GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Correct packaging is the most crucial part to ensure your package arrives at its destination in the best condition. As of today, over 90% of global cargo shipping takes place via the waterways. Goods are damaged every day as a result of poor packaging and lack of shipping knowledge.

Cargo comes in various sizes and forms, and there is more careful packaging required for damage-free shipping. It might feel overwhelming, but we can help you choose the best packaging for your products. With this guide, you'll be able to secure your items as they go through the challenging shipping procedure.

1. Identify the nature of the cargo:
Foremost, separate the delicate and sturdy items from each other. Make sure you bubble wrap all the fragile items adequately before putting them into the package. If the shipment involves liquid items, keep them in a leak-proof and spill-proof container. Leave the sturdy items for the last; they require the least amount of cushioning among all.

2. Go for heavy-duty boxes:
Protect your cargo with as much coverage as possible by using robust, thick boxes that will not burst open during shipment. Thick boxes offer an additional degree of protection not present in standard shipment boxes. If you're not satisfied with one box, add another box to make it two times stronger by layering your package.

3. Choosing the proper cushioning:
A proper cushion will protect your cargo against shock, vibration, dents, or distortion. Cushioning comes in various forms such as paper filling, corrugated board pads, foam & bubble wrap, to name a few. Keep in mind these few pointers while selecting the cushioning material:

• Cargo sensitivity

• Transport-related stressors

• The cushioning material's stress range

*Pro-tip: After packing the box, give it a firm shake. If you hear articles are moving around inside the box, your package needs extra cushioning.

4. Tape the box well:
Cover your package with strong tapes that can hold all the folded ends of the box in place and prevent it from opening up during the shipping process.

5. Make your boxes water resistant:
Even if the shipping goes successful, unexpected wet conditions during loading and unloading at the docks could damage the cargo. Protect your boxes from such situations by shrink-wrapping them.

6. Label the boxes:
Proper labelling aids in the seamless operation of shipping. From sorting to timely delivery, label your package accurately. For example, if the box contains fragile items, mention it on the box with 'This side up' label to guide the carriers to keep the side of your box upwards.

7. Insure your cargo:
There is always the possibility that your package might get damaged during shipment. The carrier could be exempt from liability for cargo damage or loss under the law to worsen the situation. This is where marine insurance protects your package. If you insure the goods under marine insurance, it will protect them against all unavoidable losses during the shipping process.

As a shipper, you have various options for ensuring that your goods arrive at their destination in the best possible shape. Always select a reputable carrier, pack your cargo with the utmost care, offer detailed handling instructions and secure it with marine insurance so that your valuables get delivered unaltered.

Click HERE to know about the best marine insurance plans.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

The retail business in India has evolved amongst the most diverse and fast-paced businesses in the world. As per the FDI confidence index, India is the world's fifth-largest player in the retail sector. It is a highly competitive section that needs a lot of planning, because, with so much competition, one decision can easily make or break your business.

Starting your retail business is exciting but also challenging at the same time. From ensuring the correct products to giving good after-sales service, every bit counts. For this occasion, Seth Godin correctly said, "The only thing worse than starting something and failing is not starting something." So, to help you succeed in your venture, we've put down some key aspects to look after.

These key points help you establish your business and flourish in the long run.

1. Research has the most prominent role in the success:
You must research to understand better your target market and the type of customers you want to attract. Along with that, it is also crucial to determine whether the product you're trying to sell has any demand. It will also assist you in choosing the best possible location for your business based on demographics. Above all, good research and market analysis will give you an edge over all the competitors.

2. Manage your capital smartly:
Managing your capital will help you sustain your business plan. Setting up a current bank account is not enough. Your budgeting, finances, cash flow, payments, and invoicing are of utmost importance too. Consider having a good accounting software. It is fast, reliable, and more accessible than physically maintaining records.

3. Market your business correctly:
People love unique things and creative ideas. When you have an identity and design for your store, you stand out. Market your venture in a way that makes your brand feel appealing. Apart from traditional forms of marketing, use the digital marketing, social media and online campaigns to promote your store on internet. Set up a website, put email marketing in action, and watch your business flourish and your customers multiply.

*Pro-tip - Your in-store design, & layout play a significant role in attracting more customers.

4. Abide by the law:
There are numerous legal obligations you need to follow while setting up your business. Consulting a legal professional or a business counsel to determine which laws you must comply with, is always recommended.

5. Protect your business:
You need to be ready for unforeseen circumstances; there are various ways to protect your venture, one of the most crucial is insurance. Having the correct insurance can assist in safeguarding your company, consumers, and money. The type that businesses go for is public liability insurance. Magma HDI provides you with the best public liability insurance in India, so ensure that you make a wise decision and protect your new business with financial safety.

To wrap up, consider all aspects mentioned above to help you in your approach to a new start. Don't forget your objectives and goals, as it gives you a direction to figure out ways to operate your business successfully. So, keep the grind going on, and make your dream business bring you fortunes.

Click HERE to know more about public liability insurance in India.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Dry vans are the most preferred shipment method used for transportation. There are various advantages and benefits of dry van shipping, and you can use it to transport different products safely. Dry vans are preferred so much because they are completely enclosed on all sides, assuring safety to their contents.

