The way in which you package your consignments should be an integral part of your business' transportation and environmental systems.
For packing, consider the following:
- check the destination country for specific regulations you must comply with
- choose the most appropriate packing materials
- try to consolidate smaller packages into one larger consignment to add better protection and reduce costs
- consider how your consignments will be stowed, eg other consignments may be stacked on top of yours
- make sure you have adequate insurance in place while your goods are being packed
- secure your goods within the outer packaging by using a filling material
There are several different types of packing material that you might choose to use depending on your transport requirements.
You should also be aware that subject to the volume of packaging you use and your business turnover, you may have to comply with packaging waste regulations.
Wrapping
This is often used to secure loose packages to a pallet. It can also be used to protect your consignments from environmental factors.
Cartons, fibre-boards and tri-walls
Lightweight cartons may be suitable for short distances. The sturdier tri-wall carton is better suited for sea voyages as it can protect against adverse environmental conditions.
Crates and cases
Crates tend to have a much more sturdy outer skin and can be stacked without buckling. They can also be handled by forklift, sling or grab.
Wooden packaging and pallets
Certain countries require wood packaging and pallets to be stamped with an approved mark which provides phytosanitary certification that the wood has been properly treated and is compliant with the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 - ISPM 15
ISPM 15 covers wood packaging material such as crates, boxes, packing cases, dunnage, pallets, cable drums and spools/reels, which can be present in almost any international consignment, including consignments that would not normally be subject to phytosanitary inspection.
Pallets facilitate the handling of consignments.
They are usually made from wood, although for airfreight, aluminium is used.
Containers
Containers can be used for almost any kind of goods and tend to be used for multi-modal transport, so will be moved a number of times.
Labels
Your packages must also be properly labelled. Each consignment, no matter which type of transport method is used, must have the correct shipping marks and numbers in accordance with the International Standards Organization's ISO R/780 standard. Read More>>>