2015 checklist for packaging and shipping

Packaging, crating and shipping to your customer once your project is completed is often an afterthought rather than a proactive effort.   Many are surprised at the issues that come up when shipping a product.  Packnet has blogged on many of the issues that can suddenly turn a great project into a disaster or siphon off hard earned profits with excess shipping cost or product damage.

Here is our 2015 check list for shipping, packaging and crating for both US and international shipments.

• Crate or container size: For overseas or air shipments, a container being just an inch too large can eliminate some of aircraft options because of cargo door size and result in much more cost than needed. Read this Packnet post.  In 2015 Fed EX and UPS will charge based on size of package as well as weight.  It’s called charging by dimensional weight and shippers who are in the habit of putting small products in large boxes and filling the space with airbags are in for some added costs.   Read this post.
• ISPM15: If you are shipping product internationally, the wood crate needs to be ISPM15 compliant.  That means that it must have an official ISPM stamp that is visible from two opposite sides of the container.  Treated lumber is not adequate.  The rules are always being updated so one needs to be up on the latest.  See our latest post on ISPM15
• Documentation and Labeling: Crating must have the correct labeling when going through customs.
• Package Monitoring: You may wish to consider using shipping and handling monitors for products that are sensitive to shock, vibration, temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure.  Trying to figure out who is at fault when the damage product arrives can be a nightmare.  More information on shipping and handling indicators and monitors.
• Corrosion Protection: We have seen many Cortec case studies where the shipment to the customer had some corrosion and Cortec came to the rescue with the proper solution.  We think it would be wise to consider this before the first shipment rather than waiting for the customer to complain. More info on corrosion protection.
• ESD: Many products are ESD sensitive and just because they are in a shipping container doesn’t mean that there is no threat from electrostatic discharges.   Read our latest post on ESD and packaging.
• Adequate Cushioning: You might be surprised how much shock and vibration a package will experience during shipping.  Foam cushioning is a common solution but choosing the right foam is critical.  See our blog on why all foam is not equal.

The above are just a few of the considerations for packaging solutions.  We think that you don’t need that long of a check list if just one item is on it.

• Contact Packnet for a custom packaging solution, at 952-944-9124 or go to www.packnetltd.com.