Packing and marking
Packing is an important part of shipping. Goods for export are to be properly packed. Cargo packaging is aimed to protect your goods and keep valuable content from any negative effect and damage. When the product arrives with the same quality and appearance — it’s not a surprise, it is the norm. Improper packaging leads to goods damage and results in financial losses.
Packing can be external and internal ones, in which the goods are sold. There are a lot of package types, for example pallets, cartons, bubble wrap, corrugated cardboard, stretch wrap, packaging tape, wooden frame.
Consumer goods packing has a double function. On the one hand, it ensures that the goods or products are totally protected in transit. On the other – it helps to advertise a product and attract a customer. So, never underestimate the value of proper and adequate packaging.
Labeling and packaging of goods is an important condition which guarantees that your cargo will be delivered safely and securely. Because of the use of the correct type of packaging for certain type of cargo and considered marking, warehouse workers will be able to understand how to deal with the cargo without damaging the contents. With skilled labeling and packaging of goods, your cargo will remain intact, and safely reach its destination.
Marking is the application of informational symbols, special signs, labels, tags and other marks on products, packaging or containers. These symbols are internationally accepted standards, expressed in an intuitive visual form.
Goals of cargo marking:
- Information about the contents of the package
- Minimizing risk of cargo damage
- Recommendations for careful handling during loading, unloading, unpacking, transport and storage
- Proper marking speeds up delivery of the goods to their destination
The marking of import cargo should include information about the goods in English, but in any case, it is highly recommended to confirm marking with logistics company. All cases, which need special handling, must have additional marking. For example, «handle with care», «top», «do not turn over», «do not use hooks» and others.
Please also read other articles in this section:
How to Calculate CBM for a Sea Shipment and Air Shipment
CBM (or cubic meter) is the standard size that international sea shippers use to calculate how much to charge for cargo that is less than a container load (LCL). A CBM is defined as 1 meter high, wide and deep. You calculate it by multiplying the three dimensions of a box, crate or pallet in metric units. For example, a box that is 0.6 m high by 0.4 m wide by 1 m deep is 0.24 CBM. A CBM is approximately 35 cubic feet.
As for air cargo, air carrier usually charge the rate for kilo. And in order to avoid the situation, where light cargo can be charged less, volume weight can be applied. The formula for calculation is like this: Width (CM) X Height (CM) X Depth (CM) / 6000 = volume weight. So if the cargo is light, and 1 CBM for example is less than 166 kilo, it will be charged the rate for 166 kilos by air carrier anyway.
