Packaging Tips

Before You Ship, Make Sure Your Cargo Is Well Packaged

Freight Packaging Tips

Shipping from one destination to another without any damage requires proper packaging. An LTL freight order may move between several trucks, hubs, and warehouses. This often occurs before reaching its final destination. The load will experience road conditions, temperatures, weight stations, and more factors. Truckloads will often include other contracted loads on the same trailer. Take these factors into consideration when planning your method of shipping. You will want to use the following packaging tips for supplies,

Pallet – Pallets allow forklifts and pallet jacks to load and unload. The product shipped on pallets avoids having to lift it yourself physically. Pallets vary in size, shape, and materials. You will need to ensure that your product does not overhang the dimensions on the pallet. It is recommended to have your products or item loaded with 1-4” spacing from the pallet’s edge. Do not use broken pallets. Broken pallets will not sustain the weight of the load. Pallets may break because of vibration or bumping the shipment will take down the road. If a pallet breaks or crumbles, your load will shift and risk damage.

Cardboard Spacers – Flat pieces of cardboard are essential to protecting unpackaged products. Packaged boxes using spacers are protected from shifting. They will also ease weight distribution on the whole load. Conceal the product from unwanted advertising by using cardboard spacers.

Gaylord Shipping Container – These containers are suitable for shipping bulk quantities of bags and small boxes. Gaylord containers are usually made from double corrugated cardboard and are incredibly sturdy.

Crates – Crates are essential for large custom shipments and stand the risk of impact damage or tipping. Most boxes will be custom constructed from wood beams and plywood.

Shrink Wrap – Plastic shrink wrap is applied to keep a load uniform and tight together. The more wrapping applied the stronger the protection becomes. Shrink wrap is also good for protecting scratches. Shrink wrap holds random packaging material in place. This plastic wrap can come in various colors from clear to black.

Banding – Loads are exposed to a lot of movement during transit. Banding is used to secure the load to the pallet. Banding comes in various materials like plastics, aluminum, and steel. Special banding equipment like a wench and clips are used to tighten and secure the banding in place.

Shipping Blankets – Blankets cover large irregular items that easily scratch of dent. Blankets such as these are often used on furniture, and painted large metal items.

Load Straps – These come in many lengths and sizes. Straps secure the banded pallet to the trailer itself. They also prevent load shifts during transit.

Original Packaging Material – One of the best packaging tips is to use the oem boxes. Manufacturers spend lots of money researching the best materials to transport their products. This packaging has usually been tried and tested to harsh conditions. Optimize using the original packaging and protection already provided.

Adding extra packaging just ensures a safer transit. The risk versus reward of short cutting a properly packaged shipment isn’t worth it. Packaging materials don’t add much is freight shipping costs in comparison. Packaging is the biggest factor on how your freight arrives at its destinations. Follow our packaging tips to give your shipment the best shot to arrive in perfect condition.

Ready to ship? Compare freight quotes from multiple top carriers in an instant or call us at 800.716.7608.