Safe shipping is one of the primary concerns of modern logistics. Sometimes, organizing core supply chain operations doesn’t leave space for basic yet critical steps like packing your items. Still, attentiveness to your internal packaging processes can help avoid many freight damage threats.
Why use internal packaging?
Even though many shippers overlook the question of internal packaging, it can often determine customer satisfaction and evaluation of your products. When preparing items for shipping, it’s vital to consider both external and internal packaging methods to eliminate the risks of damaged cargo.
Suppose you’re shipping fragile goods or items containing breakable pieces. Even if the transit distance is relatively short and you have already thought of suitable crates, fragile items may not endure shaking and vibration during transportation. When delivering packages via less than truckload mode, carriers may repeatedly shift your cargo. As a result, goods with no inner packaging are more prone to destruction.
The same thing applies to shipping valuable items. They can be solid and easily stackable, but you never know what effects the transportation process may cause. Since damaging expensive goods typically results in significant financial losses, using reliable inner packaging gets necessary.
Internal packaging requirements often concern hazardous shipping. Most hazmats need proper isolation from all the other items to restrain possible dangerous reactions or inflammation. You can do it by applying appropriate inner packaging.
Aside from increased protection and advanced cushioning, internal packaging materials can help you preserve the original products’ appearance. You’ll reduce freight returns and grow customer satisfaction by delivering items that look exactly like the pictures.
Inner packaging types
Given the wide variety of internal packaging options, you can select the most suitable one for your products. Besides, inner packaging materials are usually affordable and don’t take much of your logistics budget.
Foams
Foam is one of the most flexible void fillers for protecting your cargo. A chemical substance condensed in a spray bottle creates a mold around your products that gets firmer in a few minutes. Foams absorb transportation shock and support the items’ integrity throughout the shipment.
When considering this type of internal packaging, count the density properties of the foams. Overly dense foams can cause intense pressure on your items, which is dangerous for fragile objects.
Some shippers prefer using foam-in-bag to avoid removing the mold pieces from the products after delivery. You can apply bags filled with foam under and over your item inside a box. Thus, you’ll secure it from unwanted movement.
Paper and cardboard internal packaging
Paper is probably the simplest type of inner packaging that works for many products. If you ship items that don’t contain breakable parts, you can apply multilayer papers to create cushioning and fill the space inside the container. Papers are also suitable for moisture absorption, so if there’s a possibility of wet environments during transit, consider using this inner packaging method.
Corrugated cardboards effectively separate the shipped item from its container and prevent it from contacting other objects. Also, you can use cardboard sheets to make partitions for the items inside the crate or shape them as trays.
Wraps
Wrapping materials suit the transportation of low-fragility items and disassembled objects. After separating the product’s parts, you can wrap them and condense them into the same box with no risk of friction. To provide additional cushioning, consider using bubble film.
Shipping wraps are different, and if you haven’t managed to pick a particular internal packaging, you can always apply several layers of a regular film or use paper as a wrap option.
Airbags and packing peanuts
The loose fill category includes various inner packaging choices appropriate for delivering unusually shaped items and electronics. For example, you can surround your products with air pillows or packing peanuts inside the crate, thus saving the items’ original shape and properties. To fix your goods with void fillers, apply them at least two inches from all the container’s sides.
Some loose fillers don’t possess antistatic effects and can be dangerous to electronic goods. If shipping those, pick internal packaging that does not produce static electricity and can absorb mechanical friction.
Extra inner packaging tips
Besides choosing the best inner packaging fit for your goods, following a few advanced tips can benefit your business.
Sealing and taping
Even an adequately packed freight can damage without a proper sealing procedure. Use durable tape of an optimal width to prevent cargo pieces from falling out of the box, and seal your packages repeatedly for better fixation.
Sustainable materials
Using sustainable materials for producing internal packaging has already become a long-established trend in logistics. Sometimes, it’s challenging to find eco-friendly external packaging, or it may be more expensive, but recyclable void fillers come in many budget options. You can effectively save shipping costs by reusing inner packaging or applying biodegradable materials that are lightweight and affordable.
Internal packaging for brand awareness
Modern consumers pay close attention to the way you pack your products. Even though you might not need much inner packaging for safety purposes, it can considerably improve the brand image. High-quality internal fillers will show you care about your products’ integrity and presentability no less than the customers.
At GoShip, we aim to deliver your items on time and in perfect condition. By choosing GoShip as your shipping provider, you’ll gain access to many professional carriers and get reasonable rates. Pack your shipment and get a free quote in a few clicks!