When it comes to shipping cargo across borders, packaging isn’t just about bubble wrap and tape. It’s about safeguarding your products, protecting their value, and ensuring smooth handling from start to finish.
At SW Logistics, we’ve put together these essential packaging guidelines to help you ship with confidence.
The foundation of good packaging starts with choosing the right materials for your cargo.
Box it? Crate it? Or Palletize it?
Select the best packaging method based on weight, size, and fragility. Boxes are suited for smaller goods, crates for heavier or fragile machinery, and pallets for bulk or consolidated freight.
Cardboard Quality
Always use strong, corrugated cardboard rated for the weight of your items. For dangerous goods, only certified fibreboard boxes (e.g. 4G boxes) that meet international regulations are permitted.
Secondary Packaging
For fragile cargo, add protective layers such as bubble wrap, foam, or air cushions. Edge protectors and stretch film reinforce stability and protect against shocks.
Using the right base packaging ensures your cargo is fit to handle the journey ahead.
Once you’ve selected the right packaging, how you arrange and secure it is just as important.
Proper Stacking
Place heavier boxes or crates at the bottom, with lighter cargo stacked on top. Align items by size and form factor to prevent shifting. Avoid overhanging beyond pallet edges, as this can lead to crushing or instability.
Strapping and Wrapping
Strapping is essential for both sea and air freight:
Ocean Freight: Use straps inside containers to prevent cargo shifting during long voyages.
Air Freight: Strapping to pallets is a strict requirement to keep loads stable during turbulence. Combine strapping with stretch film for added security.
Skids for Handling
When palletizing, use skids to make forklift handling smoother and reduce the risk of damage.
Good stacking and strapping not only protect your cargo but also speed up ground handling.
Even with strong packaging and careful packing, risks remain. Here’s how to minimize them:
Tamper-Evident Seals
Secure your cargo with anti-tampering seals, particularly for high-value shipments. Customized seals discourage theft and show clear evidence of interference.
Dangerous Goods Labelling
If shipping dangerous goods, ensure hazard labels, UN codes, and handling instructions are clearly printed on the outside of the cargo. UN codes are four-digit identifiers for dangerous goods and hazardous materials in international transport, standardized by the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. This is a regulatory requirement and ensures safe handling.
Insurance Protection
Packaging reduces risks but cannot eliminate them completely. Cargo insurance provides an essential safety net, protecting against financial loss due to accidents, theft, or unforeseen incidents.
Package with the Pros
The right packaging decisions can mean the difference between smooth delivery and costly setbacks. From selecting the correct boxes or pallets, to stacking and strapping properly, to securing your cargo against risks, these steps ensure your goods arrive intact and on time.
Ready to start prepping your cargo?
Our team at SW Logistics guides our clients through every stage of the packaging process. We help you choose the right materials, comply with international standards, and safeguard your cargo every step of the way. Safe packaging, safe delivery.
Choose us to start building your bridge to smoother and faster delivery.
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