Shipping Welding Equipment

How to Package Welding Equipment

As you have read in the bulleted list above,  many different tools and machinery fall under the welding equipment category. Each product is unique and may have additional packaging requirements due to its size, shape, dimensions, weight, fragility, etc. Below are some packaging tips for a select few pieces of welding equipment. Packaging is not a one-size-fits-all approach and needs to be done correctly for proper shipping and a successful transit.

Packaging Welding Machines

Welding machinery comes in various shapes and sizes, ranging from portable-lightweight machinery to Industrial-sized welding machines. It is advised to choose an appropriately sized box and line it with styrofoam to absorb the impact and shock experienced during transit. The styrofoam will also help prevent the products from shifting, further preventing damage and loss. Sometimes, the machinery is too large or awkward to palletize, meaning you must separate welding machines into their pallet. Center the machinery on the pallet and position it securely with nylon straps. Once the machinery is strapped, securely wrap the pallet with plastic stretch wrap. Make sure to avoid wrapping the bottom slots where the forklift goes.

Packaging Plasma Cutters

Plasma Cutters can be heavy, but luckily, they are compact, making palletization an easy packaging and shipping method. It may be helpful to box the cutters inside a sturdy corrugated cardboard box. Corrugated Cardboard boxes are made for various specific products, with the appropriate box determined by weight, product type, and dimensions. Once the correct box is selected, stack the boxed units in wooden crates to be palletized. After the boxes are stacked, wrap the entire cargo in plastic stretch wrap. Make sure not to cover the open section on the bottom of the pallet because doing so would prevent the forklift from being able to move the pallet.

Packaging Gas Cylinders/Tanks

Gas Cylinders and Tanks should be shipped with much caution. The most crucial detail to remember is to ensure they are kept upright and never laid horizontally on their sides. To prevent rupturing, ensure the following:

• Regulators Removed
• Closed Valves
• Sturdy valve caps- They should be kept in place.
• Secure cylinders to prevent them from falling over.

Gas Cylinders are shipped on specific smaller-sized pallets designed to hold them upright. When placing them on a pallet, chain them above the midpoint and below the shoulder. Do not forget to outline specific handling requirements, such as keeping the cylinders out of direct heat and away from corrosive materials. Filling out a safety data sheet (SDS) is required to warn others and guide them on what to do if something goes wrong.

Packaging Power Tools

When shipping power tools, ensure they have been cleaned of any debris, dirt, or residue and that a quality control inspection has been conducted. If possible, break down the tools into smaller parts. Begin by removing any detachable and accessories, packaging these parts separately, and labeling them. Next, wrap up the power tools using suitable protective materials such as foam padding, bubble wrap, sturdy cardboard boxes, etc. Custom-fit foam inserts/blocks can hold the pieces securely in place. If shipping multiple tools, package them separately to prevent scratches/impact damage. Fill empty spaces with additional padding/cushioning materials, which will help prevent movement.

Shipping Welding Equipment Made Easy

Your FreightCenter agent will provide and guide you in filling out the appropriate documentation, including the bill of lading, packing list, commercial invoices, and any required permits and certifications, if applicable. Your agent will also help you determine your products’ freight class and packaging group. When shipping welding equipment overseas, you may have to submit additional documentation, such as shipping manifests, safety data sheets, and certificates of analysis.

It is essential to provide accurate information to your FreightCenter agent, such as accurate descriptions, dimensions, weight, quantities, and values in the documentation. They will help ensure you comply with any regulations affecting your shipping process. We can also help you determine which shipping labels to indicate if the products are fragile, hazardous, or when they will require special handling. 

Another area in which choosing a 3PL, like FreightCenter, can smooth out the shipping process is by helping you find the best insurance coverage for your shipment. Purchasing insurance is worth considering. Regardless of how great carriers are, damages still have the potential to occur. When you have already planned to invest in successful logistics, it only makes sense to insure your shipment. We can help you find the best insurance coverage available and make sure you do not have to face the possibility of financial loss.