If you are shipping fragile or valuable goods, it pays to make sure that you pack your items properly. Not only will this ensure that your freight arrives safely, but it can save you costs as well if you are transporting large quantities of goods.
Here is our quick guide to packing large freight shipments:
Type of Product Being Shipped
What makes the difference between regular shipping and irregular? Regular, as you might expect, is packaging that conforms to our general guidelines. Freight is a standard shape and falls within specific weight and size limit.
Irregular items can include oddly shaped or unwieldy items of freight, potentially hazardous containers and items that cannot, for example, be stacked in a conventional way for one reason or another. It’s important to label your freight properly if it is irregular in any way and work with the freight company to make sure your goods are secure.
Conditions During Shipping
A major factor that shippers need to take into account is the conditions during shipment. This will depend on how the freight is being carried and where to. Freight is likely to be loaded and unloaded several times, especially if it is being delivered over a large distance. It means your container needs to be robust enough to withstand a number of different hazards:
- A container may be subject to shock – it might be dropped, hit by a loading truck, not positioned upright in accordance with orientation arrows or shifted into other freight during transit. This may cause damage to the packaging.
- The container is subject to vibration – this can happen over a long period if, for example, the freight is placed on a truck. It’s important to ensure that interior contents are protected from in-transit motions.
- The container may be compressed – if heavier objects are placed on top of your freight and it is relatively fragile, it will cause damage to your goods if the packaging is equally fragile.
- Climate and altitude – for certain goods, being subjected to extremes of hot or cold can cause damage to the contents. Altitude may also have an impact on some goods as cargo bays on jets are highly pressurised.
- Space can also be an issue. If your package needs to be maintained at a specific orientation and space is at a premium, instructions can often be ignored.
Type of Container
The type of container you choose should be suitable for the goods that you are expecting to transport. Which is the most cost-efficient is normally determined by the potential hazards outlined above. While freight transporters try to take as much care as possible, over large distances a lot of moves and people are involved in the process which may put your cargo at risk.
Some businesses use pre-engineered, bespoke containers that are designed specifically for their product. If several different types of good are being transported, then it makes sense to use the most robust container you can find.
Protecting the Interior of the Container
It’s not just the exterior of your crate that is important. Interior packing is also vital. Goods that are able to move around inside the container and which are not adequately cushioned against shock or vibration are at risk, however careful the freight company is in managing your transportation.
There are a range of packing materials available and it is essential to select the right one for your goods, be it airbags, bubble sheeting or loose fill. For expert advice on the most efficient way to ship your goods, and the best way to pack them so they arrive safely at their destination, talk to the freight forwarding experts at Equator Worldwide today.