If you are thinking of establishing a shipping business, dry vans are an excellent start for you. They are a popular choice in the shipping industry. Other than that, it is easier to buy online motor insurance for dry vans than loggers or tankers. Buying insurance not only protects you and your vehicle from damages but also covers legal liability for injuries caused to other drivers. Let's have a look at a few facts about dry van shipping.

1. They are versatile:
One of the best things about dry vans is their versatility. Dry vans are fully enclosed and come in various sizes. They are suitable for shipping anything to everything, such as non-perishable foods and beverages, household goods, clothing, textile items, plastic, and building products.

2. Favourites of freight transportation:
Dry vans are the most common, popular, and demanded freight transportation in the shipment industry. These vans look like boxes on wheels and have no temperature control. Therefore, goods that are temperature-insensitive can be quickly shipped using dry vans.

3. They offer protection to the goods:
Dry vans are entirely enclosed from all sides. This feature protects the goods from bad weather, such as rain, snow, or direct sunlight. In addition, the goods stay packed inside and safe from damage due to extreme climatic conditions or rough physical jerks. Dry vans are also theft-proof. This is why they are frequently used vehicles in the shipping business. Freight claims are also usually low in the case of dry vans.

4. They have hardwood flooring:
Dry vans today usually have a hardwood floor which is subject to damage. Wood is vulnerable to moisture that may come from freight or through open doors. This is a sensitive issue, but taking preventative measures and keeping up with the vehicle’s maintenance can help prevent damage to the floor.

5. High demand for dry vans:
These trailers are particularly widespread, but demand remains high, resulting in restrictions. In addition, due to the significant development of the retail sector, shippers have had much more products available, creating more demand for dry vans in recent years.

6. Dry vans are not suitable for perishable items:
If you want to ship food items or liquids that require refrigeration, you will essentially require this addition to your truck. Dry vans do not usually ship perishable or temperature-sensitive items, and you need to customize the carriers by installing refrigeration systems.

7. They have a maximum length limit:
You can find dry van trailers in various sizes. However, the maximum length allowed on the road is 53 feet. A dry van can carry up to 45,000 pounds of cargo at once.

Dry van shipping is worth all the hype it has created over the years as it is one of the world's most dependable, convenient, and cost-effective modes of transportation. If you choose dry van transportation, you can assure that your shipment will arrive at its destination safely and securely.

However, as a responsible business owner, you must opt for insurance to increase protection for your shipment business. Motor insurance is best suited for dry van trailers as they go off for shipping. With bare minimum effort, you can buy online motor insurance and get a cover for your dry van.

Purchase your online motor insurance HERE .

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Toddler years are the most crucial milestones in your kid's life that emphasize utmost transformation, growth, and development. The child begins to consume table food and adopt new tastes and textures in 1-3 years. And once your baby imbibes these habits, the importance of a healthy diet comes into play.

A good diet provides them with the nutrients they require for overall health, energy to play, move about, and participate in the growth and development of their body. Feeding your newborn with just breast milk is acceptable for the first six months or a year, but now it is time for your kid to start absorbing what they need from a range of meals.

Here are a few pieces of advice to get you started with feeding your child the right way.

What should a toddler eat?
Offering your child a range of meals from each food category with diverse tastes, textures, and colours is the best idea to come up with. A regular meal and snacking schedule might benefit your child in developing good eating habits. Try to follow a pattern for feeding them around the same time each day. Give your youngster 3 modest meals, plus a couple of snacks, but a healthy one, within every two or three hours.

What is the recommended amount of food for a toddler?
Every kid is unique, and the quantity of food they require varies according to their age, activity level, pace of growth, and appetite. Your child's appetite may fluctuate daily. The mood, health, time of day, and food supplied to your child can all influence their diet. It is all based on averages in nutrition, so don't worry if you don't meet the target every day. Instead, focus on providing a broad range of nutrients in your child's diet every time. Begin by serving tiny portions of food at meals and snacks, and then allow them to crave for more.

What to avoid feeding toddlers?
Examine and avoid food items they have an allergic reaction. Also, be careful with the food items that can choke them. Always chop the food items into tiny pieces and keep an eye on them as they eat. Avoid greasy, complex, and sticky foods especially.

Whole grapes, vast portions of meat, chicken, and hot dogs, as well as candies and cough drops, are all slippery meals. Nuts, seeds, popcorn, chips, raw carrots, and raisins are small, hard foods. Peanut butter and marshmallows are sticky foods. You need to acquaint yourself with the proper knowledge of food categories and how those categories will benefit your toddler.

Being constantly concerned for your child is quite natural. Every parent ensures to provide their kid with the best things available. With some excellent guidance, it can ease a bit. Model some good eating habits and let your child see you and follow them. However, due to undetected disorders, a kid may not consume the proper diet. If you're still distressed that your child isn't consuming a balanced diet, consult a doctor.

Don’t forget to cover your toddler with the benefits of health insurance. You no longer have to wait 18 whole years to get health insurance cover for your children. All it requires is to look up online health insurance that covers the entire family and children, and you’ll be flashed with multiple Children Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Choose the policy that suits the best for your child’s requirements.

To look for online health insurance, click HERE .

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.