Shipping Worldwide by Hagen Bonner
I would like to express some of my thoughts on the way things are shipped around the country and how shipping has transformed our global economy. My experience with shipping is very minimal. I loaded trucks for a company and would talk to the logistics coordinator and the driver of the trucks. What I learned from these people changed the way I think about shipping.
First off, I would like to say that I was working for a manufacturing company and we were sending multiple pallets worth of items every single day. Many pallets weighing up to 4000 pounds. I learned that if you are sending something on a box truck every detail matters. Knowing the exact weight and dimensions. If the pallet was 1 inch over what was written, then there could be back charges. Sometimes on a box truck you can stack items if they fit, this makes it more convenient and hopefully could help save on emissions in the long run. These drivers are making multiple stops a day unloading and loading trucks. They must be extra careful to not break anything, or else this could put their company at liability.
There are also flat-bed trucks that do a lot of shipping around the country. There is something special about these trucks, their drivers. These drivers come from all over the world. Having transportation has given many foreigners jobs here in America. They have been able to come here, maybe not speaking perfect English, and have made something of themselves because of this service. Flat-bed trucks can offer dedicated pick-ups, team drivers, and a sense of security. With team drivers you know your product can be at a place in quicker time because these drivers are able to switch shifts and still stay safe.
Shipping has changed the world. Think about all the amazing art and fragile items we can transport. Furniture is much more accessible because of innovation in the shipping business. Packaging has become expediently better, especially for small and fragile items. Many companies are able to give you on the spot estimates that let you know exactly what price you would be charged for everything. With all of this knowledge and information we are able to better control costs for both the shipper and the shipping company.
As the world continues to grow and innovate so will our means of transportation and shipping. Styrofoam will be even more protective in the future. Packaging will be even more dense and thought out as processes are transformed. Items will become more safe every day, which gives you a sense of security when shipping valuable items. Companies will learn how to innovate and fight against pollution. Electric vehicles will be able to carry the same amount of weight as diesel engine. One thing is certain, without shipping and packaging our world is a lot more difficult. It provides us with ease of mind. Shipping is what makes the world go around.