Packing for Density on International Shipments
The information provided here describes some of the guidelines and techniques employed by Nationwide to achieve maximum density in packing for international shipments. If you plan to do your own packing, please review the DO IT YOURSELF PACKING guide available on our Residential Moves page.
Density Customer Benefits Claims: A tightly packed shipment not only means better density but will also reduce shifting and rubbing and the resulting risk of damage to the shipment while being moved.
Service: A compact, heavy shipment is more readily accepted for movement by steamship lines and air carriers, and will thus contribute to better scheduling and total transit time for the shipment. Use all available space within large items. For example, small light items can be wrapped and placed inside stoves, washers, dryers, etc. Storage bins and suitcases should be filled to capacity.
Avoid using large cartons whenever possible. They are less compatible for loading and stowing into overseas crates and airfreight containers. Any partially filled carton should be cut down to fit the contents.
Use overseas wardrobes only for clothing. These provide better protection for clothing on international shipments. Stand-up (hanging) wardrobe cartons are not suitable for an international shipment. Cube space is wasted and the clothes will usually arrive in a pile at the bottom of the wardrobe carton.
Disassemble as much as practical. Items like bookcases or tables can easily and safely be disassembled for shipment then reassembled. Transporting such items in a set-up position can have damaging effects. Rubs and gouges are common in items that have not been reduced to the smallest practical size.
Caution: be sure that screws, bolts and other hardware are attached to components of the disassembled items, and that location of the hardware is noted on the inventory list. The inventory should also reflect if an item was disassembled by the carrier or by the owner.
Use all available space. Do not overlook the opportunity to use some articles themselves as packing containers. Trunks, suitcases, chests of drawers, tool boxes, etc. can be used as packing containers. Clothing, bedding, toys, etc. can be packed in dressers and chests. Lampshades and similar items can be packed in cabinets and china cupboards, but should be wrapped for protection prior to packing.
Employ nesting whenever possible. Many items can safely be nested together. Large and small lampshades can be packed together after wrapping with tissue paper. Nesting can also be applied to pots and pans, roasters, bowls, and even some furniture items.
DO NOT PACK any items that could damage your shipment by leakage or soiling. Do not pack and items that might be prohibited by Customs in the host country. For further information please review the
DO IT YOURSELF PACKING instructions on our Residential Moves page and also the Customs Clearance section of our International Moving MOVE PREPARATIONS CHECKLIST.
The term "density" refers to the relationship between the weight of a shipment and the space (cubic volume) it will occupy after packing into overseas containers. Because the total cost of an international shipment is greatly influenced by the weight/volume ratio of the goods being shipped, density is a very important consideration in pricing and servicing shipments.
Pricing: Competitive rate quotations, based on good density, are of obvious benefit to the customer, for they serve to reduce the materials utilized and the overall shipping costs.
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