Common Mistakes in Land Transport Operations.. and How to Avoid Them

Whether you are managing a startup e-commerce store or a large industrial corporation, shipping mistakes can cost you your brand reputation before they cost you money. In the Kingdom’s fast-paced market, being aware of these pitfalls is the first step toward a seamless supply chain.

At TRIP WAY, we have compiled this guide to highlight the most frequent errors and how to handle them professionally.

1. Poor Packaging and Securing of Goods

Many assume that protecting the cargo is solely the responsibility of the truck. However, inadequate packaging is the number one cause of damage.

• The Mistake: Using weak cardboard boxes or failing to fill voids within the container, leading to cargo shifting during turns.
• How to Avoid It: Use high-quality packaging materials (bubble wrap, wooden dunnage, industrial-grade shrink wrap) and ensure the weight is distributed evenly across the vehicle.

2. Choosing the Wrong Truck Type

Loading light cargo into a massive trailer wastes money, while overloading a small truck puts the goods and the driver at risk.

• The Mistake: Requesting a vehicle without accurately defining the dimensions and weight of the shipment.
• How to Avoid It: Consult with TRIP WAY experts to determine the most suitable vehicle (Dyna, Lorry, or Flatbed) based on the volume, weight, and nature of your load.

3. Neglecting Cargo Insurance

Many individuals and businesses overlook insurance, viewing it as an unnecessary extra cost. This is a significant strategic error.

• The Mistake: Relying on “luck” for long-haul trips that span hundreds of kilometers.
• How to Avoid It: Always ensure your shipping partner provides comprehensive insurance coverage to protect you against unexpected accidents or natural disasters.

4. Inaccurate Shipping Documentation

Errors in the Bill of Lading (BOL) or delivery addresses lead to fatal delays and additional fines.

• The Mistake: Providing incorrect contact numbers or failing to specify the exact offloading location via GPS.
• How to Avoid It: Utilize the digital systems provided by TRIP WAY for data entry, and double-check all details before the journey begins.

5. Lack of Real-Time Shipment Tracking

Waiting for the driver to call and tell you his location is an outdated and inefficient method.

• The Mistake: A lack of transparency in the journey’s progress.
• How to Avoid It: Choose a provider that offers a GPS-based Tracking System. This allows you to see your truck’s location in real-time, helping you provide accurate arrival estimates to your own customers.

6. Ignoring Safety Standards and Driver Rest Hours

Pressuring a driver to complete a trip in record time can lead to traffic disasters.

• The Mistake: Forcing drivers to drive for continuous hours without breaks.
• How to Avoid It: At TRIP WAY, we strictly adhere to the labor and rest hours mandated by the Transport General Authority (TGA). Arriving “slightly late but safe” is always better than not arriving at all.

Why is TRIP WAY the Best Solution to Avoid These Mistakes?

At TRIP WAY, we have designed our operations to be “error-proof” through:

1. Proactive Inspection: We verify the shipments and their packaging before loading.
2. Smart Technology: Digital tracking and electronic documentation eliminate human error.
3. Expert Team: Our drivers and logistics supervisors are trained to handle the toughest challenges on the road.
4. Effective Communication: We keep our clients at the heart of the process with continuous updates.

Conclusion

Land transport is a complex process, but avoiding common mistakes starts with choosing the right logistics partner. Do not leave your business to chance; make professionalism your primary standard.