Approved packing procedures help reduce damage

WHEN PACKING a freight container one should remember that the container is an extension of the product's own packaging. As such it is there to protect the goods as well as transport them, says Stephane Sakoschek, marketing and communications manager of Bureau Veritas.
It is therefore essential that the containers are packed in such a way that they protect the cargo against damage, he says.
In a good packing operation, the nature of the goods, possible regulations, the container characteristics and the accepted professional standards should be taken into account.
With this in mind, he says that documenting and implementing procedures have a number of advantages. These ensure reduced damage to the cargo and faster packing and unpacking. Adhering to approved packing procedures also helps with insurance claims for damaged products.
Sakoschek says that for freight that is for the most part the same size and weight (homogeneous), the packages should be distributed evenly over the entire floor space. If the load does not entirely fill the container, it should at least be packed so that the fill height is even throughout the container.
If an open space cannot be avoided, it is preferable to keep the space for the centre where wedging is easier.
For freight that is not homogeneous, lashing is imperative to ensure that the cargo doesn't shift. The heaviest item should be placed in the centre of the container. For numerous heavy items, these can be distributed on either side of the axes.
First impressions count, and by ensuring that containers are correctly packed your client's first impression of your product is a positive one.
At Bureau Veritas, with our experience in container design review, maintenance surveys and involvement in international trade, we assist exporters and suppliers in the drafting of packing procedures and in ensuring that suppliers adhere to these procedures.