The shipping cycle is a critical component for the preservation of your product's integrity. You took great care in maintaining it in the best possible condition, but at this point, you are losing control of its handling and temporary storage conditions. Whether you are shipping by sea, railway, air or road your product still needs to be handled properly. Are you aware of the conditions in which it will be transported?

First you need to analyze your product, its fragility and the different hazards it may be exposed to. Key issues to consider are:

• Can moisture affect its quality?

• Can it be stacked without risking being damaged?

• How long will the material travel?

• Can there be any delays that can affect conservation of the product's integrity?

• What will be the temperature conditions during transportation (i.e. Extreme cold or heat conditions for extended period of time)

• Is the equipment used to manipulate and transport it suitable for the nature of your product?

• Does it have to be loaded or unloaded several times?

• Will it reside in areas known to harvest bugs and nuisances?

Answering these questions is critical before making your shipping decisions. The reputation of your company and product depends on it. Although it is practically impossible to develop 100% worry free method, it is possible to predict some problems that may occur during transportation.

When choosing who will bring your product to its destination the following should be taken in consideration to ensure your product maintains its integrity.

Investigate the company you plan to use:

•  How long have they been in business?

•  Have they been sued in the past?

•  How old is their equipment?

•  Have they transported your type of product in the past?

•  Can they provide at least 2 references of clients who use their services?

Ensuring all these details are looked after contributes in keeping your product and your company's reputation in good standing. The slightest mishap may cause damages to your corporate image and generate unnecessary procedures to overcome the consequences of damage occurring without your knowledge before the product reaches your client.

Understand the particulars of the mode of transportation you plan to use:

•  What are the hazards related to the specifics of the carrier type

•  Investigate any seasonal hazard that can increase the probability of an accident

•  Investigate any conditions such as workers strikes, customs issues that may delay arrival and alter the condition of your product.

•  Investigate the climatic conditions your product will be exposed to and make sure that the it is kept in optimal conditions

Remember that it is during shipping that most product alteration occurs. You should have an inspection system in place that allows inspection before shipping at arrival. Having your own team of inspectors is probably the best way of keeping control of the quality of your product.