FREIGHT PACKING TIPS

So Your Shipment Arrives in Good Shape

General Advice

The goods are to be packed in a way that tolerates customary transportation and handling. Furthermore, the goods must be packed and fastened onto a pallet that can be handled with a fork lift or manual fork wagon.

The shipper is responsible for all loss, damage and costs caused by insufficient or improper packing or marking of goods, including, but not limited to, damage to persons, property and the environment.

It is not necessary to use pallets for machinery and equipment that have their own handling basis or for shipments where special handling has been separately agreed.

Pallets & Groupage Do's

Choose the size of the package according to its content. Under-filled boxes are likely to collapse; overloaded ones may burst.

Always use high-quality materials for your shipment packing.

Consider strength, cushioning, and durability when selecting your wrapping supplies.

Choose boxes made of corrugated cardboard, with good quality outer liners.

Use heavy-duty double-layered board for valuable items.

Make use of cushioning materials, especially to stop your packaging contents from moving.

Use strapping, if suitable, as a good way to seal and secure your box. Use strong tape if a strapping machine is not available.

Ensure liquids are stored in leak-proof containers, packed with a lightweight, strong, internal material (for example, Styrofoam) and sealed with a plastic bag.

Seal semi-liquids, greasy or strong-smelling substances with adhesive tape, then wrap in grease-resistant paper.

Place powders and fine grains in strong plastic bags, securely sealed and then packed in a rigid fibre board box.

Use "arrow-up" labels for non-solid materials.

When re-using a box, remove all labels and stickers. Ensure that the box is in good shape and not worn out.

Always remember that poor or wrong packaging may cause damage to surrounding items.

The shipper must mark each package of the shipment with one address label and each pallet with two address labels. Labels must indicate the total number of packages included in the shipment.

The marks indicating special instructions must be placed visibly onto each package and each pallet.

The shipper is responsible for marking dangerous goods shipments as required by prevailing dangerous goods regulations.

Dont's

Do not use bags made of fabric or cloth.

Do not over-seal your package. Remember that all shipments may be opened by customs authorities for inspection.

Do not use cellophane tape or rope to seal your shipment.

"Fragile" and "Handle with care" labels are no substitute for careful packaging! They are only appropriate for information purposes.

Part & Full Truck Loads

All the tips for pallets and groupage packaging mentioned above apply for part or full truck load shipments. Additional aspects have to be taken into consideration when ordering PTL or FTL transport.