Q & A: “What to do when receiving lead damaged in transport?”
Each month we answer your product and industry questions. This month you asked:
“What to do when receiving lead damaged in transport?”
Here at Midland Lead, we work hard to make sure all our lead sheet arrives safely and undamaged at each and every one of our customers’ sites. Our team of experienced packers and loading staff are both fully trained and highly knowledgeable when it comes to ensuring this.
Delivering more than 20,000 pallets each year, to sites all over the world, our damages are few and far between. This is down to a number of reasons; we always ensure the correct amount of product is packed onto the correct sized pallet to minimise product overhanging, we only use heavy duty pallets, and Midland Lead’s loading staff ensure that all goods are checked before they leave the warehouse.
While these checks and processes help ensure a smooth delivery and safe arrival, on the rare occasion that our lead damages during transit, we’d like you to follow our simple instructions to ensure the issue is dealt with as swiftly and simply as possible.
Andy Summers, production controller at Midland Lead, offers his advice: “Firstly, it is very important to look for any signs of damage to your consignment upon arrival, before signing the delivery paperwork. If you do unfortunately encounter any damage to the consignment, please clearly mark your paperwork as ‘damaged’, as the haulier will only take responsibility when the documentation states this fact.
“Secondly, remove the pallet card from the consignment and highlight the nature of the issue, such as damage or loss. Following this, contact our sales team (+44 (0)1283 224 555, or sales@midlandlead.co.uk) to report the issue. They will be more than happy to help and get the situation rectified as quickly as possible,” he explains.
“Upon reporting an issue, we look to offer a resolution within 24 hours of notification. Wherever possible, replacement material will be re-supplied on a next day service,” adds Andy.
Being in charge of production planning, Andy’s 20-year career at Midland Lead has seen him build up extensive expertise within both the manufacturing and delivery processes, as well with the actual products.
Continuing, he advises on how to store lead once it arrives: “Lead sheet rolls can react when exposed to wet weather conditions or when stored in a damp area. Therefore, we highly advise lead sheet rolls be stored off the floor in a clean and dry area, which will limit any chances of moisture or dirt affecting the lead.
“Storing lead on raised pallets works well to ensure lead is not in contact with the ground, but be sure you don’t stack the pallets. Doing so could bend the lead beneath. Also, leave your lead sheet in its original packaging until you’re ready to use it.”
If you have any queries or concerns about what to do if you receive damaged lead or how to properly store it, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on +44(0)1283 224 555.