Packaging tips in preparation for freight shipping

The word ‘shipping’ has multiple meanings. It can be the physical process of transporting certain goods or cargo by land and/or air, or it can describe the movement of objects by sea. None the less, when you are transporting items via freight shipping your main concern is your packaging. To avoid any unnecessary damage to your freight there are a few tips to remember in regards to your packaging requirements.

Some of these tips might seem obvious however they are easily forgotten and will result in your cargo suffering some severe damages. Firstly all your products should be safely contained in a box, carton, crate or pallet. Your items can be divided into three categories consisting of fragile items, non-fragile and crate or pallet items. Fragile items include glass objects, computers and electronics, household goods and artwork/fine art and sculptures to name a few. Your non-fragile items usually consist of plastic containers, carpeting, tools and hardware and canned products. Those items placed in crates should first be shrink wrapped before placed in the crate or pallet and is comprised of larger items like generators, heavy equipment and machinery and large furniture. With freight shipping it’s easy for your goods to get damaged if you don’t apply the right packaging and labels to each container, no matter how skilled and experienced the cargo crew are.

The crates and boxes used for packaging come in all shapes and sizes, making the whole process for you a little bit easier. Don’t forget after wrapping your item and placing it in the container, that you should at all times remember to label the box. This isn’t only for your convenience when offloading but also for the cargo staff while they transport the good. Your label should include your full name, address and contact details in case your boxes get separated, as well as a ‘this side up’ sticker indicating which side of the box should be facing up. A turned over refrigerator won’t be of much use when handled incorrectly. It’s really not a difficult process when preparing your goods for freight shipping, but one mistake can have horrendous consequences. For more information on our services or if you would like a quote, contact us as soon as possible.