Packaging for goods transport: protect your Investment
Will your cargo arrive in perfect condition? Packaging in goods transport is much more than a simple box. It's the first line of defense for your product, key to avoiding damage, losses and delays that can cost you dearly if you don't put the necessary resources into good packaging.
In the logistics chain, poor packaging can mean:
- Damage to goods during handling or transit.
- Customs delays for not complying with regulations (like NIMF 15).
- Additional costs for insurance, claims or cargo rejection.
Key functions of packaging in logistics
Packaging not only contains your product, but fulfills vital roles at every stage of transport:
Protection
It's its main function. Good packaging protects your cargo from impacts, vibrations, temperature changes, humidity, dust and rough handling.
Handling and storage
Facilitates loading and unloading of goods. Boxes and pallets, for example, allow efficient use of machinery for handling.
Identification and communication
Packaging carries labels, handling symbols (e.g. "fragile") and marks that allow identifying the cargo, its content and destination, essential for traceability. Additionally, if our goods are ADR, they must be visibly identified as such.
Types of packaging: a strategic approach
In logistics, we distinguish between three levels of packaging:
Primary packaging
The container that is in direct contact with the product (e.g., a bottle, a can).
Secondary packaging
Groups several primary units (e.g., a cardboard box with 6 bottles). Facilitates distribution to retailers.
Tertiary packaging (for transport)
The most important in logistics. Used to group and protect goods during transport. The most common examples are wooden boxes, pallets and corrugated cardboard boxes used for palletizing.
Materials and regulations: what you need to know
The choice of packaging material is fundamental and must comply with international regulations:
Wood packaging
Wood pallets and boxes are very resistant, but must comply with NIMF 15 (ISPM 15) standard to prevent pest spread. This requires phytosanitary treatment (fumigation or heat treatment) and corresponding marking. If your wood packaging doesn't comply with NIMF 15, your cargo will be retained or rejected at customs.
Plastic
Used for films, strapping, packaging tapes and interior packaging. Offers moisture resistance and protects against dirt. Recently, in Spain a tax is applied for the use and recycling of this type of plastic.
Corrugated cardboard
Light and versatile, ideal for loads that don't require extreme protection. Its resistance is measured by paper quality.