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Packaging Tips

Packaging Tips

Carrier train their drivers to deliver confidence with claim-free shipping based on proper use of equipment, close adherence to procedures, and a personal commitment to your complete satisfaction.

How you prepare your shipments for transit is VERY important. Depending on what you are shipping, here are tips to help avoid damage:

Outer packaging

• Match your outer packaging to the nature of the contents. Wood crates provide the best protection for breakable items or very heavy, dense items. Sturdy corrugated cardboard is appropriate for most other shipments. Thin cardboard and repurposed old boxes rarely provide the necessary protection.
• Match your outer packaging to the size of the contents. Too big, and contents can move around and break. Too small and your shipment will not be properly protected.
• Securely seal the outer packaging with reinforced tape to help keep contents intact.

Packing materials

• Use sufficient packing materials around and between items to keep them from shifting inside the outer packaging.
• Consider using an inner box, surrounded by cushioning materials--a good rule of thumb is three inches on each side--for added protection.
• Reinforce corners and edges to keep them from bending or tearing.
• Select packing materials based on the contents--corrugated fiberboard, molded plastic, shredded paper, bubble wrap and packing peanuts are good options.

Palletizing shipments

• Build a cube: align the vertical edges of multiple cartons and maintain a flat, level top surface.
• Ensure the pallet is in good condition and larger than the cargo sitting on it.
• Use shrink or stretch wrap to keep multiple items together. Depending on the thickness of the wrap multiple layers may be necessary.
• Secure shipments to pallets with bands, tie downs, ratchet straps or rope.
  

Chemicals and hazardous materials have special shipping needs. Call us at 1-888-399-0162 for quick, easy access to professionals trained in hazardous materials and incident prevention.

Remember, our customer service representatives are here to help. They can answer your questions when in doubt on the best way to prepare a particular shipment for transit.