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Logistics · 5 min read

Packaging that survives the voyage

Most damage claims trace back to packing decisions made in a hurry. A short guide to getting them right.

Design for the whole journey

Cargo is handled far more times than most exporters imagine: warehouse, truck, container yard, vessel, destination yard, and the buyer's own network. Pack for the worst handling in that chain, not the average.

Sea containers routinely reach 50°C and high humidity. Desiccant bags and moisture-barrier liners cost little against the value of a spoiled consignment.

Wood, pallets and ISPM-15

Any solid wood packaging must be heat treated or fumigated and carry the ISPM-15 stamp. Countries such as Australia and the United States will hold or destroy non-compliant consignments.

Plywood and processed panels are exempt, which is why many exporters switch to plywood crates for sensitive destinations.

Marking

Shipping marks should match the packing list exactly: consignee, order number, carton number of total, and gross and net weight.

Add handling pictograms rather than English-only instructions — the people moving your cargo may not read English.

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