---
title: 7 essential packaging practices for freight and logistics
description: Discover 7 essential packaging tips to protect goods, ensure compliance, and improve shipping efficiency for domestic and international transport.
image: https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/Images/Blog%20Bite%20Covers/7%20essential%20packaging%20practices%2c%202025.jpg
---
- [About](https://www.coleintl.com/services#)
- [About Cole](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values)
- [Mission, Vision and Values](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values)
- [Our History](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/history)
- [Culture of Caring](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/culture-of-caring)
- [Careers](https://www.coleintl.com/careers)
-
-
- [Industries](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries)
- [Aerospace](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/aerospace)
- [Agriculture](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/agriculture)
- [Automotive](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/automotive)
- [eCommerce](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/ecommerce)
- [High Tech](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/high-tech)
- [Oil & Gas](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/oil-gas)
- [Retail](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/retail)
- [Tools & Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/services#)
- - - [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login)
- [CDN Brokerage Customers](https://clients.cole.ca/onlineportal)
- [U.S. Brokerage Customers](https://ciucalwebtracker.wisegrid.net/Login/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fDefault.aspx)
- [Freight Customers](https://ciucalwebtracker.wisegrid.net/Login/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fDefault.aspx)
- - [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms)
- [Canadian Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-import-forms)
- [Canadian Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-export-forms)
- [Canadian Free Trade Certificates](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-free-trade-certificates)
- [U.S. Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-import-forms)
- [U.S. Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-export-forms)
- - - [Shipping Tools](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools)
- [Border Wait Times (Canada)](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html)
- [Border Wait Times (U.S.)](https://bwt.cbp.gov/)
- [Currency Converter](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/currency-converter)
- [Dimensional Weight Calculator](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/dimensional-weight-calculator)
- [Incoterms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/incoterms)
- [Wood Packaging Regulations](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/wood-packaging-regulations)
- - [Knowledge Hub](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/knowledge-hub)
- [FAQs & Lingo](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/faq)
- [Downloadable Guides](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/knowledge-hub/downloadable-guides/)
- [Import Foundations](https://blog.coleintl.com/import-foundations)
- [Freight Fundamentals](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals)
- - - [Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources)
- [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest)
- [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi)
- [Videos: Tips & Tricks](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oW_PP77Umw5r0X9OWpGmQ)
- - [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected)
- [Cole Blog](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog)
- [Trade News](https://blog.coleintl.com/tradenews)
- [Request Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#)
- [Services](https://www.coleintl.com/services)
- - [Custom Brokerage](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage)
- [Importing into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/canadian-customs-brokerage)
- [CBSA/CARM Importer Requirements](https://www.coleintl.com/carm)
- [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi)
- [Importing into the U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/u-s-customs-brokerage)
- Importing Vehicles
- [Into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-canada)
- [Into U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-u-s)
- [Non-Resident Importers (NRI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/non-resident-importers)
- [Fulfillment By Amazon](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/fulfillment-by-amazon)
- [Freight Forwarding](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding)
- [Shipping by Ground](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/ground-shipping)
- [Shipping by Ocean](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/ocean-shipping)
- [Shipping by Air](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/air-shipping)
- [Large Scale Project Moves](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/project-logistics-management)
- [Trade Consulting](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting)
- [Customs & Compliance](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/customs-compliance)
- [Free Trade Agreements](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/free-trade-agreements)
- [Audit & Verification Support](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/audit-response-unit-aru)
- [Large Scale Project Moves](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/project-logistics-management)
- [Client Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#)
- - [CARM](https://www.coleintl.com/carm)
- [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest)
- [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms)
- [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login)
- - [Payment Options](https://www.coleintl.com/payment-options)
- [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected)
- [Videos: Tips & Tricks](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oW_PP77Umw5r0X9OWpGmQ)
- Français
- [Request Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#)
- [Carrier Tools](https://www.coleintl.com/carrier-tools)
[Contact Us](https://www.coleintl.com/contact-us) [Get a Quote](https://www.coleintl.com/get-a-quote)
[](https://www.coleintl.com/)
- [About](https://www.coleintl.com/services#)
- [About Cole](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values)
