels on Each Box When Shipping on Pallets?
When preparing your less-than-truckload (LTL) shipment for transport, it is crucial to follow several steps to ensure the safety of your freight. Proper packaging, labeling, and transporting it to the loading dock or curbside require careful attention, as any mistake can lead to the carrier rejecting your shipment and requiring rescheduling.
This is especially true for shipments containing boxes on pallets. These are some of the least stable types of freight packaging, as boxes are vulnerable to damage during transit. They must be adequately stacked to keep the boxes together as one unit, then shrink-wrapped and possibly strapped to keep their formation.
But before you apply the shrink wrap, there’s another critical step: labeling. It’s not as easy as taping a piece of paper on a box. You have to make sure that the label is applied smoothly with no lumps or bends, placing them in visible areas where a person approaching the pallet can see the labels, and yes, adding labels to each box on the pallet and on more than one side, too.
It sounds like a lot of wasted paper, but the reasons for it come down to security and visibility. Each box on a pallet is called a handling unit (HU), which comprises the item and packaging inside each box. The HUs are their own individual package, even if they are a part of one shipping unit, such as a pallet.
In LTL shipping, your freight will be transferred through multiple terminals and handled by various hands. Anything could happen, including a breakdown of your pallet or packaging materials. If your boxes were separated during the chaos, the shipping labels on the HUs can help carriers determine what shipment it was a part of and send it to the consignee.
So, to ensure your boxes are sent to your customers properly, you must also label your shipments correctly. Here are a few more pointers when labeling each of your boxes on the pallet:
1. Each label on the box must match the Bill of Lading (BOL). This includes the names and addresses of the shipper and the consignee and other information like the type of freight, the shipment’s dimensions, special instructions, and more.
2. Put each label on the sides facing the outside of the palletized unit. It won’t work if you put a label on the top of a box since things may be stacked on top of the boxes. It also won’t work if you place them on the sides facing inward.
3. Include special shipping and handling labels on each box as well. For example, if each box is heavy, include a “Heavy, Handle With Care” label so dock workers and drivers know they’re handling a heavy package. You can order special shipping and handling labels from ULine or find them at a hardware or shipping store, Amazon, or Walmart.
4. Label the pallet itself on opposite sides. This is in case the boxes become separated during delivery, so everyone can easily see your shipment information.
5. Ensure nothing covers each label, like packaging tape or straps. Your labels should also be smooth and bump-free for visibility and scanning purposes.
Labeling every box on a pallet can seem like overkill, but all that work won’t be for naught. Your palletized boxes will arrive safe and intact if you package and label them appropriately. Just make sure you label each box and the pallet correctly!
Luckily, you won’t have too much trouble with shipping labels when you book your shipment with FreightCenter. After confirming your booking, we will send you several documents, including your BOL, which you can use as your shipping label. All you have to do is print out the number of labels you need– it’s that simple! (Note that we won’t have any unique labels for fragile or heavy items.)
If you’re unsure how to package your HUs or want to learn more about LTL shipping, ask the shipping experts at FreightCenter. Call (800) 716-7608 for more information, or if you’re ready to discover tailored shipping solutions at discounted rates, try our free quote tool today!
