Classification and requirements of transport packaging

Transportation Packaging Classification and Requirements

Transportation packaging or unitizing is all about preparing materials or products for easier handling and transportation. Proper transportation packaging ensures that the materials or products are not damaged, destroyed, soiled, lost or stolen in the course of their movement from one place to another. It also helps conserve energy by reducing the frequency of their handling and their movement.

Transportation packaging can basically be classified into three broad categories; namely, conventional packaging, military packaging, and industrial packaging.

Conventional Packaging

Conventional packaging covers the common packaging materials such as corrugated cartons and boxes, cardboard boxes and wraps, strapping, tape, bubble wrap, films, plastics, foams etc. These are typically used for commercial and non-military transportation purposes. The packaging provides protection from dust and moisture, shock and vibration, and personnel injury. Depending upon the nature of the packages and the products, the selection of the materials for transportation packaging and the design of packages vary.

Military Packaging

Military packaging is used for the transportation of military equipment and requires stringent performance requirements which guarantee the safe delivery of the equipment in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Military packages must be adequately durable and shockproof. They should also be able to protect their contents from the elements, deactivating agents such as insect infestations, theft and pilferage. Special military packaging is required for items that pose hazardous, radioactive, bacteriological and chemical risks.

Industrial Packaging

Industrial packaging covers a wide range of packaging materials such as drums, barrels, boxes, bubble wraps, quilted pouches, shrink wraps, vacuum packaging and single-unit containers. This type of packaging is used for shipping products in the form of bulk materials, such as chemicals, construction materials, paper and food products. Industrial containers must be designed to allow easy stacking and storage and maintain desired temperature and environment-controlled environment.

Packaging Requirements

Regardless of the type of packaging, there are certain common requirements for safe transportation of goods. They are as follows:

o The package should provide proper cushioning to guard against vibration and shock.

o It should protect the internal contents from damage caused by external environment.

o It should be able to protect the contents from exterior sources of contamination such as dust, rain, and insects.

o It should be able to withstand normal temperature variations which may be encountered during transportation and storage.

o Packaging should provide adequate protection from leakage, pilferage, and unauthorized access.

o It should be able to protect the contents from shock, vibration and impacts caused by external sources such as transport handling and loading.

By using proper packaging materials and following the required packaging standards, one can ensure safe and secure transportation and storage of goods. It also helps in reducing human and material losses due to mishandling and reduces transportation costs. Proper packaging not only provides maximum protection to the contents, but also offers significant cost savings.

Transport packaging broadly refers to a category of packaging materials and systems that are used to preserve and protect products during transportation, distribution, and storage. It protects the goods throughout the supply chain and helps to ensure they arrive in the same condition they were shipped in. Proper transport packaging therefore should be designed in order to protect products from physical damage due to handling, vibration, shock, moisture, dust, and other sources.

There are several types of transport packages: boxes, packaging paper, strapping, bubble wrap, shrink wrap, and film. Depending on the product, some of these materials may need to be used together in order to provide the best protection. In addition, when designing or procuring transport packages, there are certain requirements that need to be taken into consideration, such as:

Size: Design the package to fit the product and allow for easy handling. If a product is too large, it will be difficult to transport, and if it is too small, it may not provide adequate protection.

Configuration: Consider how the product will fit into the package and the easiest way of loading and unloading it. Also, make sure the configuration prevents the product from shifting or tilting during transport.

Strength: Choose materials that are strong and rigid enough to withstand the environment they will be exposed to during transport. This can include temperature, vibration, shock, pressure, etc.

Durability: Select materials that are durable and can withstand multiple rounds of transport.

Security: Prevent damages due to theft, tampering, etc.

These considerations will help to ensure that transport packaging is able to provide the necessary protection for goods during transportation, distribution, and storage. By properly designing packaging for different types of goods, the risk of product damage is greatly minimized.