|
Properly preparing your cargo for shipment is extremely important. This can help prevent damage on the items which often results to customer dissatisfaction, extra charges and wasted time. You should never ship your items without proper packaging. Numerous claims and damages result from packaging errors and it will also eliminate or reduce the liability of your carrier on the damaged goods. Here are some freight packaging tips that you should consider before shipping items overseas. Products should always be securely contained within a carton, crate, box or other protective container. Remember that carriers will not ship loose items such as a sofa wrapped in plastic. If your shipment consists of multiple boxes, each weighing more than 200lbs, it should be securely placed in a pallet or crate. Examples of items that should be placed on a pallet or crated include machinery, engines, heavy equipment, motorcycle, lawn mower, large furniture, sofa, table, desk and chairs. Unless, you have enough experience in making a sturdy crate yourself, crating large items should be done by a professional crating or packaging company. You may also find a number of freight forwarding companies that offer reliable packaging services. Place non-fragile or non-breakable items inside sturdy new containers or boxes. Place the items that may be affected by water, dirt or other items that contain liquids such as bottled shampoo in plastic bags before you put them in the container. For outer packaging, it is not advisable to use cardboard boxes because they cannot provide sufficient protection for your items. Although most shipments will do well within sturdy and corrugated cardboard, wood crates provide better protection for heavy and dense items. Wood crates are also commonly used for fragile items. It is also essential to match the size of your cargo to the outer packaging. If it is too small, then your items will not have adequate protection. If the packaging is too big, then the products may move around or shift that may cause breakage. You should also have enough packing materials or interior padding to make sure that the products inside will not move around during shipment. There are several packing materials to choose from such as molded plastic, shredded paper, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, corrugated fiberboard, and etc. The type of material to use will depend on the shipping requirements of your products. It is also necessary to seal the packaging securely. To seal light boxes, you may use a 2-3 inch durable plastic tape. For heavy boxes, it is ideal to use 3 inch reinforced tape. You should never use regular household scotch tape, duct tape, masking tape or kraft paper tape. Remember to place the tape evenly across the seams and flaps of the box. Your shipment should also be properly labeled. The label should include the shipper and consignee's name and address. The label should also indicate their contact numbers, carrier pro number, bill of lading number and the shipment date to assist the carrier. Make sure that the label is clear and readable. The label should be placed on the top surface of your shipment. Avoid putting the label over the flap seams. If you need to find out more about professional freight forwarders in Perth, go to the SeaTram website now at http://www.seatram.com.au/.
Related Articles -
freight, forwarders, Perth,
|