- [Mission, Vision and Values](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values)
- [Our History](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/history)
- [Culture of Caring](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/culture-of-caring)
- [Careers](https://www.coleintl.com/careers)
-
-
- [Industries](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries)
- [Aerospace](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/aerospace)
- [Agriculture](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/agriculture)
- [Automotive](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/automotive)
- [eCommerce](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/ecommerce)
- [High Tech](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/high-tech)
- [Oil & Gas](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/oil-gas)
- [Retail](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/retail)
- [Tools & Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/services#)
- - - [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login)
- [CDN Brokerage Customers](https://clients.cole.ca/onlineportal)
- [U.S. Brokerage Customers](https://ciucalwebtracker.wisegrid.net/Login/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fDefault.aspx)
- [Freight Customers](https://ciucalwebtracker.wisegrid.net/Login/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fDefault.aspx)
- - [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms)
- [Canadian Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-import-forms)
- [Canadian Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-export-forms)
- [Canadian Free Trade Certificates](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-free-trade-certificates)
- [U.S. Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-import-forms)
- [U.S. Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-export-forms)
- - - [Shipping Tools](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools)
- [Border Wait Times (Canada)](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html)
- [Border Wait Times (U.S.)](https://bwt.cbp.gov/)
- [Currency Converter](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/currency-converter)
- [Dimensional Weight Calculator](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/dimensional-weight-calculator)
- [Incoterms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/incoterms)
- [Wood Packaging Regulations](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/wood-packaging-regulations)
- - [Knowledge Hub](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/knowledge-hub)
- [FAQs & Lingo](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/faq)
- [Downloadable Guides](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/knowledge-hub/downloadable-guides/)
- [Import Foundations](https://blog.coleintl.com/import-foundations)
- [Freight Fundamentals](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals)
- - - [Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources)
- [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest)
- [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi)
- [Videos: Tips & Tricks](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oW_PP77Umw5r0X9OWpGmQ)
- - [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected)
- [Cole Blog](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog)
- [Trade News](https://blog.coleintl.com/tradenews)
- [Request Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#)
- [Services](https://www.coleintl.com/services)
- - [Custom Brokerage](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage)
- [Importing into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/canadian-customs-brokerage)
- [CBSA/CARM Importer Requirements](https://www.coleintl.com/carm)
- [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi)
- [Importing into the U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/u-s-customs-brokerage)
- Importing Vehicles
- [Into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-canada)
- [Into U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-u-s)
- [Non-Resident Importers (NRI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/non-resident-importers)
- [Fulfillment By Amazon](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/fulfillment-by-amazon)
- [Freight Forwarding](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding)
- [Shipping by Ground](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/ground-shipping)
- [Shipping by Ocean](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/ocean-shipping)
- [Shipping by Air](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/air-shipping)
- [Large Scale Project Moves](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/project-logistics-management)
- [Trade Consulting](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting)
- [Customs & Compliance](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/customs-compliance)
- [Free Trade Agreements](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/free-trade-agreements)
- [Audit & Verification Support](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/audit-response-unit-aru)
- [Large Scale Project Moves](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/project-logistics-management)
- [Client Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#)
- - [CARM](https://www.coleintl.com/carm)
- [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest)
- [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms)
- [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login)
- - [Payment Options](https://www.coleintl.com/payment-options)
- [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected)
- [Videos: Tips & Tricks](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oW_PP77Umw5r0X9OWpGmQ)
[Contact Us](https://www.coleintl.com/contact-us) [Get a Quote](https://www.coleintl.com/get-a-quote)
- [Home](https://www.coleintl.com/)
- [About](https://www.coleintl.com/services#)
- [About Cole](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values)
- [Mission, Vision and Values](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values)
- [Our History](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/history)
- [Culture of Caring](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/culture-of-caring)
- [Careers](https://www.coleintl.com/careers)
- [Industries](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries)
- [Oil & Gas](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/oil-gas)
- [Automotive](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/automotive)
- [Retail](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/retail)
- [Agriculture](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/agriculture)
