Whenever you are dealing with international shipping of goods, there are several important considerations to make. One of the most crucial decisions is how you will ship your goods: will you use a pallet or a crate to protect your shipment from damage?

Crates: Ideal for Fragile Items

Crates are perfect for shipping fragile items. When special care is taken to avoid damage during transit, they can be superior to pallets for more delicate goods. While freight crating can protect your goods to a certain extent, additional steps can be taken to ensure your shipment’s safety:

• Wrap Fragile Items Separately: Items like glass or electronics should be individually wrapped.
• Separate Fragile and Non-Fragile Items: Keeping these items separate will minimize damage during transit.
• Pack Crates Fully: This minimizes the room for items to shift during transit.

Using crates for international shipments provides a safe and flexible option for shipping fragile items. Crates are available to accommodate both standard and non-standard freight dimensions, continuing to protect fragile goods effectively.

Tips for Using Crates

1. Minimize Movement: Pack items closely together to prevent movement.
2. Place Heavier Items on the Bottom: This helps stabilize the crate.
3. Fill Crates to Capacity: If this isn’t possible, use cushioning packing material to fill excess space.

Pallets: Efficient and Cost-Effective

Pallets became popular during the industrial boom of the early 20th century and continue to be a staple in modern materials handling strategy. They provide several benefits that enhance the efficiency of material handling in the export industry.

Benefits of Using Pallets

1. Quicker Turnaround: Pallets speed up the loading and unloading process, increasing the operational efficiency of transport equipment.
2. Reduced Labor Costs: Palletized goods require less manual handling, significantly reducing labor costs.
3. Protection of Goods: Less manual handling reduces product damage.
4. Efficient Storage: Pallets allow for more efficient movement and storage in warehouses, making them cost-effective for long-term storage situations.

Conclusion

Choosing the right shipping method for your goods is critical in ensuring they arrive safely and efficiently at their destination. Crates offer superior protection for fragile items, while pallets enhance efficiency and are cost-effective for long-term storage. Understanding the benefits and best practices for both options will help you make an informed decision for your international shipping needs. For any additional questions or to get started with your shipment, contact World Cargo today!