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Cardo packaging or freight packaging is one of the most important factors when it comes to shipping of the goods.

In every import/ export process there are two major challenges that faces shippers, it’s the satisfaction of both customer and shipper. The customer requires a secure and reliable method of carriage, so he can receive non-damaged goods, on the other hand the shipper requires that the space on his cargo is fully utilized in order to make maximum profit.

The Packaging of goods must be considered at the very outset of the shipping process. The size and quality of packages must be compatible with the type of transportation.

The main function of the packaging is to protect and preserve the goods during storage and transit. However, protection is not only required against the loss, damage and pilferage of the goods, but also depending on:

  • the nature of the contents, against moisture entering or leaving the package.
  • High or low temperatures
  • light,
  • gases,
  • insect infestation,
  • contamination and other natural hazards.
  • The dry cargoes embrace raw materials, semi-finished or finished goods. They do not require the same containment as gases and liquids

Before placing your order, you must clearly indicate to your supplier which export packaging you wish. We advise you to take some time to reach an agreement with your supplier on how to pack your cargo properly. Because it is the best insurance against damage to the cargo during transport, especially for LCL shipments.

Most common cargo packing type:

Card board Boxes (Fiber board boxes):

The most common economical container for shipping continues to be the cardboard box. This is understandable as shippers seek efficient, but inexpensive and lightweight packaging. However, the usage of card board boxes is limited by:

  • the weight that it can withhold,
  • the incompatibility with common lifting equipment,
  • Extreme weather conditions that can damages card boards
  • Transport type
  • Regulations of the country of origin or destination

There are 3 different carton packaging:

  1. Corrugated carton:

It’s popular for their strength, durability, lightness, recyclability and cheap prices.  Due to the quality and safety of packaging items in corrugated boxes, they are commonly used in the food industry, clothes, books, plastic and other unbreakable goods.

  1. Double- walled corrugated carton:

It’s commonly used to crating. In case of moving furniture or other larger items, use quality styrofoam and bubble wrap around these areas, box items securely so there is no movement inside, palletize and use strapping to hold in place to ensure protection.

  1. Double carton:

This method of packaging is more often used for fragile items such as: glass, porcelain and smaller items that require special care. These items must be separately packaged by hand in a commercial bubble wrap. Then, these items are placed in an inner shipping box, which will then go into an actual shipping box of about 2 to 3 inches or more.

Bagged cargo:

The product itself must be durable to withstand external pressure and compression, because the bags will only hold the contents in one place and not protect against external damage. These products can usually be fertilizers, cereals (rice, corn, wheat), seeds, dried fruits, sugar, coconut, coffee, fresh vegetables, flour, copra, small items such as shells, raisins.

Wooden cases:

They have stood the test of time and their main advantage is that they have the strength of a wall to withstand imposed loads. They are more expensive than cardboard packaging because of the cost of wood. Wooden boxes are particularly suitable when the goods are transported by conventional methods and when they are sensitive to heat, humidity, etc. types of wooden crates, including plywood, increasingly used by exporters.

Wooden crates:

They are suitable for wooden packaging embedded in the skeleton. An open box can be used when the contents are elastic enough to require minimal packaging to facilitate handling and stacking. It is sometimes used as an outer packaging to consolidate cartons or to enhance the protection of cartons. The skeleton box is often used to transport large machines.

Steel drums:

New steel drums are generally excellent for export and delivery. Used drums, if not carefully restored and tested, can be a bad choice. Fatigue caused by thorn bumps and damage from previous closures, which makes your load vulnerable.

Bales:

A well-processed bullet is well developed in most export operations and shipments. However, all bullets can be subject to snagging holes and water damage. They are not recommended for high value products.

Palletizing Cargo:

Many products or commodities can be economically palletized to facilitate their handling, stowage, and protection. Packing cost may be significantly reduced by palletizing or unitizing.

There are six standard pallets that accommodate the various and/or intermodal containers presently used in international commerce. The normal sizes (in inches) of these six standard pallets are:

  • 1016 x 1219 mm (40″ x 48″) North America
  • 1000 x 1200 mm Europe, Asia
  • 1165 x 1165 mm Australia
  • 1067 x 1067 mm (42″ x 42″) Worldwide
  • 1100 x 1100 mm (43″ x 43″) Asia
  • 800 x 1200 mm Europe

Standard pallets are rated for 40 “x 48”, and the goods must not exceed the pallet or exceed a height of 8 feet. Special pallets must be made for items larger than 40 “x 48”. For loads over 7 feet, a loader is required to unload the load. If your cargo weighs less than 150 pounds, and your company does not have a docking station, the loading may be broken and unloaded manually.

Packaging dangerous goods:

Learning to pack dangerous goods requires a lot of attention to detail and diligence. Many dangerous goods have extremely detailed specifications regarding the type or method of packaging to be used to ensure the safety of the goods during transport. And these packaging requirements can also vary considerably depending on the mode of transport used to ship the goods.

3 questions you should ask yourself before shipping dangerous goods:

1.What type of packaging is suitable for this shipment?

It is always necessary to use USOT approved packaging for each shipment of dangerous goods. Compliance with the DOT rules will ensure the safety of the packaging of dangerous goods. concerning the packaging process, this will largely depend on the class of dangerous goods you work with.

2.Are the dangerous goods being transported safely?

For all transport of dangerous goods by sea, air and land, rules govern the standard safety methods for efficient transport. All dangerous goods carriers must provide comprehensive training to all employees handling, packing or transporting dangerous goods.

3.Is the company in compliance with all relevant regulations?

Transportation of the hazardous materials industry is based on DOT, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and other international organizations to establish regulatory standards and ensure the safety of everyone involved in this industry. Your company should be aware of all applicable rules in order to remain in full compliance with these examples. If you do not do this, your staff is at risk and may result in fines.

After the agreement between the buyer and the shipper, the responsibility for packing the goods stays with the shipper. Retractable packaging, boxes, corrugated boxes, crates, pallets, bandages or dressings are acceptable packaging for the freight sector.

Work closely with your supplier in China, combine your practical experience, you will get safe products to your destination.

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