Packing and marking

Cartons

Use strong, new or undamaged cartons rated for the weight inside. Fill empty space so the contents cannot move. Close seams with proper tape across the joins. Do not overpack a carton so that it bulges, because bulging boxes crush the ones below. Keep each carton to a weight one or two people can lift safely, and say the weight on the outside.

Pallets

Palletised cargo is faster to load and easier to forklift. Common pallet sizes are:

Sizes in use differ by country and industry. Stack cartons in a stable pattern, keep them inside the pallet edge, and wrap the load with stretch film. Corner boards and straps help. Choose a pallet size that suits the container so no floor space is wasted. Check pallet height too, because the load plus the pallet must fit inside the container with room to load.

Crates and heavy items

Machinery, glass, instruments and other fragile or heavy items often need a wooden or steel crate, with the item fixed to the base and padded. Mark the centre of gravity and lifting points where it matters. Awkward pieces may need special equipment. See Out-of-gauge and machinery.

Moisture protection

A container can see large temperature swings on a voyage, and moisture can form inside, which is called container sweat. To reduce it:

• Pack only dry goods in dry packing, and dry the pallets and cartons.
• Wrap sensitive goods in plastic or barrier film, and add desiccant where suitable.
• Avoid loading damp wood or damp cardboard.
• Raise cargo off the floor with pallets, and cover the top of pallet loads.

Shipping marks

Marks are the labels and symbols on the outside of packages. They help carriers, warehouses and customs match cargo to documents. Typical marks include:

• Consignee name or a short code agreed with the buyer
• Destination city or port
• Purchase order or reference number
• Carton number, such as "3 of 20"
• Gross and net weight, and size
• Country of origin, such as "Made in ..." where required
• Handling symbols, such as "This way up", "Fragile" and "Keep dry"

Use durable ink or labels, put them on at least two sides, and keep the same details on the packing list and invoice. Avoid naming the contents on the outside of valuable cargo. Dangerous goods need their own labels and marks, set out in the rules for dangerous goods. See Dangerous goods basics.

Wood packaging and ISPM 15

ISPM 15 is an international standard from the International Plant Protection Convention. It requires solid wood packaging, such as pallets, crates and dunnage, to be heat treated or fumigated and stamped. The stamp shows the IPPC symbol, a country code, a producer code and the treatment code, "HT" for heat treatment or "MB" for methyl bromide. Many countries refuse or hold unmarked wood packaging, or order treatment at the owner's cost. Engineered wood such as plywood is usually outside the rule. Check the rules of the destination before you choose pallets.

Questions