Last month I listed a few ideas to help keep your freight safe while in transit – click here to read Part 1.

Here are a few more ways to help your freight arrive safely.

  • Keep any loose items secured.   Hoses, cords, arms, handles, etc., all need to be secured so they don’t catch on something and become damaged, or damage other freight.  A quick and simple thing like plastic wrapping the freight can help to keep it safe and secure.
  • Use solid pallets.  Pallets can take a beating but still be usable.  Make sure the wood is not cracked and there are no missing pieces, and it’s securely nailed together.  If the pallet falls apart while in transit due to it being in poor shape from the start, it’s not the fault of the carrier if there is damage to your freight.
  • Use heat-treated wood for international shipments. ISPM 15 (International Standards For Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) requires that all international ocean freight shipments using any species of raw wood packaging must be fumigated or heat-treated, prior to international shipping, to kill insects or fungus.  All wood-packing materials used in international shipping must be stamped with the approved by IPPC stamp.

wood-stamp

International ocean freight shipments that contain wood-packing materials will be checked for compliance with the ISPM 15 regulations before being allowed to enter to, or crossing through a participating to IPPC country.  ISPM 15 rules apply to international shipping of ocean freight that contains wood-packaging material: wooden pallets, wooden crates, dunnages, drums, wood cases etc.

While the shear volume of freight moving internationally makes it unlikely your freight would be turned away for not meeting ISPM 15, it could be refused and you would be responsible for either complying or returning it to the shipper.  It’s easier to make sure you comply from the onset.

Feel free to contact us for more information.  Having owned a Pack & Ship store for a number of years prior to taking over Global Source Logistics, I can help you with any packing questions you may have.