7 essential packaging practices for freight and logistics

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 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 expose goods to different stresses. Packaging should be tailored to the route your shipment will take:

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. 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.

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