Ever wondered just what is going on inside of a crate that helps it protect your goods during a transportation? Wonder no more! Read along as we take you through what exactly is inside a crate.
Why is Proper Crating so Important?
Proper packing for shipping is a crucial to ensure the safe and secure transportation of goods. Whether you’re sending a fragile item to a customer, shipping valuable merchandise to a retail store, or relocating personal belongings, the way you pack your items is paramount to maintaining their condition upon arrival. A well-packed shipment not only safeguards the contents from damage during transit but also minimizes the risk of accidents and reduces the likelihood of costly returns or replacements.
Bracing
Bracing provides support and stability during the shipping process, making it a necessary asset to the shipping process. No matter which form of transport you’ll be utilizing, there are plenty of forces that will come in contact with your goods such as vibrations, impacts, and bumps and without bracing, items can shift and sustain unnecessary damage.
There are several different materials used for bracing such as wood, foam, and metal. They are strategically placed within the crate to secure and immobilize the items, preventing them from moving as much as possible, helping to distribute the inevitable forces experienced during the transit and reducing the risk of breakage. Employing effective bracing techniques can help ensure that packages are prepared for the bumps along the way and the contents of your crate are protected as best they can be.
Padding
Padding is another critical aspect of crating and packaging items for transportation that cannot be missed for delicate items. Its main purpose is to provide an additional layer of protection for the items in a create, creating resistance against any impacts, shocks, or vibrations. Because there is so much movement along the transit process such as rough handling, jostling, and accidental drops, delicate items are at a higher risk of getting damaged if not properly padded.
Padding materials typically consistent of bubble wrap, foam, and/or packing peanuts and are used to create a cushioning effect around your items. Padding helps to create a buffer zone that minimizes direct contact between the item and the crate and reduces the likelihood of damage. The use of proper padding helps to ensure items arrive in their original condition, preventing unnecessary costs associated with returns or replacements and makes for happy customers!
Other Protective Measures
There are a wide range of other protective measures used in crating and packing to maximize the safety of your items during transport including:
- Corner protectors and edge guards: Corner protectors and edge guards provide added reinforcement and safeguard vulnerable corners and edges from any impacts along the route. By placing corner protectors and edge guards strategically, potential damage caused by rough handling, stacking, or pressure is minimized.
- Stretch and shrink wrap: Stretch wrap and shrink wrap are yet another incredible tool for crating and packing items during transportation. Stretch wrap is a highly flexible and elastic material used to tightly secure and bundle items together within a crate or pallet. Providing stability and preventing shifting during transit, it reduces the risk of damage due to movement. Shrink wrap is a plastic film that, when heated, shrinks and conforms to the shape of the items, creating a tight and protective barrier. Shrink wrap offers added protection against moisture, dust, and tampering, ensuring that the contents remain safe and in pristine condition during shipping.
- Vapor barrier: Moisture can pose a significant risk to various items, particularly electronics and those with exposed metal surfaces, especially when they are being shipped via cargo vessels. To safeguard these assets during ocean transport, VCI (volatile corrosion inhibitor) bags are commonly used. These bags enclose the items and are vacuum-sealed to eliminate air. Alternatively, activated desiccants can be utilized to absorb moisture, and humidity indicator cards can be employed to monitor and assess moisture levels.
- Cushioning layers and dividers: Cushioning layers, such as foam inserts or air-filled bags, create a protective barrier around your items, absorbing shocks and vibrations that occur during transit. They help distribute the impact forces and minimize the risk of damage. Dividers are used to separate and isolate individual items within a crate, preventing them from coming into direct contact with each other. Dividers ensure that items remain securely in place, reducing the potential for scratches, dents, or breakage due to collision. By incorporating cushioning layers and dividers, shippers can effectively safeguard their products, maintaining their condition and ensuring a successful delivery!
Still Have Questions about What’s Inside a Crate?
If you still have any questions about what’s inside a crate to keep your items safe during transport, contact us today and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have!
