Good export packing begins before your machinery goes anywhere near a crate.
Providing the right information and preparing your equipment properly can make the packing process quicker, safer and more effective.
If you're planning to export machinery overseas, these simple steps can help make sure everything is ready.
Confirm the Size and Weight
Accurate measurements are essential when designing bespoke packaging.
Your packing company will normally need the overall:
Length
Width
Height
Weight
It is important to include any parts that extend beyond the main body of the machinery.
Incorrect information could result in the crate needing to be altered or rebuilt, potentially delaying your shipment.
Identify Sensitive Components
Let your export packing provider know if there are any parts of the machinery that need special protection.
This could include:
Control panels
Screens
Sensors
Electrical components
Delicate moving parts
Additional cushioning, supports or protective materials can then be incorporated into the packaging.
Consider Whether Anything Can Be Removed
Some machinery can be made easier to transport by removing certain components before packing.
This might reduce the overall size of the shipment or protect vulnerable parts.
Any removed components should be clearly labelled and securely packed so they can easily be identified when the equipment reaches its destination.
Make Sure the Equipment Is Clean and Ready
Depending on the machinery and destination, it may be useful to clean the equipment before export.
Any loose materials should be removed, and fluids may need to be drained or managed depending on transport requirements.
Your logistics or freight provider can advise you if there are particular restrictions relating to the equipment being shipped.
Provide Details About the Journey
Your export packing company needs to know more than simply what is being packed.
Useful information includes:
Destination country
Method of transport
Whether the shipment will travel by container
How the equipment will be loaded
Any known storage requirements
A machine travelling by sea may require different protection from one travelling a shorter distance by road.
Plan How the Machinery Will Be Lifted
Heavy equipment often needs specialist handling.
Make sure you identify safe lifting points and provide any relevant information about the machine's centre of gravity.
The crate can then be designed to make loading, unloading and handling as straightforward as possible.
Speak to Your Packing Provider Early
The earlier your export packing provider is involved, the easier it is to identify potential problems before they affect your shipping schedule.
At Crating Solutions, we can assess your equipment, design the correct crate or case and help coordinate the wider packing and logistics process.
Planning an overseas machinery shipment? Contact Crating Solutions to discuss your equipment and make sure it is properly prepared for its journey.
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