Prepare packaging and the packing plan before shipment

Start with the planned route and operations

Describe the planned journey from the place of preparation to the delivery location. The goods may be moved, stored, consolidated and unloaded under different conditions. Distinguish what is known from what still depends on the transport chosen. This description helps raise protection and handling questions with the relevant professionals.

The CTU Code presented by UNECE provides a framework of good practice for packing and securing cargo transport units. It covers the transport chain and emphasises the importance of appropriate loading. Using it as technical reading does not replace a review of the requirements specific to the product and the transport method actually planned.

Define protection around the product's vulnerabilities

Packaging is discussed in relation to surfaces, assembly and sensitive parts. A finish may require separation between pieces; an accessory may need to be secured; a protruding part may need specific protection. Photograph the relevant areas and ask how they will remain protected during handling.

Avoid approving only the outside appearance of a carton. A packed sample lets you examine access to the product, internal protection and how components are held in place. If testing is necessary, define its objectives with a competent specialist. The selected procedure must match the identified risks and the configuration actually manufactured.

• Surfaces and finishes sensitive to friction
• Moving parts or accessories to secure
• Areas exposed to impacts and compression
• Handling orientation and proposed lifting equipment
• Opening and receipt procedure

Measure the goods in their packed condition

The dimensions of the unpacked product do not give the dimensions of the parcel shipped. Distinguish the product reference, quantity per parcel, external dimensions and stated weights. Specify the units used and the status of the data: design estimate, measurement of reference packaging or measurement of prepared parcels. A change to the protection can alter the result.

Prepare a table in which each row refers to an identifiable configuration. Dimensions should appear in a consistent order. Parcels containing several product references require a clear link to their contents. A photograph showing the packaging reference helps clarify questions but does not replace the measurements needed for transport.

Match the packing plan to loading conditions

Hapag-Lloyd's packing guide highlights the role of dimensions, weights, packaging and unloading options in transport preparation. This information must be assessed together. A package that can be loaded at departure may present a handling problem on arrival if the available equipment differs.

Clarify stated stacking restrictions and planned lifting points. Choosing blocking and securing equipment requires an assessment suited to the goods and transport. Products with particular requirements must be flagged to those involved before loading preparation, with the information needed for their assessment.

Organise labelling and consistency between documents

Labelling helps identify parcels and match their contents to the project documents. Define a readable reference, a numbering system and where the information should appear. The chosen handling instructions must be understandable and consistent with the planned protection. A demonstration label can be reviewed before the production run.

Check the match between approved product references, prepared quantities and packing information. When packaging changes, ask whether documents and identifiers have also been updated. Keep photographs of the selected configuration to examine a discrepancy during later preparation.

Include packaging in production follow-up

This subject needs a place in the project schedule: proposal, reference sample, outstanding issues, approval and then verification of the prepared configuration. If packaging is still undefined at the end of manufacturing, several important decisions will have to be made urgently. Project follow-up makes these points visible before shipment preparation.

Maison Brach coordinates information and planned approvals with your business and the parties involved. We follow packaging questions, packing data and documents to gather. Technical transport and securing choices are examined with the relevant professionals, based on the actual product and route.

Preparation questions

Discuss your project

Import coordination

Maison Brach prepares the questions and documents to review with your business.