Packing Goods for Shipping – Export Packing

Packing Goods for Shipping -Export Packing

To make sure your goods arrive in the same condition that they left you, it is important to have the correct export packing. There are many factors to consider when you are packing goods for shipping either on a domestic or international move.

How will they be sent?
What are the chances of the goods being damaged?
Are there any laws relating to the packing, either for the type of goods or for the destination?

Unless you are loading goods into a container yourself you will never be fully aware of what else is loaded with your goods. Freight forwarders will take the best care possible, but the very nature of shipping goods can have issues. Goods could shift in a sea freight container or goods badly packed by someone else could leak. You cannot change what other people do, but you can limit damage by following some simple steps.

Underfilling a carton can be as bad as overfilling it. A carton that is partly empty will loose rigidity and can easily collapse when other goods are placed on top of it. Fill any extra space with suitable packing materials. 

Don’t load fragile and heavy goods in the same carton. It is not uncommon to load heavy goods into a carton and have lots of space left. It is tempting to fill this space with light goods to utilise the space. If the carton is turned during transit you may find your fragile items end up on the bottom with heavy items on top. The carton will arrive in good condition but the goods may be damaged. The obvious answer is to cut down the size of the carton.

If your goods a valuable and possibly fragile get a quote to pack the goods. Insurance companies will not pay a claim if they feel the goods were inadequately packed.

Many freight agents will bring it to your attention if they feel goods are not packed sufficiently, but it may not be obvious so think before you ship.

What Laws Relate To Export Packing?

The obvious laws are related to the movement of dangerous goods, these laws are international and are intended to make the transit of restricted articles safer. Less obvious is the use of heat treated timber, check out ISPM15.