Five Common Shipping Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- MDXpress
- Dec 12, 2025
- 3 min read
Efficient shipping is the backbone of any successful supply chain. Yet even the most experienced businesses can fall into common traps that lead to costly delays, increased charges, and unnecessary disruption. By recognising these mistakes and taking proactive steps to prevent them, companies can save both time and money while safeguarding customer satisfaction.
1. Inaccurate or Incomplete Documentation
One of the most frequent causes of shipping delays is incorrect paperwork. A missing signature, mislabelled goods, or incomplete customs declarations can lead to shipments being held at borders, returned to the sender, or incurring additional charges.
How to avoid it: Always check shipping documents carefully before dispatch. Partnering with a trusted freight forwarder, such as MDXpress, ensures everything from customs declarations to waybills is prepared accurately and submitted on time, reducing the risk of delays.
2. Poor Packaging and Labelling
Inadequate packaging can result in damage during transit, while unclear labelling can cause consignments to be misrouted or delayed. This issue is particularly problematic for sensitive cargo, such as pharmaceuticals, perishables, or fragile equipment.
How to avoid it: Use packaging materials suited to the nature of your goods and ensure all labels are clear, weather-resistant, and compliant with international standards. At MDXpress, we advise clients on packaging and labelling best practice to protect consignments throughout their journey.
3. Underestimating Transit Times
Businesses often plan shipments with unrealistic expectations, overlooking potential delays caused by customs checks, seasonal congestion, or adverse weather. This can disrupt production schedules or cause frustration for end customers awaiting time-critical deliveries.
How to avoid it: Build in realistic lead times and allow for contingencies. With MDXpress, accurate transit times are provided at the quoting stage, supported by proactive updates from collection through to delivery, so there are no surprises along the way.
4. Choosing the Wrong Mode of Transport
Selecting a transport method based solely on cost or convenience can create problems. Air freight, for example, is essential for urgent or high-value shipments, while sea freight is far more effective for moving larger consignments at scale.
How to avoid it: Match your mode of transport to the type of goods, your timeline, and your budget. MDXpress offers tailored road, air, and sea solutions, helping businesses find the right balance between speed, cost, and sustainability for every shipment.
5. Ignoring Customs and Regulatory Requirements
Every country has its own import and export rules. Failing to comply with these regulations can lead to fines, goods being confiscated, or significant border delays. Even a minor oversight can have serious consequences.
How to avoid it: Work with a freight partner that understands international regulations and can manage customs clearance on your behalf. MDXpress takes care of the complexity, ensuring compliance while keeping your goods moving without unnecessary interruption.
Conclusion
Shipping errors can be costly, but they are entirely avoidable with the right expertise and systems in place. Careful attention to documentation, packaging, transit planning, and compliance helps keep supply chains moving smoothly, reduces unexpected costs, and protects customer relationships.
At MDXpress, we have more than 30 years of experience in delivering tailored logistics solutions across the UK, Europe, and worldwide. As members of internationally recognised trade bodies and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we provide the expertise, reassurance, and sustainability focus needed to help businesses avoid common pitfalls and achieve long-term success.
