Types of Cargo Packaging: Features and Purpose

In air, sea, rail, and road transportation, cargo safety comes first. Packaging is not just a formality but an important aspect when planning transportation. The risk of mechanical damage, moisture exposure, and sunlight is always relevant: we share information on what is important to consider when choosing.

Main Types of Transport Packaging and Their Role

First of all, the choice depends on the characteristics of the product: weight, dimensions, fragility, and value. Logistics specialists also take into account common risks during transportation — whether it is increased humidity for sea shipping or strong vibrations for road transport. It is worth mentioning that in logistics there is a distinction between the concepts:

Container — this is a container for placing products, for example a container or a wooden crate.

Containers are classified by many parameters: disposable/reusable, individual/group, small-size/large-size, collapsible/non-collapsible, and others. Today we are talking about transport containers — those intended for packaging, storage, and logistics.

Packaging — this is a set of means used to protect cargo; it includes containers, materials, and preservation methods.

For convenience, we will use the word “packaging” in a broad sense, meaning it includes both containers and additional protection means, as is common in international terminology. The most popular solutions are:

1. Cardboard boxes made of corrugated cardboard. Suitable for various general cargo. Combined with bubble wrap and air cushions, they protect the contents well, providing cushioning during shaking.
2. Crates (wooden, metal, plastic). Such containers are very convenient for stacking in several tiers in warehouses.
3. Crating. This is a rigid wooden frame made according to the specific dimensions of the cargo. Most often used for transporting equipment, plumbing, and furniture.
4. Pallets — the foundation of modern logistics. Large cargo units are formed on pallets, which can be easily moved with a forklift. Stretch film enhances palletization because it protects the contents from dust and moisture and provides stability.

Useful to know: in logistics, cargo formed on a pallet is called a cargo unit. During transportation, storage, and handling it is processed as a single whole. A cargo unit can also be a big bag or a crate.

• Pallet collar. Unlike a regular crate, its walls are adjustable in height. It also has rigid walls and a lid, which makes it ideal for fragile and individual goods.

Packaging is responsible not only for safety. Its main functions are:

• protection against damage: cracks, chips, and deformation caused by impacts and vibrations;
• barrier from dust, moisture, temperature fluctuations, and ultraviolet radiation;
• minimization of risks of spoilage or theft;
• logistics efficiency: loading becomes faster due to standard sizes and fastening methods;
• space saving during stacking, which reduces delivery costs.

Logistics specialists can offer different types of cargo packaging, but it is important to remember that packaging adds both volume and weight. It is necessary to maintain a balance between safety and price so as not to overpay for international logistics services.

Rigid and Soft Packaging

All types of product packaging can be divided into two large groups — rigid and soft.

Rigid

Such containers ensure shape preservation and protect against compression. This group includes:

• wooden and metal crates;
• crating;
• pallets;
• plastic containers (used in the food and pharmaceutical industries);
• barrels and kegs for liquids.

Drums are used for transporting paste-like goods, and cylinders are used for gases.

Soft

It protects the contents from scratches, moisture, and dust. This category includes:

• stretch film — a universal material for fixing cargo on pallets;
• bags (fabric or paper);
  
• big bags — huge bags with loops for lifting with a crane;
  
• shrink film — tightly wraps cargo with complex shapes and provides good sealing.

Soft packaging alone cannot protect cargo from strong mechanical damage. The same big bags can be placed on pallets, and bags can be covered with a wooden crate.

Additional Protective Materials for Cargo Safety

During long-distance transportation, it is rarely limited to just one layer; various materials are added:

1. Bubble wrap cushions impacts and vibrations inside boxes and crates.
2. Vacuum bags protect contents well from moisture and allow products to be packed tightly without excess air.
3. Silica gel — a moisture-absorbing agent.
4. Pressed cardboard corners — for the edges of complex-shaped cargo such as furniture or equipment.
5. Airpack — a polyethylene cushion filled with air used to fill empty space inside a box.

Combining materials is a form of insurance in case the main container is damaged. For goods, the “cocoon principle” is used, meaning multilayer protection. The container must also correspond to the methods of fastening in a truck body or container.

Packaging Requirements for International Transportation

When crossing borders, requirements become stricter. Packaging and containers are regulated by international standards, and ignoring them may lead to customs delays, fines, or cargo return. What you need to know:

1. Phytosanitary treatment for wooden containers: crates, pallets, and crating.
2. Marking — a key element for identification and handling. The container must contain information about the type of goods, the recipient, the destination, and the dimensions. Additional marks such as “Fragile”, “Keep Dry”, and others indicate the correct handling method for specific cargo.
3. Certification of dangerous goods — markings with the UN number and visual hazard labels are mandatory.
4. Accessibility for customs inspection without completely destroying the packaging.

DiFFreight offers a repackaging service at our warehouse in China. If the supplier has not prepared the goods for transportation, we will select the optimal packaging type to ensure safety at all stages of logistics.

The cost of quality packaging is always lower than the losses from damaged goods. For import/export, it is important to consider not only the type of product and the method of transportation but also international requirements. Not sure which type of packaging to choose to save money? Contact us: DiFFreight logistics experts will recommend the best options.