When items are shipped overseas, they are typically placed in the hands of several freight companies. The use of an intermodal shipping process may necessitate a closer look at how you are packaging materials. The use of adequate packaging methods will prevent damage to fragile goods that are being exported to another country. 

Fluting And Double Walls

If you are going to be shipping small items that are breakable, the use of boxes that contain fluting or double panels will prevent containers from being crushed. Fluting is the accordion-style inner layer that many corrugated cardboard boxes possess.

A thick double wall that a carton contains can hold up to moderate force and moisture. Boxes that are rated for exporting goods will typically be listed as being crushproof and thermal resistant. Sturdy boxes that are suited for the shipment of exported goods may cost more than a standard single ply carton, but will be worth the extra investment. 

Extra Care When Palletizing Or Crating

It is a standard procedure to palletize or crate large shipments that will be transported overseas. Make sure that the pallets and crates that you use are free of damage. Hardware that either type of shipping product is constructed of should be secured tightly and should not possess any visible signs of corrosion. Shipping products should never be used to support weights that exceed the recommended guidelines that a particular pallet or crate manufacturer has specified.

Use a pallet or crate that is constructed of sealed wood or another highly-rated material. Air pockets and foam cushioning should be used to line the inside of a crate. If products are going to be boxed inside of small cartons, prior to stacking them on a pallet or placing them inside of a carton, use small foam sleeves or bubble wrap to fill empty voids. Wrap smaller items with a packing material, prior to securing them inside of cartons.

Consider what would happen if either a pallet or a crate did not hold up throughout the transport process. Use a double layer of protection that will keep products secure. A banding system or plastic film can be used to add an additional layer of protection around pallets and crates.

If your shipping and receiving crew have been manually preparing items for shipment, the use of wrapping equipment may provide a far more superior shipment preparation process. A wrapping machine can be used to secure multiple layers of stretchy film around oversized shipments.

Contact a company like DTS World Cargo to learn more.