Consumers dread a dysfunctional product. Sellers dread a disgruntled customer. Trust the shipper to know the solution to all problems. The answer to damage free packaging is dunnage.
WHAT IS DUNNAGE?
For the uninitiated layman, this might sound foreign. Yet, the workers who ship all the products know the absolute necessity of keeping the products safe. Shipping involves the products being vigorously shaken, and this can sustain possible damage.
The dunnage varies from product to product. The best example would be bubble wrap and stuffed paper that minimizes breakage. It does not always have to be for shock absorption and damage protection. Moisture can also be a deterrent during delivery.
TYPES:
- Plastic – Pricier than the others, plastic materials provide all-around protection to products making it worth the rate.
- Bubble wrap – The most commonly seen accompaniment on deliveries, bubble wrap is cheap. Fragile products can be safely handled using bubble wrap, provided they do not pop.
- Air pillows – Fabric never fails. Air pillows are small enough to fill up the negative space in a package. They can be squished in any direction to prevent the product from any motion.
- Paper – A bankable source of safety, kraft and corrugated papers stuffed into packages are a common sight. They are cheap and environment friendly, but they are also suitable for a wide variety of products.
- Foam – Usually used for high-end medical and electronic equipment.
- Steel – Being the expensive type, steel is used for products of high value. It can separate the heavier and lighter products.
- Wood – Works more like a barrier.
TIMBER DUNNAGE
Fine quality wood guarantees a sturdy structure for a prolonged period. Since wood’s reputation as a renewable resource, manufacturing units often procure them in bulk. A drawback of timber usage is the governmental regulation over environmental exploitation.
But complying with it gives a better grasp on industry bureaucracy.
THING TO KEEP IN MIND
- Heat Treatment
The ISPM 15 heat treatment of wood is a process to exterminate all the fungi and other living organisms living on the wooden surface to stop them from quickly decaying. The timber is heated up to 56 degrees celsius for a small duration of time.
Keeping it dry is of utmost importance. This also has surprising effects in blocking disease transmission. By refusing to comply with rules, exporters tend to get reported.
- Fumigation certificate
Chemically treated pest control process to ensure that there are living organisms breeding on the wooden components of the cargo. Stringent custom policies require cargo for fumigation certificates. They are exposed to moisture, and humidity changes constantly while in storage. Exporting overseas always requires the manufacturing company to follow these laws.
- Timber Arrangement
Pressure, friction, air circulation, gaps are key in the shipment of cargo. Squared lumber, planks, boards, crates, slabs and patterns are just the type of timber that will be bought.
It is important to differentiate between normal and treated wood. It should not be laid close-knit. Nor should it be kept far apart. The chemistry of air circulation can wreak havoc if it is tight or too loose. Understanding orientation is integral to keeping the products safe.
The pros of timber outweigh every other type of material used in exporting. Only the best to keep one’s cargo safe.