- [High Tech](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/high-tech)
- [eCommerce](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/ecommerce)
- [Services](https://www.coleintl.com/services)
- [Custom Brokerage](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage)
- [Canadian Customs Brokerage](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage)
- [Cross-border Imports from U.S. into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/cross-border-imports-from-u-s-into-canada)
- [Canadian Imports by Ocean/Air](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/canadian-imports-by-ocean-or-air)
- [CARM](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/carm)
- [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi)
- [U.S. Customs Brokerage](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/u-s-customs-brokerage)
- [Cross-border Imports from Canada into the U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/u-s-customs-brokerage/cross-border-imports-from-canada-into-the-u-s)
- [U.S. Imports by Ocean/Air](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/u-s-customs-brokerage/u-s-imports-by-ocean-or-air)
- [Free Trade Agreements](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/free-trade-agreements)
- Importing Vehicles
- [Into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-canada)
- [Into U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-u-s)
- [Non-Resident Importers (NRI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/non-resident-importers)
- [Fulfillment By Amazon](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/fulfillment-by-amazon)
- [Freight Forwarding](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding)
- [International Ocean/Air](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding/international-ocean-air)
- [Cross-border/Domestic Freight](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding/cross-border-domestic-freight)
- [Project Logistics Management](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding/project-logistics-management)
- [Trade Consulting](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting)
- [Canadian Customs & Compliance](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/canadian-customs-compliance)
- [Audit Response Unit (ARU)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/audit-response-unit-aru)
- [U.S. Customs & Compliance](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/us-customs-compliance)
- [Project Logistics Management](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/project-logistics-management)
- [Tools & Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/services#)
- [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login)
- [CDN Brokerage Customers](https://www5.cole.ca/onlineportal/)
- [U.S. Brokerage & Freight Customers](https://ciucalwebtracker.wisegrid.net/Login/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fDefault.aspx)
- [CDN Consulting Customers](https://www5.cole.ca/complianceportal/home.do)
- [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms)
- [Canadian Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-import-forms)
- [Canadian Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-export-forms)
- [Canadian Free Trade Certificates](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-free-trade-certificates)
- [U.S. Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-import-forms)
- [U.S. Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-export-forms)
- [Shipping Tools](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools)
- [Dimensional Weight Calculator](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/dimensional-weight-calculator)
- [Currency Converter](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/currency-converter)
- [Border Wait Times (Canada)](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html)
- [International Commercial Terms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/incoterms)
- [Wood Packaging Regulations](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/wood-packaging-regulations)
- [Border Wait Times (U.S.)](https://bwt.cbp.gov/)
- [FAQ](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/faq)
- [Learn More](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/faq/learn-more)
- [Overall Service Brochure](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/faq/overall-service-brochure)
- [Services](https://www.coleintl.com/services)
- [Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources)
- [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi)
- [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest)
- [Incoterms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/incoterms)
- [Payment Options](https://www.coleintl.com/payment-options)
- [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected)
- [Cole Blog](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog)
- [CDN Trade News](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected/cdn-trade-news)
- [U.S. Trade News](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected/usa-trade-news)
- [eCommunications](https://www.coleintl.com/services#)
- [Request Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#)
- [Client Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#)
- [CARM](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/carm)
- [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest)
- [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms)
- [Payment Options](https://www.coleintl.com/payment-options)
- [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login)
- [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected)
- [Request Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#)
- [Carrier Tools](https://www.coleintl.com/carrier-tools)
- [Contact Us](https://www.coleintl.com/contact-us)
- [Get a Quote](https://www.coleintl.com/get-a-quote)
- [Français](https://www.coleintl.com/services#)
×
### Request Info
# 7 essential packaging practices for freight and logistics
Published: August 27,2025
- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)
7 essential packaging practices for freight and logistics
5:51
Every year, an estimated 11 billion tons of goods are transported by ship alone, and countless more move by air, rail, and road. Packaging best practices are essential to protect these trade assets during transit. Effective packaging is more than presentation. It’s your first line of defense against damage, delays, and regulatory issues. Whether you’re moving delicate electronics or heavy industrial machinery, packaging choices determine how well your goods travel.
Here are seven essential principles to follow when preparing shipments for domestic or international transport.
