Your Complete Guide to Cargo Shipping During the Rainy Season
The start of the rainy season in the Philippines makes cargo shipping more difficult because your shipments could get delayed due to heavy rainfall that puts your goods at risk. If you want your cargo to have a safe voyage and avoid unnecessary costs of damages, you must plan carefully on how to protect your shipments.
This article will be your guide to rainy season cargo tips that can help safeguard your shipments and ensure a smooth delivery to your destination:
10 Rainy Season Cargo Tips for a Safe Journey
1. Monitor Weather Updates
Constantly keeping track of weather forecasts is crucial. Use reliable weather apps and services to get the latest updates and be prepared to adjust your shipping plans accordingly. This proactive approach allows you to anticipate and mitigate potential weather-related disruptions.
Remember to allow extra time for transit to account for possible delays due to adverse weather conditions. Building flexibility into your schedule can help manage customer expectations and avoid last-minute rushes.
2. Regularly Check Your Cargo
Know where your cargo is. Get in touch with your cargo shipping company regularly. Rainy season shipping has its risks. It matters to stay informed about your cargo’s whereabouts. Partner with a shipping line like Trans-Asia, that can keep you up-to-date about when your cargo left the port of origin or when it arrived at its port of destination.
3. Keep Track of Inventory
Keep sufficient stock at key locations to minimize the impact of delayed shipments. By having a buffer inventory, you can continue to meet customer demand even if shipments are delayed. This is one of the most critical rainy season cargo tips to consider.
4. Avoid Heavy Rainfall Areas
Use route planning software to identify and avoid areas with heavy precipitation or high port traffic congestion. This can help you find alternative routes that are less affected by adverse weather that make for a smoother transit for your cargo. Effective route planning is a vital aspect of cargo shipping during the rainy season.
5. Use Appropriate Packaging
Proper packaging is crucial for protecting your goods during the rainy season. By selecting the right materials and containers, you can significantly reduce the risk of water damage and ensure the safe delivery of your cargo:
- Corrugated boxes – Choose high-quality corrugated boxes that are both water-resistant and sturdy. These boxes provide a reliable first line of defense against moisture.
- Moisture-resistant wraps – Employ plastic wraps and moisture-resistant bags to protect goods from dampness. These materials can prevent water from seeping into your packages.
- Air-tight containers – Using the right packaging is one of the top rainy season cargo shipping tips. For particularly sensitive items, consider using air-tight containers. These containers can protect your cargo from water damage and keep them dry.
6. Waterproof Your Shipments
Water damage can wreak havoc on your shipments. Safeguard your products and prevent costly losses by implementing cargo shipping tips:
- Shrink wrapping – Shrink wrap your packages to create an additional protective layer against water. This method is particularly effective for goods that may be exposed to rain during loading or unloading.
- Water-resistant tape – Use water-resistant tape to seal all seams and joints of your packaging. This helps to avoid damage from water seeping into your packages.
- Waterproof labels – Ensure your shipping labels are waterproof or use protective covers. This prevents labels from becoming ineligible due to water exposure, which can cause delivery issues.
7. Insulate Temperature Sensitive Goods
Proper insulation is important when shipping temperature-sensitive goods. Fluctuations in temperature can compromise product quality, leading to spoilage, damage, or even safety hazards. Safeguard your valuable cargo by implementing effective thermal packaging and cooling solutions:
- Thermal packaging – Use insulated materials to protect temperature-sensitive items from frequent changes in temperature. These materials help maintain the necessary temperature range during transit. Another cargo shipping tip is to use ‘desiccants’ which are little bags that contain special beads that absorb humidity to stop the formation of fungus or moisture build up.
- Cooling packs – For goods that require cold storage, consider using cooling packs. These packs can help maintain the desired temperature, ensuring the quality and safety of your products.
- Proper ventilation – Ventilation systems help make sure that the temperature inside the container is the same as outside it. This prevents moisture from getting inside your packages which stops them from “container sweat” even when plastic-wrapped.
8. Organize and Secure Cargo
Properly secure your cargo to the vehicle or container to prevent shifting and damage during transit. Use appropriate strapping and padding to keep items in place. Organizing and securing cargo is one of the most crucial cargo shipping tips for any season.
Make sure your shipping labels are clear and visible, even in wet conditions. This helps prevent mistaken deliveries and ensures that packages reach their intended destination.
9. Take Advantage of Essential Services
Cargo shipping during the rainy season requires special measures to ensure safe and on-time delivery. Experienced shipping lines provide added services to mitigate shipping risks. Trans-Asia Shipping Lines offers a container van service that you may avail of for maximum protection and peace of mind.
TIP: Avoid the hefty price tag. Deal directly with the shipping line rather than pass through forwarders.
10. Partner with a Reliable Shipping Company
Work closely with a shipping company to develop weather-resilient transportation plans. Maintain open communication with shippers, carriers, and customers to provide timely updates and manage expectations. Choose a cargo shipping company that monitors weather conditions and can provide alternative shipping routes if necessary. A proactive freight forwarder can help navigate unexpected weather challenges.
A reliable cargo shipping company can also assist with customs clearance processes efficiently, minimizing delays during harsh weather. Their expertise ensures that your shipments move smoothly through customs, even in adverse conditions.
Rainy Season Shipping Made Safe
Navigating cargo shipping during the wet weather in the Philippines presents unique challenges, but with careful planning and the right rainy season cargo tips, you can protect your shipments and ensure timely delivery. These range from constant weather updates, and the use of real-time tracking to the application of proper packaging and waterproof methods.
ALSO READ: The Benefits of RoRo Shipping for Businesses in the Philippines
Trans-Asia Shipping Lines is a veteran in cargo shipping. For decades, this Cebu-based company has served business transportation needs with its scheduled routes around the Visayas-Mindanao area including freighter and containerized service that covers Manila to Cebu, Cebu to Manila, Manila to Cagayan de Oro, Cagayan de Oro to Manila, Manila to Davao, and Davao to Manila. Be it Full Container Load or Less Container Load using 10′, 20′, and 40′, you can rely on us.
Good inventory management and a reliable partnership with an experienced cargo shipping company are crucial steps to mitigate the risks associated with cargo shipping during the rainy season. Thanks to our proven track record, you can be sure that your cargo will arrive safely at your destination.
