When to Know You Need Protective Covers for Shipping and storage 

If you’re in the business of manufacturing or shipping heavy equipment, you’ve likely heard the argument: “We don’t need to cover our products for shipping or storage.” It’s a common mindset, especially for industries like HVAC and energy storage where equipment is expected to live outdoors. But the reality is, protecting your products during transit and storage isn’t just about avoiding visible damage—it’s about safeguarding your reputation, reducing costs, and ensuring long-term customer satisfaction. 

So, how do you know when it’s time to consider a protective cover? Here are a few signs that indicate it might be a wise investment for your business. 

1. You’re Paying Warranty Costs for Dirty or Damaged Equipment 

Even the most robust equipment isn’t immune to damage during transit or storage. Dirt, moisture, and environmental exposure can lead to costly warranty claims or repairs. If you’re regularly covering these expenses, it’s a clear sign that a protective cover could help prevent unnecessary costs and protect your bottom line. 

Ask yourself:

• Are we issuing refunds or covering warranty claims due to damaged or dirty equipment upon delivery?
• Are customers reporting quality concerns that impact their perception of our brand?

2. Your Customers Are Complaining About Product Condition 

Your customers expect the equipment they’ve invested in to arrive in pristine condition. Whether they’re purchasing high-end HVAC units or modular structures, their expectations are the same—clean, damage-free, and ready for use. If customer complaints about road grime, dents, or corrosion are becoming more frequent, it’s a clear indicator that your shipping practices need a second look. 

Consider this: 

• Does our current packaging maintain the “factory fresh” appearance our customers expect?
• Have complaints about product condition led to strained relationships or lost business opportunities? 

3. Your Products Are Stored Outdoors Upon Delivery 

Once your product reaches its destination, the journey isn’t always over. Equipment often sits in outdoor storage for weeks or months before installation or use. Without proper protection, exposure to sun, rain, and dirt can compromise the integrity of your product. Covers act as a critical barrier, ensuring that environmental factors don’t degrade your equipment before it reaches full operation. 

Questions to reflect on: 

• How long do our products typically stay in outdoor storage at the customer’s site?
• Have we factored in potential exposure risks when planning our shipping and storage strategy? 

4. Your Equipment Has Sensitive Internal Components

Not all equipment is built to withstand harsh environmental conditions without protection. Internal components such as electronics, hydraulics, or precision parts can be particularly vulnerable to dust, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. If your product contains sensitive parts, skipping protective measures could lead to premature failures and added maintenance costs.

Key considerations:

• Are internal components at risk of contamination or corrosion during transport or storage?
• Are our competitors offering protective solutions that we’re not?

5. You’re Spending on Tarping Fees or Special Logistics

If you’re frequently paying for tarping services or relying on expensive specialized logistics solutions (like Conestoga trailers), it might be time to rethink your strategy. Protective covers offer a cost-effective alternative that provides superior protection while potentially reducing shipping costs and labor hours.

Think about:

• How much are we spending annually on tarping and specialized transport?
• Could protective covers streamline our logistics and save on labor costs?

The Solution: A Smarter Approach to Protection

Evaluating the need for protective covers is often a collaborative effort across different departments—purchasing, engineering, and logistics teams all play a role. By asking the right questions about warranty costs, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency, businesses can determine whether covers are the missing link in their quality assurance process.

In our experience guiding hundreds of manufacturers in setting up a protection plan with our custom-fit covers, we’ve reported significant benefits across four key areas: 

1. Warranty Savings – Reducing costs associated with product damage.
2. Labor Savings – Streamlining packaging processes and reducing manhours.
3. Professional Appearance – Enhancing brand perception by delivering products in pristine condition.
4. Increased Production Throughput – Improving production efficiency with faster, easier packaging solutions.

Taking the First Step 

If you’ve recognized any of the signs mentioned above, it may be time to explore custom-fit protective covers for your products. Addressing potential risks proactively can help prevent costly issues down the line and give your customers confidence in the quality and reliability of your brand.

Interested in learning more? Contact our team to discuss how Transhield’s custom-fit protective covers can fit into your shipping and storage strategy.