Export Packaging: Guide For Secure International Shipping

1. Export Packaging: Guide For Secure International Shipping International shipping of goods via the ocean is the most cost- efficient way of transporting anything through international borders. Ocean freight is cheaper than air freight, but goods transported via the sea route are subject to much more movements, handling, and extreme climatic conditions than air freight. This makes packaging an integral part of international freight. Export packaging as the term defines it is packaging goods for exports. As an exporter, you must ensure the goods reach their destination in excellent condition. When packaging your products to travel across the sea, ensure that the packaging does its 4 functions of •Containment- to avoid spillage •Protection- to prevent damage •Convenience- to facilitate ease of transport •Communication- to declare its contents, source, and destination to the receiver or during transit. How to Package Exports for International Shipping? Ocean freight carries large loads of goods stacked on each other to reach far-off destinations. During this journey, the goods face several disturbances that can alter their quality or cause permanent damage. International shipping of goods through ocean freight needs careful packaging for undamaged deliveries. Because of the variety of goods that can be transported via ocean freight, the packaging of goods also varies. It also impacts the international shipping freight rates. It is important to package products such that they do not get damaged by heavy movement, humidity, and manual and machine handling at different stages during loading and

2. unloading on the vessels. Check out the tips below to package most products securely. Primary Packaging- 1.Package breakable products individually securely in polybags or bubble wrap before putting them in corrugated paper or cardboard boxes. These can be made customized for your brand or display other important information like price, no.of units, and manufactured/ packaging date. 2.Vacuum seal items that are perishable due to moisture. 3.Use plastic pallets to transport small perishable items like fruits and vegetables. 4.Use tank shipping containers to transport liquids/ chemicals for industrial use. 5.Book refrigerated shipping containers are also known as reefer containers to ship temperature-sensitive goods. Secondary packaging- 1.Pack smaller boxes in larger boxes for lesser handling disturbances. 2.Use wooden or plastic pallets to stack smaller boxes or pack larger goods like machines. 3.Pack boxes or soft goods in wooden frames to prevent damage during stacking in shipping containers. 4.Use metal frames for heavy machines to secure them from damage. 5.Shrink wrap the goods in shipping containers and use belts and straps to secure them from movement. 6.Use filling material to cushion up voids that can cause easy commotion from surrounding objects. Must Do’s Of Export Packaging For International Shipping Sending your goods across borders will require clearances from customs authorities. Reaching the final destination intact also requires that you ensure

3. •Products are permitted for import in the destination country. Apart from the documentation, packaging for international freight should be such that it can be repacked after customs check, if it happens. •It is labeled properly with all the necessary details like shipping address, export country, import country, weight, volume, size, cautionary markings, and other labels like hazardous materials. This information is a guide for handling and delivery, and decreases the chances of damage. Managing Export Packaging Costs for International Shipping Packaging goods for international shipping has a great impact on your business growth. The packaging reflects your quality & your reputation as an exporter gets affected by it. However, one must also consider the expenses of packaging material and manpower. It is also important to consider international freight shipping rates when packaging goods. Packaging the goods well and booking shipping containers accordingly will help you save money. Palleting, shrink wrapping, and stacking your goods efficiently will give you a better understanding of your shipping container requirements. Based on the size of your shipment you can choose to book an LCL (Less than container Load) or FCL( Full Container Load) in a shipping container. Another way to manage the costs without compromising on quality is to reduce single-use packaging and encourage sustainable packaging material.