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phase inhibits (VPI or VCI) and contact inhibits. The previous type also protects distant
objects; the latter type only protects materials it touches. A general way is to wrap
the protected product with paper treated with inhibitors, so the protection is evenly
distributed around the product.
All products do not require an internal package. Those can be piled or set into
the external package. The product or/and internal package must fill the external package
completely without empty space.
When transporting fragile equipment, it is recommended to leave a space of 5 cm
between the external package and the item so possible impacts do not hit the item directly.
5.2.2 External package
The main function of the external package is to protect the material from
transportation stresses. If the product is likely to be stolen, revealing information about
the sender or receiver must not be marked on the transportation package. Instead
abbreviations or codes must be used. If the external package reveals something about
the nature of the contents, the outsiders may be interested in the goods. The aspects
affecting the selection of the external package are:
• The measurement must be chosen according to suitable standard.
• Machines must be bolted to the base.
• The package must tolerate pushing and pulling on the floor.
• Long objects must be strengthened to endure twisting of lifting.
• The packages of the soft material must endure the pressure of the lifting and
supporting equipment and the weight of the material loaded on top.
• The package and the product must be suitable for each other so that the
package does not damage the product.
• The availability, recyclability and vulnerability of the package must be taken
into consideration.
An example: A batch of raw cotton bales was shipped in containers fromThailand
to Finland. The bales were protected with wrapping so tight that the air could not
circulate, which made the cotton mouldy. When the wrapping material was changed to
jute, the goods arrived undamaged to Finland.
It is advised that the sender packs the goods so that they can be handled with
machines and are measured according the measures of the selected transportation vehicle.
Materials must not exceed the pallet dimensions but should not be too small for the
pallet. The condition of the pallets must be inspected thoroughly before use, so nails or
overly moist wood do not threaten the condition of the goods during the transportation.
The pallet must be measured according the roughest phase of the transportation chain.
Swifter material handling, lesser damages and lower handling costs at terminals and
harbours can easily save the costs caused because of adequate packing.
5.2.3 Marking
The markings on the transportation package influence how the item is handled
and how large the risk is of going astray. The handling marks must comply with
international standards, and a company’s own versions must not be used (see Figure 5.3).