What you need to know about packaging cargo for international transport

Given the rapidly growing popularity and demand for international shipping, it's worth noting the importance of cargo packaging. Transporting goods that haven't undergone this procedure is risky and not always possible. Of course, there are some products that can easily be shipped without additional packaging, and this method of transportation is legally permitted. However, the majority of goods transported between countries must be placed in appropriate packaging.

Why is this necessary? Primarily, to ensure the safety of the goods themselves. During long periods in transit, products are exposed to various factors, including:

mechanical factors – inevitable vibration, impact, shaking, friction, and static loads;
biological factors – damage by rodents and insects, mold and mildew;
climatic factors – fluctuations in temperature and humidity, exposure to ultraviolet rays, radiation, precipitation, and fog.
Any cargo not protected from external influences can be damaged and will not reach its destination intact. The losses incurred by the entrepreneur in this case will be much greater than the cost of the packaging. This is why packaging standards and requirements are observed in all countries worldwide, and Ukraine is no exception.

Rdcargo has been organizing international shipments between countries such as China, Turkey, and Ukraine for over 10 years. Cargo transportation is carried out in accordance with legally established regulations. According to these regulations, three types of cargo can be distinguished:

transported exclusively using packaging;
transported with partial packaging to protect individual elements of the goods;
permitted for delivery without packaging.
However, the packaging itself can vary in several respects. The logistics company's staff will help you choose the right option.

Types of Packaging
Consumer – used for packaging products delivered directly to the consumer (cardboard boxes, boxes, cans, bottles, etc.);
Additional (group) packaging – allows you to form a batch of goods, protect them from external influences, and efficiently use warehouses and other storage areas (this type of packaging is clearly represented by blocks, bulk cardboard boxes, crates, covers, and bags);
Transport packaging – this type of packaging is designed to provide maximum protection for products from damage during transportation. High-strength materials resistant to wear and mechanical stress are used for packaging.

In addition to the basic classification, cargo packaging can also be subdivided by the type of materials used for packaging:

Rigid packaging – represented by wood, plastic products, metal, glass, fiberboard, and thick cardboard boxes;
Semi-rigid packaging – paper, soft cardboard, and polymers;
Soft packaging – paper, textiles, and sometimes combined and polymeric materials.
In most cases, rigid pallets are used when shipping goods from one country to another. These pallets are used to support the cargo, which is then packaged in a material that meets the requirements. Today, bubble wrap is the most popular option – lightweight, practical, and durable, it ensures the safety and security of transported products. A wide range of items are packaged this way, from small jewelry and smartphone cases to fragile electronics.