Packaging for Export

Packaging for export is more complicated than you might at first think. When many people think about boxes and packaging, they think first about the type of containers that are most common. I do not know off hand how high a percentage of the goods sent by mail are sent in plain cardboard boxes, but I know it is in the 80s or 90s. Things like books, clothing, and even comparatively fragile items like dishes are often sent with standard packaging and boxes. They are simply wrapped in bubble wrap and put into a box filled with Styrofoam peanuts. Then whoever has sent them sits back and simply hopes for the best.

There are, however, much more expensive and high-tech choices for boxes and packaging that are sometimes used for special orders. From my experience, I would say that something like 95 percent of the stuff that is put into sturdy cardboard boxes, wrapped up in the correct way makes it there safe and sound, but for some rare and precious items, 95 percent is simply not enough. For example, if you are sending an antique vase by freight, you will probably want to be completely, 100 percent sure that nothing at all bad can happen to it, no matter what. If that is the case, you will ask for more than cardboard and air bubbles.

Advanced boxes and packaging are often actually not much more complicated than the simple ones. Hard plastic cases, with the proper padding built in, decrease the danger to most shipments to almost nothing. Unless the case is forcibly beaten repeatedly against the wall or run over by a truck several times, it is quite unlikely that anything at all could even possibly happen to what is inside. Usually, when to box and package an antique, or something else equally valuable, the best thing is a custom build case for it out of plastic.

Then again, there are certain items that need even more sophisticated boxes and packaging. For example, if something is extremely temperature sensitive, the boxes and packaging must include a means to regulate the temperature, which is extremely costly and difficult to make. Only a few companies handle orders of this kind.

Here is a list of few generally used types of boxes;

• Corrugated Boxes: These are now used for many export goods. However, bursting strength should not be less than 275 pounds per square inch. The strongest type is triple wall corrugated. Corrugated boxes can be strengthened, if necessary, by wood framing. Corrugated boxes (particularly triple wall) are more resilient and therefore more shock absorbent than wooden ones. However, corrugated boxes have the great disadvantage that they can be easily opened and their contents pilfered. They are most suitable when carried within a metal container.
  

• Plywood Boxes: Another popular type of box used for export shipments is a wooden frame with plywood walls. Such a box has great strength because of the framing and can therefore withstand pressure from heavy loads placed on top. Also, the plywood walls are practically puncture-proof as well as theft-proof. Furthermore, the plywood box is lighter in weight and smaller in cubic area than its slatted wooden counterpart. Another advantage of the plywood box is that it can be waterproofed at the joints and easily lined with moisture barriers.

• Wooden Crates: These are used mainly for heavy, bulky goods and may be opened or closed. A strong frame is required to withstand the pinching effects of slings. Often, as a precaution, the exporter will mark the crate's center of gravity as well as the sling and grab-hook positions. Sometimes, items such as refrigerators may be packed in an open crate with a transparent plastic shroud. This enables the goods to be seen inside and thereby encourage treatment with care.

• Bales: These are suitable for certain products, but can be easily damaged by water or hooks. Water damage can be avoided by wrapping the bale in a waterproof covering. Hook damage can be avoided in the case of small bales by the provision of ears on the corners so that such bales weighing more than 300 pounds are likely to be hooked without probable spillage or damage. Each bale should have at least four tension bands around it to hold it together during handling. Bales have the disadvantage of being easily pilfered.

• Multi wall Bags: Powders and granular materials (e.g. dry chemicals) are often shipped in multi wall plastic bags. However, in many foreign ports, the stevedores are likely to seize such bags by the ears with inevitable tearing and spillage. This can be avoided by strapping a number of bags together on a pallet.

• Barrels: These are used for transporting liquids, e.g. olive oil, and are now usually made of metal.
  

• Containerization: The practice of packing goods within large metal containers for shipment abroad, although an extra cost, has become increasingly popular because of the reduction in water damage, handling damage, and reduction in pilferage. As most ports and ships are equipped to handle containers.
  

I hope that next time you choose a packaging material you won't be in any doubts.