When shipping products overseas it is important, particularly for smaller shipments (LCL) that your packaging is robust. Remember that what is OK for domestic freight may not be OK for international!

We have put together the following tips to ensure that your product arrives on time and in one piece.

• Don't use worn or old cardboard boxes, use clear plastic shrink wrap, proper inner packing (i.e. Styrofoam, bubble wrap) and corner protectors/reinforcing to avoid damage in transit. Do not over pack and re-enforce your boxes.
• Perishable items, which may leak, must be packed in solid, leak-proof boxes, containers or bags.
• If not using pallets and cartons, securely pack your goods to ensure safe transit (e.g. Lashing may be required for Full Container Loads (FCL)).
• Calculate your weights and dimensions correctly, measure Length, Width and Height from extremities, and know the gross cargo weight of each item including packaging weight.
• Hazardous materials/dangerous goods shipments must comply with relevant Dangerous Goods Regulations.
• Check wood shipping regulations as appropriate. Businesses using wood pallets, for instance, might not realise that some countries regulate wood packaging to control pests and ask companies to follow specific standards. Ensure pallets are treated or ISPM15 standard stamped to avoid additional quarantine charges at the destination.
• Use standard size pallets and stacking sizes - avoid Australian standard pallet size, use International Standards Organisation (ISO) standards.
• Ensure boxes are secured on the pallet (e.g. with shrink wrap) and don't exceed the pallet edges.