Pack contents tightly within the box, or crate. In this way the container wall is given added strength and harmful shifting of merchandise is avoided.
Ship large loads whenever possible, as large loads are less likely to be damaged than small ones.
Keep goods protected from rain, seawater and moisture.
Heavy machinery and odd-shaped items should be boxed or crated and provided with skids for easier handling and storage
Select the most advantageous pallet size and style. A four-way entry pallet permits handling from all four sides with a fork or pallet truck, thus facilitating handling. Additionally, the standard size pallet size of 40 inches by 48 inches (1000mm x1200mm) maximizes the volume, which can be loaded into shipping containers.
Prepare ferrous surfaces with a rust inhibitor to enable your product to arrive at its destination free from rust or corrosion.
Ensure weight is distributed evenly within the crate.
Marks should be applied with waterproof ink to three surfaces of each package. Cautionary markings should be in English, the language of the country of destination and the international graphic-handling symbol.
Protect goods adequately from pilferage.
If the cargo is liquid, do not fill containers completely but leave expansion space to allow for variations in temperature.
The cargo should be protected from rainwater damage that may occur when air cargo is taken to loading ramps.
Shipments by air for liquid cargo, certain additional guidelines apply: The packing should be able to withstand air pressure; liquid cargo should be protected from the hazards of high pressure and leakage.
It is a "serious offence" and against air regulation for shipping liquid or pressurize products without first informing the airline about the contents of the goods and getting permission. As leaking liquid leak may endanger passengers as well as causing the airplane to malfunction - in other words, you can go to jail.
