When shipping with a forwarding company, it is important that all goods are well packaged. This applies both to goods that are shipped on a pallet and to goods that are transported in boxes.
- How do I package my goods for pallet shipping?
- How can I fix my goods on a pallet?
- Does it matter whether I use a one-way- or a Euro pallet?
- How do I package my goods without a pallet?
- Is bubble wrap sufficient for transport-safe packaging?
- How is a bicycle packaged as safely as possible?
- What is the difference between transport packaging and sales packaging?
- Where can I get packaging material?
Especially when shipping pallets and cardboard boxes in groupage freight, transport damages can occur. Your goods do not remain on the same truck during transport, but are transshipped several times. Inadequately packaged goods may be damaged entirely or partially in the process.
How do I package my goods for pallet shipping?
To avoid transport damage, goods that are shipped on a pallet should be optimally packaged.
As a first step, make sure that the goods do not protrude beyond the edge of the pallet. If in doubt, choose a slightly larger pallet.
Free-standing objects should be wrapped with bubble wrap and additionally protected with edge protectors and cardboard, polystyrene or similar. Optimally, you should transport free-standing items in a closed box.
Goods that are transported inside a cardboard box on a pallet should be additionally stabilised inside the box to prevent them from slipping. Packaging chips, polystyrene, cardboard or newspaper are suitable for this purpose.
For additional protection, we recommend placing a pallet cap on the packaged goods. This indicates that the shipment cannot not be stacked during the shipping process.
Why do goods weighing more than 30 kg have to be shipped on a pallet?
If your goods weigh more than 30 kg, they must be shipped on a pallet. The reason is that the pallet must be accessible from underneath. On a pallet, your goods can easily be loaded with a pallet jack, a forklift or other aids.
How can I fix my goods on a pallet?
In addition to the correct packaging of your goods, it is also very important to tie down your goods on the pallet. Your goods should be fixed centrally on the pallet with tension belts or lashing straps so that the goods cannot slip on the pallet.
For this purpose, the lashing straps or tie-down straps should be attached to both the long side and the short side.
Attention: Fixing the goods with a stretch film is not sufficient.
|
On the edges of your goods that touch the tensioning straps, it may make sense to attach an extra thick edge protector to avoid cutting into your goods. You can see how to attach your goods to a pallet in the following illustration. |
 |
Why do I need to lash my goods to the pallet?
For the safety of your goods, but also the entire transport, it is very important that your goods are securely and firmly fixed on the pallet.
If your goods come loose, the risk of damage to your goods, but also to the other goods on the loading area, increases.
Does it matter whether I use a one-way- or a Euro pallet?
Both one-way pallets and Euro pallets can be transported.
Please note that Euro pallets are exchanged at collection and delivery, as the Euro pallet is an exchangeable pallet.
Info: There is no pallet exchange when shipping to private customers.
If you do not wish the pallet to be exchanged, please select the packaging type "one-way pallet" during the booking process, even if you are using a Euro pallet.
How do I package my goods without a pallet?
You do not necessarily have to ship a package that weighs less than 30 kg on a pallet. In this case, it is recommended to pack the goods in a cardboard box.
You should ensure that the goods in the box are well padded and that the empty space is filled with filling materials such as polystyrene, foam or packaging chips. In addition, we recommend that you completely wrap the goods packed in the box with bubble wrap.
Finally, make sure that the entire packaging is fixed with a suitable adhesive tape.
If it is not possible to pack the goods in a cardboard box, make sure to wrap the package completely with bubble wrap and then with cardboard packaging. Particularly sensitive corners and edges should be additionally protected with an edge protector or polystyrene.
Is bubble wrap sufficient for transport-safe packaging?
The mere packaging of goods with bubble wrap is not considered transport-safe packaging. This applies both to goods that are sent without a pallet and to goods that are sent on a pallet. In order to ensure transport-safe packaging, it is always necessary to additionally pack the goods in a cardboard box or to stick cardboard packaging to the goods.
How is a bicycle packaged as safely as possible?
Bicycles and e-bikes are diligently shipped by our customers. To minimise the risks during shipping, secure packaging for the bicycle is necessary.
We recommend using a bicycle box for shipping bicycles. You can either buy bicycle boxes or ask for them in bicycle shops. Bicycle shops receive bicycles every day and are happy to give away delivery boxes.
To ensure that the bicycle fits into the bicycle box as well as possible, we recommend the following steps:
- Slightly tighten the screws on the bicycle handlebars and then adjust the handlebars crosswise
- Dismantle the pedals and secure them to the bike with a tear-proof bag
- Pad the bike with for example polystyrene or foam to minimise movement in the box
- Finally, close and fix the entire package with a suitable adhesive tape
What are the particularities of e-bike shipping?
When shipping e-bikes, the same tips apply as when shipping normal bicycles.
In the case of an e-bike, it must also be ensured that the battery is either firmly mounted on the bicycle or attached to it.
Note: The battery must never come loose or lie loose in the bicycle box during transport, as this would make it a transport of dangerous goods. If the battery is firmly mounted or fixed, it is a normal shipment and you do not need to pay any further attention to this regard.
What is the difference between transport packaging and sales packaging?
One problem we are often confronted with is the use of sales packaging as transport packaging for shipments.
For example, the packaging in which you buy a TV in a retail shop is not the packaging in which the TV was transported to the shop.
For safe transports with a forwarding company, the sales packaging must be further packaged.
Polystyrene or bubble wrap is suitable, which should be wrapped with edge protection and additional cardboard.
Where can I get packaging material?
You can get packaging material and pallets in different ways. The easiest way to obtain packaging material is via your local hardware store or specialist shops on the internet.
We recommend purchasing your pallets and packaging materials from our partner ratioform. You will be able to receive a large selection of one-way and Euro pallets in different sizes as well as various filling and padding materials.