Cargo Packaging Types

Product packaging requirements vary, depending on the commodity, transport type, weather conditions and regulations of the country of origin or destination. Besides, cost is one of the top things to consider.

Here are 4 types widely used in freight packaging.

1. Carton

Paper and cardboard packaging is limited by the weight that it can withhold, as well as the ease of transporting it due to its incompatibility with common lifting equipment such as forklift trucks. There are also issues with its performance in extreme weather conditions, as it is likely to suffer damage in humid, wet or very cold conditions. It is however very cheap and easily recyclable.

1.1 Corrugated Carton

This is the method that is used for shipping clothes, books, plastic and other things that are not breakable.

1.2 Double-Walled Corrugated Carton

This packaging method is often a reasonable alternative to crating and used quite often in the shipping industry. If moving furniture or other larger items, to ensure the protection of the finishes and delicate parts, 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, metal or nylon strapping bands are preferred.

1.3 Double Cartons

This product packaging method is used more often for fragile items such as: glassware, china, and smaller items that need extra care. These items should be separately hand wrapped in a commercial bubble wrap individually. Then these items are placed inside an inner shipping box, which will then go inside an actual shipping box with approximately 2-3 inches or more.

2. Crate

Crating is usually used for larger and heavier items, or as the best guarantee against breakage as well as high valued items that could be damaged easily. Whether wooden crate or plastic crate, they can well play a bracing role.

There is usually a higher cost for this method of product packaging, but the advantage is well protected.

3. Pallet

Most ports, warehouses and other distribution terminals are designed with pallets in mind.

Palletizing is used for consolidating smaller items together, after they are boxed, and is necessary for large items and heavy shipments. This means the items are placed on a heavy wood foundation, shrink wrapped, strapped in place.

When using this method, a lift gate or dock is needed and a forklift is used to move these items. There is generally an extra charge added for the liftgate service.

There are 6 recognised ISO sizes:

• 1016 x 1219 mm (40? x 48?) North America (Amazon)
• 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 40? x 48? with the goods not to extend over the pallet being used or exceed the height of 8 feet. Special pallets must be made for goods larger than 40? x 48?. Loads wider than 7 feet will require a forklift to off-load the freight. If your freight is under 150 lbs, and your business does not have a dock, the load may be broken down from the pallet and then off-loaded by hand.

Attention: Wooden pallet packaging is carefully regulated with over 200 countries now requiring ISPM 15 certified. They must find the IPPC mark on the pallet, or big trouble happens.