Cargo Packaging, Palletising & Handling

Pack for the worst leg of the journey, not the average one. Export cargo faces stacking pressure, vibration, humidity, and repeated handling, so use double-wall cartons or crates, palletise where possible, shrink-wrap and strap to the pallet, and add desiccants for long ocean transits. Insurers frequently decline claims where the underlying cause was insufficient packing.

ISPM 15 is the international standard for treating timber packaging — pallets, crates, dunnage — to prevent pests moving between countries. It applies to most solid wood packaging in international trade, which must be heat-treated or fumigated and stamped with the certification mark. Untreated timber can lead to cargo being held, fumigated at your cost, or in serious cases re-exported.

Because freight is charged on the space your cargo occupies, and carriers re-measure. Quotes are based on the packed dimensions you declare, including the pallet and any overhang, so understating them means the shipment is re-rated after collection and the invoice exceeds the quote. Measure the packed unit as it will actually travel, not the product.

Brace it so it cannot move. A partly filled container allows the load to shift in a seaway, which is a leading cause of transit damage and can affect container stability. Use airbags, timber bracing, blocking, and strapping to fill voids, distribute weight evenly over the container floor, and keep the load within the door line so it can be unloaded safely.

Mark cartons with the consignee, destination, package numbers in sequence such as 1 of 12, gross and net weight, dimensions, and any handling or orientation symbols. For dangerous goods, hazard labels and UN numbers are mandatory. Consistent marks that match the packing list and bill of lading speed up customs inspection and reduce the risk of split consignments going astray.