Goods travelling by sea spend weeks in a steel container that moves through heat, cold, humidity, and rough handling. Packaging that works perfectly for local delivery may fail badly on an export journey. Good export packaging protects your goods, your buyer relationship, and your insurance claims.
What Export Packaging Must Withstand
- Stacking pressure: cartons at the bottom of a container carry the weight of everything above
- Handling: forklifts, cranes, and manual handling at several points
- Vibration and movement during road, rail, and sea transport
- Humidity and condensation: container "rain" as temperatures change
- Temperature swings between origin, sea, and destination
Choose the Right Cartons
- Use corrugated cartons with enough strength for the stacking height — double or triple wall for heavy goods
- Fill empty space inside cartons so contents cannot move
- Keep carton weights manageable — very heavy cartons are more likely to be dropped
- Standardise carton sizes to fit pallets and containers efficiently
Protect Against Moisture
Condensation is one of the most common causes of cargo damage in sea freight.
- Use desiccant bags or strips in containers
- Use moisture-resistant inner packaging — polybags for garments and textiles, sealed liners for food
- Keep goods dry before packing; moist goods create humidity in the container
- Avoid loading wet pallets or packaging
- Consider moisture-resistant coatings for cartons on long routes
Palletisation
Pallets make handling faster and reduce damage:
- Stack cartons in a stable pattern without overhang
- Secure with stretch wrap and corner boards
- Use strapping for heavy loads
- Make sure wooden pallets comply with ISPM 15 — see fumigation certificate
For FCL shipments, some exporters floor-load cartons to maximise space. That saves freight but increases handling time at destination — check with your buyer.
💡 Do a drop test
Before your first export shipment, pack a carton as you plan to ship it and drop it from knee height onto each corner and face. If the contents survive, your packaging is probably adequate. If not, fix it now, not after a claim.
Loading the Container
- Distribute weight evenly, with heavy goods at the bottom
- Fill gaps using airbags, dunnage, or bracing to stop movement
- Do not exceed the container's weight limits — and remember road weight limits for inland transport
- Photograph the loading process and the sealed container — useful evidence for claims
Shipping Marks
Each carton needs clear, consistent marks:
- Consignee name or code
- Destination port or place
- Order or reference number
- Carton number (for example 15/120)
- Gross and net weight, and dimensions where required
- Country of origin, if required
- Handling symbols — "This way up", "Fragile", "Keep dry"
Marks must match the packing list. Follow the buyer's marking instructions exactly.
Product-Specific Tips
- Textiles and garments: polybags, folded to buyer specifications, with moisture protection
- Leather goods: breathable packaging and moisture control to prevent mould
- Surgical instruments: rust prevention (for example VCI paper) and individual protection
- Furniture: corner protection, blanket wrapping, and bracing
- Marble and stone: strong wooden crates (ISPM 15 compliant), with separators to prevent chipping
- Food products: food-grade packaging, sealing, and labelling compliant with destination rules
Packaging and Insurance
Insurers may reject claims when damage results from inadequate packaging. Good packaging is part of your insurance protection. See cargo insurance guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best packaging for export?
The best packaging depends on the product, but generally means strong corrugated cartons, internal protection, moisture control, stable palletisation, and ISPM 15-compliant wooden packaging where wood is used.
How do I prevent moisture damage in containers?
Use desiccants, moisture-resistant inner packaging, dry goods and packaging before loading, and avoid wet pallets. Condensation control is especially important on long sea routes.
Do I need to palletise export shipments?
Not always. Palletising makes handling easier and reduces damage, but floor-loading can maximise container space. Check your buyer's preference and handling capabilities.
Want an Experienced Hand on Your Next Shipment?
From quotations and Incoterms to documentation and payment terms, Hexaco Global helps exporters get the details right the first time. Tell us what you are shipping — we reply within 24 hours.
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