## 1. Packaging that protects against damage
The right packaging shields your goods from physical harm while keeping [transportation costs](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/7-strategies-to-reduce-shipping-costs) in check. Select a container size that fits your product closely, leaving just enough space for cushioning. Materials such as reinforced wood, metal-reinforced crates, or double- and triple-wall corrugated cardboard offer proven durability and can often be reused.
Fill any voids with internal padding — foam inserts, air cushions, or shock-absorbing materials — to prevent shifting during transit. Reducing excess movement not only protects your cargo but also minimizes risks for handlers.
## 2. Packaging that's right for the mode of transport
Different [transportation modes](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/what-are-the-four-major-modes-of-transportation-for-logistics) expose goods to different stresses. Packaging should be tailored to the route your shipment will take:.jpg?width=400&height=267&name=7%20essential%20packaging%20practices%2c%202025%20(1).jpg)
Air - Lightweight yet strong packaging; pressure-rated containers for temperature and altitude changes.
Sea - Moisture-resistant materials and corrosion protection; reinforced for long handling cycles and rough seas.
Rail and road - Crates, pallets, and bracing to withstand vibration, impacts, and frequent loading/unloading.
Choosing packaging built for the journey reduces damage risk and helps goods arrive intact.
## 3. Accurate labeling and documentation
Clear, accurate labeling keeps shipments moving and reduces costly routing errors. Labels should display handling instructions, destination details, and required compliance markings.
Proper documentation, such as commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and certificates of origin, is essential for customs clearance. Incomplete or incorrect paperwork can cause delays, storage fees, or even seizure of goods. Thorough records also support insurance claims if loss or damage occurs.
If you're reusing packaging from other shipments, make sure to remove old labels and markings no longer in use. Old labels and documentation from previous journeys could create confusion when they're not removed from reused packaging.
## 4. Secure and tamper-resistant packaging
Security measures protect both the product and your brand’s reputation. Use tamper-evident seals, shrink wrap, or locking mechanisms to deter theft and provide visible proof of interference.
For high-value shipments, GPS tracking offers real-time, long-range monitoring, while RFID is effective for close-range or warehouse-level asset management. The right security choice depends on shipment value, route, and environmental conditions.
## 5. Standardized dimensions and stackability
Adopting standardized pallet sizes and container dimensions makes shipping more efficient. Consistent sizing simplifies loading, improves warehouse storage, and often results in predictable freight rates.
Properly sized and uniformly shaped loads stack securely, reducing the risk of collapse and damage in transit. Standardization also speeds up material handling across different transport hubs.
## 6. ISPM 15 compliant wood packaging
Wood packaging, such as pallets and crates, must meet the minimum mandatory treatment requirement outlined by the [ISPM 15 standard](https://inspection.canada.ca/en/plant-health/forestry/imports/wood-packaging/questions-and-answers). Lumber that meets these standards are stamped with an official mark that communicates compliance and prevents potential hold-ups at the border.
Paper-based packaging, such as corrugated cardboard and molded pulp, offer a lightweight, recyclable, and versatile material that's also cost effective. Combining the structural strength of ISPM 15 wood with paper-based cushioning and wrapping can provide strong, compliant protection for many types of shipments.
## 7. Weight distribution and load stability
Improper weight distribution is a common cause of in-transit damage. Heavier items should be placed low and toward the center of pallets, containers, or trailers. A useful best practice to follow is marking the center of gravity on the outside packaging for larger crates and packaged items. This makes heavier or awkward shipments a bit easier to handle.
When loading containers, it’s important to place heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones on top, using dunnage and straps to secure the cargo properly. For trucking, balancing the weight evenly across axles and positioning heavier goods toward the front of the trailer helps maintain stability. Similarly, pallets should be stacked from heavy to light and secured tightly with stretch wrap or banding. These practices of balanced loading minimize cargo shifting, protect the integrity of the goods, and improve overall transport safety.
## Get packaging right the first time
Effective freight packaging plays a crucial role in protecting your shipments throughout their journey. By following these seven principles, you can protect your goods, avoid delays, and meet regulatory requirements. Whether shipping fragile or heavy items, the right packaging ensures your products arrive safely and stay compliant.
