It minimizes surprises when opening the carton later. With the increased availability of the Internet and email, we encourage use of a digital camera instead of Polaroid pictures. You can photograph the damage, pop the disk into your computer, and include pictures right on the freight claim. It helps the carrier and it provides permanent documentation to keep the manufacturers involved in damage reduction. If not, let that be a New Year's objective.
Some carriers are much better than others.
Even when the manufacturer puts a quality piece in the truck, furniture needs more handling care than many industrial commodities. For that reason alone, there is a clear preference to use specialized furniture carriers whenever it is possible. Finally, when comparing freight carrier prices, don't just look at the discount percentage. The base rates also differ dramatically between the general LTL carriers such as Roadway, Yellow, Consolidated Freight, ABF and ConWay Transportation. If you choose by discount alone, you will be spending excess dollars.