Cargo packaging

People often focus on freight rates, tariff policies, and geopolitical impacts, yet rarely turn their attention to cargo packaging—such as cardboard boxes, wooden crates, and pallets. According to statistics from the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), global cargo losses due to improper packaging exceed $50 billion annually, with 65% of these losses preventable through standardized packaging design and handling practices.

For export enterprises, cargo packaging is not merely a cost factor; it is a reflection of cargo safety, regulatory compliance, and brand reputation.

Functions of Cargo Packaging

Protection: Guards against impact, vibration, compression, moisture, environmental fluctuations, theft, and pest infestation, ensuring the goods remain intact from seller to buyer.

Unitization: Consolidates goods into standard handling units (e.g., pallets, containers) to reduce labor costs and improve handling efficiency.

Convenience: Facilitates transportation, warehousing, and loading/unloading; compatible with forklifts, pallet racking, and automated logistics systems.

Information Transmission: Conveys critical data—such as weight and destination—via shipping marks, labels, and other indicators.

Three Levels of Packaging

Primary Packaging (Inner Packaging): Comes into direct contact with the product (e.g., anti-static bags, vacuum-sealed bags). Product compatibility must be considered.

Secondary Packaging (Intermediate Packaging): Commonly corrugated cardboard boxes or plastic totes; serves as the primary means of protection during transport.

Tertiary Packaging (Transport/Outer Packaging): Commonly pallets with stretch wrap, wooden crates, or shipping containers; primarily facilitates mechanized loading/unloading and protects bulk shipments.

Cargo Packaging Type

Corrugated Cardboard Boxes

This is the most widely used form of packaging for domestic transport; its core structure consists of an outer liner, an inner liner, and a middle layer of wavy corrugated paper bonded together.

Corrugated Board Classification

A-flute: Flute height 4.5–5 mm; approx. 34 flutes per meter (±2)

B-flute: Flute height 2.5–3 mm; approx. 50 flutes per meter (±2)

C-flute: Flute height 3.5–4 mm; approx. 38 flutes per meter (±2)

E-flute: Flute height 1.1–2 mm; approx. 96 flutes per meter (±4)

BC-flute: Flute height approx. 6.5 mm

Single-wall vs. Double-wall vs. Triple-wall Corrugated Board

Single-wall corrugated board (5-layer structure) is commonly used for short-distance domestic transport. For international ocean freight, double-wall corrugated board (7-layer structure) is the standard due to high humidity, long transit times, and rigorous stacking requirements. For cargo exceeding 25 kg that must withstand stacking three pallets high, the use of triple-wall corrugated board (9-layer structure) or wooden crates should be considered

Wooden Packaging

Wooden packaging—including wooden crates, pallets, and frame crates—is a primary packaging method for heavy and non-standard cargo. It is customizable and reusable, though it must comply with ISPM 15 quarantine requirements.

Main Types of Wooden Packaging

Closed Wooden Crate: A fully enclosed structure offering excellent protection; suitable for valuable goods and items requiring dust and moisture resistance.

Slatted/Frame Crate: A structure with gaps between slats; suitable for large machinery that is not sensitive to dust.

Plywood Case: Made from engineered wood; exempt from ISPM 15 regulations (as the manufacturing process eliminates harmful pests).

Wooden Pallet: The most common unit-load carrier. Standard sizes include 1200×1000mm (common in Europe and China), 1200×800mm (EUR standard), 1100×1100mm (Japanese/Korean standard), and 48×40 inches (US standard).

Skid Box: Features a skid-base structure to facilitate forklift handling; suitable for heavy cargo.

Industrial equipment exported from China to the UAE requires appropriate protective packaging, particularly for machinery used in oil and gas, marine, and industrial applications. For example, a plate heat exchanger UAE project involving a GEA VT04 compatible unit highlights the importance of pre-shipment inspection, secure wooden crate packaging, and careful handling to protect industrial equipment during international transportation.

Metal Packaging

Metal packaging offers high strength and safety; common types include steel drums and aluminum containers. It is suitable for sensitive goods such as liquids, chemicals, powders, and hazardous materials.

Plastic Packaging

Plastic packaging is a popular choice due to its balance of cost-effectiveness and safety. It is highly durable, with a service life of 5–10 years.

Bulk Bags (FIBC / Ton Bags)

These are large-capacity, flexible transport containers typically designed to hold 500–2,000 kg of cargo. Suitable for granular and powdered bulk materials, they offer low packaging costs and high loading/unloading efficiency, as they can be lifted by cranes or forklifts. However, they are susceptible to punctures and offer poor moisture resistance.

Cargo Packaging Services

When purchasing goods from China, you need to ensure they meet international shipping packaging standards. You can consult a Chinese freight forwarder like Viputrans regarding proper packaging requirements, as suppliers typically do not provide additional packaging services.

Viputrans offers packaging services for your shipments from China that comply with international standards for sea, rail, air, and road transport. We are not only a freight forwarder but also a specialist in air cargo packaging. We operate warehouses that provide services such as repacking, storage, and reinforcement. We handle a wide range of products, including fragile items, oversized cargo, batteries, and liquids. Our professional packaging ensures the safe delivery of your goods.

Packaging for Dangerous Goods

The packaging of dangerous goods—such as chemicals, lithium batteries, aerosols, and corrosive materials—is subject to the strictest international regulations. Specific rules established by the UN apply to various modes of transport:

Sea Transport: IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code). Established by the IMO, it applies to all dangerous goods transported by sea and is revised every two years.

Air Transport: IATA DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations). Established by IATA, these rules are stricter than those for sea transport and are updated annually.

Road and Rail Transport: ADR/RID (Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road / Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail). These apply to overland transport in Europe.