What to pay attention to before shipping anything?
- Make sure the parcels or goods do not protrude over the edges of the pallet.
- Attach address labels in the top right corner of the long side of each pallet or parcel (on two sides and not on the top).
- Always secure the shipment to the pallet, e.g. with stretch film or straps.
- Use ‘do not stack’ cones and ‘fragile’ stickers if pallets are not stackable.
- Make sure that the contents of the shipment cannot move inside the packaging.
- Attach any special handling instructions in a visible place.
- Seal the package tightly so that it cannot open during transport.
- Prevent damage to pallet consignments during transport by properly reinforcing the edges. Use edge protectors or corner profiles for this purpose. For heavy work, steel or plastic strapping is available. This is not intended for bundling parcels, but rather for reinforcing heavy parcels or pallets.
How to fill the empty space in a package?
Filling paper: With cramps or strands, you fix the contents of the box. With paper buffer blocks, you do the same without filling all the space in the box.
Air cushions: There are various air-filled films that fix the contents of the shipment. A big advantage is the extremely low weight, which prevents the shipment from becoming unnecessarily heavy.
Foam bags: These contain PUR foam that perfectly fills empty spaces when used. This shock-absorbent packaging material ensures that goods are packed quickly and securely in the box.
Still damage to a shipment?
If a package is broken, the consignment is visibly incomplete or damage to the load is noticeable, this must be noted on the waybill when the goods are received.
If, after delivery, damage to the cargo is apparent, this must be reported to us in writing as soon as possible. In all cases, (detailed) photos of the packaging(s) and damage(s) must be taken immediately.
CMR legislation prescribes an immediate reporting obligation for visible damage and a 7-day reporting period for non-immediately visible damage.
It is advisable to proactively inform your customers to visually inspect the shipment upon receipt of the goods and make a note on the waybill or packing note in case of visible damage.
Advice to take out additional insurance
As the legal CMR conditions are often not sufficient, we recommend taking out additional all-risk insurance. The transport insurance page explains what is legally regulated and what financial risks you run in the event of damage.
Questions about packaging and shipping? Get in touch with us.
Get in touch with our staff and enquire about tailor-made packaging advice for your transport. Based on the product you want to ship, they will advise your company directly based on our years of experience in the transport industry.