Cole’s cohesive, collaborative logistics team provides advantages that separate, stand-alone companies simply can’t provide, including solutions for shipping and freight forwarding. [Connect with Cole](https://info.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding-question) today.
#### Freight forwarding. It's what we do.
[](https://blog.coleintl.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJoB8lKAJ3LbvhgyoPqcJUcdXIfSo5AbE8q%2Bik%2BBbO5QDZVVcwwn4R%2BvQ2v3voDSJK6DcZI52SOEf%2B2pN1B4k7zONHYurSJ9TRDRTQMWzf7jwxz6WK1K35lYW0kQVm55NMleJmh0ReyBurFkh1B0s67v8%2FA9X9n7o2xunUPwIMODJnmJ7Gg%2FdLo%2F84iSrSAWu8D&webInteractiveContentId=177410336653&portalId=4433425)
[Back to blog list](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog)
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4433425/af258771-f192-4291-ac1c-682ec2fd4fc1)
### Latest Articles
- [Chinese holidays that disrupt shipping from China every year](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/chinese-holidays-that-disrupt-shipping-from-china-every-year)
- [13 strategies to reduce your transportation costs](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/13-strategies-to-reduce-your-transportation-costs)
- [4 mistakes to avoid when declaring value for duty](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/4-mistakes-to-avoid-when-declaring-value-for-duty)
- [Why 'reason to believe' catches Canadian importers off guard](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/why-reason-to-believe-catches-canadian-importers-off-guard)
- [When and how to change a customs entry after import](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/when-and-how-to-change-a-customs-entry-after-import)
### Archive
- [April 2026 (4)](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/archive/2026/04)
- [March 2026 (5)](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/archive/2026/03)
- [February 2026 (6)](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/archive/2026/02)
- [January 2026 (5)](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/archive/2026/01)
- [December 2025 (3)](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/archive/2025/12)
[Connect with us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cole-international) [Follow us on X](https://twitter.com/coleintl) [Like us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/coleinternational/) [Subscribe to our YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oW_PP77Umw5r0X9OWpGmQ)
[Get a quote](https://www.coleintl.com/get-a-quote)
[](https://www.coleintl.com/)
Cole International is a logistics solutions provider offering a full spectrum of services from customs brokerage, transportation, warehousing and trade consulting.
#### Contact us today
- [ Phone: 403-262-2771](tel:4032622771)
- [ Toll Free: 1-800-313-4281](tel:18003134281)
- Fax: 403-262-7301
- Accounting Fax: 403-262-8039
#### Corporate office
1111 49 Avenue NE
Calgary, AB, Canada
T2E 8V2
P.O. Box 2718, Station M
Calgary, AB, Canada
T2P 3C2
#### Stay connected
-
-
-
-
-
[](https://www.mullen-group.com/)
Cole International Inc. is a subsidiary of Mullen Group Ltd.
[](https://ciffa.com/) [](http://fiata.com/) [](https://www.ncbfaa.org/) [](https://www.marcopololine.com/) [](https://cscb.ca/)
© 2026 Cole International. All Rights Reserved.
- [Payment Options](https://www.coleintl.com/payment-options.php)
- [Legal](https://www.coleintl.com/legal.php)
- [Service Terms](https://www.coleintl.com/service-terms.php)
- [Accessibility](https://www.coleintl.com/services.php#)
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "BlogPosting",
"author" : {
"@type" : "Person",
"name" : "Freight Forwarding Dept. - Cole International",
"url" : "https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/author/freight-forwarding-dept-cole-international"
},
"dateModified" : "2025-08-27T06:46:55.330Z",
"datePublished" : "2025-08-27T06:46:55.000Z",
"headline" : "7 essential packaging practices for freight and logistics",
"mainEntityOfPage" : {
"@id" : "https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/7-essential-packaging-practices-for-freight-and-logistics",
"@type" : "WebPage"
},
"publisher" : {
"@type" : "Organization",
"logo" : {
"@type" : "ImageObject",
"url" : "https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/cole_int_h_rgb-1.png"
},
"name" : "Cole International Inc."
}
}
```