Shipping contact cement requires careful planning and execution, given its nature as a hazardous material. Freight Sidekick provides a comprehensive guide to ensure that your contact cement shipment is handled efficiently and safely across the United States and Canada.
Understanding Contact Cement and Its Shipping Requirements
Contact cement is an adhesive used primarily in woodworking, construction, and various manufacturing processes. Due to its adhesive properties and chemical composition, it is considered hazardous, requiring specific logistics considerations.
Choosing the Right Freight Service
Selecting the appropriate freight service is crucial for transporting contact cement. Freight Sidekick offers several options to accommodate varying quantities and specifications.
Full Truckload (FTL) Services
Full Truckload services are ideal for large shipments of contact cement, allowing the entire truck's space to be dedicated to your load. This option eliminates the risk of exposure to incompatible goods and provides direct routes, minimizing handling.
Less Than Truckload (LTL) Services
For smaller quantities, Less Than Truckload services offer cost-effective, shared space transportation. Contact cement can be palletized, crated, or stored in drums for LTL shipments, ensuring safe separation from other materials.
Partial/Shared Truckload Services
Partial or shared truckload services are an excellent choice for medium-sized shipments. These allow you to share space with other shipments without fully committing to an entire truckload, offering a balance between cost and exclusive space.
Specialized Equipment for Safe Transport
Choosing the correct equipment for shipping contact cement is essential.
Dry Van
The most common and versatile option for shipping contact cement, dry vans protect against weather conditions and provide a controlled environment.
Flatbed and Step Deck Trailers
If your shipment involves larger quantities or involves other equipment, flatbeds and step decks offer flexibility for loading and unloading via cranes or forklifts.
Regulatory Considerations for Contact Cement
While contact cement typically doesn't fall into the over-dimensional category, it is essential to comply with hazardous materials regulations, ensuring proper labeling and transport under regulated conditions. Consult the State-by-State DOT Regulations for further guidance.
Bill of Lading: An Essential Document
A Bill of Lading (BOL) is a critical legal document in the shipping process. It outlines the terms of the freight shipment, including details such as shipment contents, weight, and designated contacts. Ensure you complete a detailed and compliant BOL for your contact cement shipment. You can create this document using our free Bill of Lading Generator.
Cost-Saving Strategies and Tips
Here are practical tips to optimize shipping costs for contact cement:
- Use the Freight Quote Tool to compare rates.
- Consolidate shipments to benefit from bulk rates.
- Ensure accurate weight and dimensions to avoid surcharges.
- Plan shipments during off-peak times to reduce costs.
- Consider flexible delivery windows for better pricing.
Get Personalized Assistance for Shipping Contact Cement
Partner with Freight Sidekick for all your contact cement shipping needs. Get a quote today, call us at 877-345-3838 or email support@freightsidekick.com.
