Cartons | Pallets | Unusual Freight
Documentation & Labelling | Cubic & Dead Weight
The following guidelines will provide customers with some helpful hints for the packaging and preparation of consignments for transportation.
We strongly recommend that all customers seek professional assistance when determining their packaging requirements, to minimise the risk of damage to their product.
Cartons
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Cartons must be self-supporting and be able to stand up to load bearing and inertia forces during transit. Where possible use corrugated cartons with their flaps in tact.
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When packing products into cartons always ensure there is no void or empty space to prevent compression of the carton.
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Single, twin and triple walled corrugated cartons are available, with the flute type and thickness directly related to the support, strength and load bearing capabilities of the packaging.
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For heavy items over 30kg it is important that the cartons are stitched or stapled and not glued, to avoid seam splitting of the carton. It is also worth noting that heavy cartons may need mechanical handling so it is recommended that they be secured to a small skid to avoid damage during this process.
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All cartons must be sealed with reinforced tape. For heavy cartons, plastic or filament strapping is an additional requirement.
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Always use cartons in good condition. Recycled cartons lose their support and load bearing capabilities very quickly and do not always provide adequate protection for the contents.
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The weight of each carton should be within a suitable O H & W S guideline to prevent injury to personnel when handling the cartons.
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A variety of products are available to provide internal cushioning for fragile items. These will minimise the potential for damage and are designed to ensure the carton meets a minimum drop test requirement.
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Filler/cushioning products are essential to minimise the potential risk of damage and in providing extra support for the contents of a carton. The following fillers/cushioners should be used as appropriate to adequately protect the contents of the package from impact, drop and load bearing forces (Bubble Wrap, Paper, Foams & Styrene, Flow Pak, Cell Air Products, Fibreboard/Corrugated Supports, Plastics etc).
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Use pallets, which are in good condition and strong enough to support and secure the product to.
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Do not overload a pallet with either excess weight, height or volume as this can lead to the pallet load moving or collapsing.
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Consider using masonite sheets or similar product on the top of the pallet to provide extra protection from other freight that may be stowed on top during transit.
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Always secure your product to the pallet to prevent movement and slippage in transit.
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When stacking cartons onto pallets always ensure they are packed tight and tie stacked from layer to layer. Where possible avoid any overhang as this can lead to the freight being exposed to potential damage from other freight during transit.
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Where possible always protect the product with some form of outer packaging (e.g. cardboard, fibreboard, bubble wrap, plastic products, polyfoam, heat shrink plastic etc) to prevent rubbing, scratching, denting or marking to the product.
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Banding or filament strapping is recommended for any heavy items to safely secure them to the pallet.
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Stretch wrap should be used where possible as both a protective cover and as a securing mechanism for the product on the pallet. Stretch wrap is available in a variety of thickness, so it is important to use the appropriate material depending on the type of product and its weight.
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When applying stretch wrap always tie the end to the pallet base to avoid slippage and to provide a secure point of tension.
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During the wrapping process always pre-stretch the plastic to approx 50-60% of its length on each side and always start from the bottom of the pallet base with one layer up and one layer down as a minimum requirement. For heavy items additional layers should be applied.
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Where possible use fragile or top load only stickers to help us identify and determine the best means of safely stowing your freight.
Click here to view Pallet Options.
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When conventional packaging with cartons and pallets is not feasible it is strongly recommended that alternative packaging methods are used to ensure safe handling and stowage during transit.
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For over length items it is essential that the product is secured safely to a base to facilitate mechanical loading/unloading with our forklifts.
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Machinery and equipment items should likewise be fully crated and bolted down to provide adequate protection for the product, with the appropriate provision for forklift handling.
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For unusually shaped items it is a minimum requirement that the product be fully secured and strapped to a pallet or base to minimise the risk of damage and to provide safe handling for personnel during the loading, stowage and unloading processes.
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With unusually shaped items never attempt to over load the skid or base.
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Where the centre of balance of the product is to the left, right or high of centre please note this clearly on the packaging to assist our forklift drivers during loading and unloading of your freight.
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Where possible use fragile or top load only stickers to help us identify and determine the best means of safely stowing your freight.
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Items that cannot be lifted by a forklift should be clearly marked in bold writing with the appropriate lifting instructions. This information should also be noted on the consignment note.
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Where specialised lifting equipment is required the instructions or requirements should be conveyed in advanced to ensure appropriate arrangements are made. Please note that such provisions may incur additional costs.
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