Tips for proper packing of shipments
Find out the key rules for the packaging of shipments
Why properly packing your shipments is important?
Packing a shipment properly ensures that, except for special cases, its contents will remain inaccessible and undamaged, and the shipment will reach the consignee safely. Professional and appropriate packaging protects the contents of the shipment, both during transportation and handling, as well as does not endanger the environment.
Parameters of standard packaging and pallets
Standard packaging is the one that meets the shipment requirements for standard pallets. Standard pallets most commonly used in Europe are Euro pallets (EPAL).
Important: large packages and shipments heavier than 31.5kg should be transported on Euro pallets, the weight of one of which together with the shipment should not exceed 700kg. Heavy shipments of smaller dimensions may be transported on the Euro pallets of certain dimensions, such as a half pallet, a quarter pallet.
Shipments heavier than 31.5kg must be delivered to the courier in special packages stacked on Euro pallets. Where a size and weight of a shipment exceeds the standards applicable to Euro pallets, a fine of 20 euros is imposed (except for Estonia and Latvia).
The pallets used to transport a shipment must be neat, strong and in excellent condition. Shipments cannot exceed the size of a pallet and must be properly secured using film or straps to prevent sliding.
Outer and inner packaging of shipments
Factory or commercial packaging of items is not sufficient for shipping, and they cannot be transported without additional protection, i.e. a proper outer packaging must be used.
For outer packaging, strong hermetically sealable boxes must be used, which have to be sealed in at least three different places around the entire circumference (otherwise, the box may open). Cylindrical packages must be transported in a strong cylindrical outer packaging. Proper outer packaging ensures that the contents of the shipment remain protected and intact.
It is worth noting that the package must be able to withstand a static pressure of 4 to 5 times its own weight and a diagonal fall from a height of 80cm, as otherwise it may be damaged during transportation or handling.
An important thing is that the items packed be of the right size and weight, so that the package can withstand them, and they do not protrude from the package. For outer packaging, it is best to use sturdy, hard cardboard boxes with smooth edges to prevent the contents from falling out during handling.
The outer packaging of a shipment must be free from extraneous stickers or labels. The package should only be marked with the appropriate shipping label/sticker, which should not be sealed with adhesive tape. Stick the shipping label on the walls (not the edges) of the outer packaging.
Packaging of fragile items and liquids
Properly packed fragile or brittle items should not touch each other or the sides of the outer packaging. Their outer packaging must be marked with a special label: FRAGILE indicating that the parcel is easily breakable.
Liquids have to be shipped in special tanks or other containers intended for liquids. The containers have to be fully sealed to prevent their contents from leaking. If the containers are equipped with stoppers, the stoppers must be fitted special guards.
