In order to properly package goods for air freight, you must have a solid understanding of the product and distribution ecosystem. You must also understand packaging materials and have the patience it takes to ship your goods properly. Understanding and following these pointers will help you ensure your goods remain damage-free while in transit.
Understand the Hazards of Air Freight
First, you must understand the hazards involved in shipping goods internationally via air freight:
Punctures and Abrasions
These can occur when the product shifts or has insufficient internal packaging.
Compression
Stacking, shock, vibration, or tie-down straps all generate compressive forces that can cause product damage.
Shipment Handling
Proper packaging must be able to protect the contents from the drops and impacts that are common with handling operations.
All of these hazards can be minimized with proper packaging and preparation before shipping your goods via air freight. Here are a few ways to accomplish that.
Packing Materials Perfect for Air Freight Shipments
Using Corrugated Fiberboard Boxes
Commonly mislabeled as cardboard cartons or boxes, corrugated fiberboard (CFB) is the most commonly used shipping container. However, many people are unaware of the package’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Greatest Point of Compression: The greatest point of compression on the box is within 1 inch of the edges created by two adjacent panels.
- Degradation Over Time: CFB can degrade over time, losing up to 50% of its strength within 6 months. High humidity (90%) can weaken CFB packaging by as much as 60%. These often aren’t strong enough to be reused and should be treated as single-use packages.
Wood Packaging for Air Freight
Crafting your shipment for air freight with wood can help protect your goods, allowing for damage-free transit if done properly. Here are some do’s and don’ts of packaging with wood:
- Interlocking Corners: Always use interlocking corners on wooden crates.
- Fasteners Placement: Don’t put fasteners into the end grain of wood; place them in the side or edge grain of your container. Fastener resistance can be reduced by 35% when placed in the end grain.
- Knots: Knots should not be larger than 30% of the surface area they appear in, and fasteners should not be placed in knots.
- Bracing: Use diagonal braces on each panel to increase strength.
Air Freight Pallets
Pallets are commonly made out of either wood or plastic. They make moving packages more efficient by assisting in the consolidation and handling of packages. Using pallets also allows shipments to be moved without direct contact with packages, reducing exposure to damage. Here are some important notes about air freight pallets:
- Size: Pallets should be large enough to accommodate shipments without overhang.
- Condition: Broken pallets should not be used, and protruding fasteners should be removed before packages are placed on the pallet.
- Load Capacity: Pallets on any shipment are required to have a floor-bearing load of more than 100 lbs per square foot. Know the rated capacity of your pallet and never exceed it.
Best Practices for Safe Air Freight Shipments
Following these general best standards will keep your international shipments safe and secure while using air freight. It’s a good idea to properly cushion goods to reduce the effect of shock. Here are additional tips:
- Minimize Movement: Pack items closely together to prevent movement.
- Heavy Items on the Bottom: This helps stabilize the shipment.
- Fill Capacity: If the container cannot be filled to capacity, use cushioning packing material to fill excess space.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure your goods arrive at their destination in perfect condition. Proper packaging is crucial in protecting your shipment from the various hazards of air freight.