Any freight forwarder worthy of the name must provide professional packaging services to importers and exporters. It is a guarantee of quality and simply a guarantee for your goods that they will arrive at their destination in due and proper form! Of course, packaging services are not cheap, but it is sometimes preferable to slightly increase your costs rather than end up with unsaleable goods!
In this page dedicated to our packaging services, we will explain why packaging is so important before advising you on several points: How to manage the packaging by yourself? Why hire professionals?
Enjoy reading and do not hesitate to contact us if you need more information!
Why is packaging so important?
The packaging is too often a botched logistical step. Many importers/exporters try to save as much money as possible on this important step!
Cargo security
The packaging is carried out directly after the production of the products, on leaving the factory. It is a step that secures the cargo from departure to arrival of the goods, it is, therefore, essential to ensure safe transport.
Info DocShipper: It is true that packing services are expensive but allows you to pack your cargo from departure to arrival. Keep in mind that it is more interesting to pay for security to avoid a disaster at the reception of the goods.
Avoiding conflicts with insurance
The insurance company, as usual, will try to find the slightest problem so as not to reimburse in the event of a dispute. Note that the packaging is one of the arguments most taken up by insurers to avoid compensating for breakage, theft, loss. If it is not made in accordance with international standards, the insurer will not consider it as standard packaging.
DocShipper Note: Insurers will look for the slightest argument to put the blame on the decisions you've made (whether it's packaging, storage, handling or loading/unloading).
Packaging - do it yourself!
How to pack by yourself? The step-by-step guide
The packaging is not an easy thing, especially for industrial products which are often subject to international safety standards. Hazardous materials such as chemicals must be packaged by a certified organization to ensure the safety of the products until their final destination.
In addition to goods, we will also discuss the packaging of personal effects (especially with regard to removals). Although sometimes the move is a "liberation", some people are really not in a hurry to prepare their belongings for the big trip. In order to make the task easier, it is important to keep one guideline in mind: How do I get started? With what? With whom? When? That's what we're going to see below.
DocShipper Note: If you wish to pack personal belongings yourself, be sure to do so several weeks in advance. "You can never be too careful!
Getting started and organized
Gather all the packing materials and the different boxes. Different sizes of boxes will be necessary to adapt the packaging to each of your goods. Make sure you buy good quality packing materials and sturdy moving boxes or cartons; if you have any doubts, don't hesitate to consult our experts!
- Upholstery
- Bubble wraps
- Packaging sheets
- Newspapers, blank newsprint
- Scissors
- Heavy-duty packaging tape
- Labeling stickers
- Markers
Create a "special moving folder" with all the documents you will need when you leave. Collect and collate your truck/hotel reservations, pet vet records (if applicable), emergency money, contact information for important people (real estate agent or landlord), and any important documents you may need before you can decompress.
Organize and adapt the packaging by category. It is important to separate goods and not to pack them in bulk. Why not? Simply because this will greatly facilitate the final phase: unloading and final storage.
DocShipper Tip: Remember to keep the user manuals: both for electronic goods and furniture. If you no longer have them, you can simply take pictures to remember the layout.
Packing efficiently
Allocate one (or more if necessary) dedicated space for packaging. Firstly because it is much easier to pack and have enough space for several people and the goods in question. In addition, this limits the risk of breakage/damage to the goods or their environment.
DocShipper Tip: During the packing phase, don't forget to notify the nature of the goods on each box/pallet/bag. At DocShipper, we work with colour codes to make it easier for everyone to understand, from departure to arrival.
Pack strategically and organized. Wrap each item individually (if necessary). Heavy items should be placed in the bottom of the cartons to leave room at the top for light and/or fragile items. If the item is very fragile, then individual packing should be used to ensure smooth transportation. Finally, don't hesitate to pad the empty spaces with bubble wrap or "newspaper", you will reduce the risk of breakage during the journey.
Finish packing in style!
Take care of your packing list. The packing list is a very important document that lists the entire shipment. It is therefore important to fill it out carefully, as it will be used directly by customs during the customs clearance phase. This document, therefore, indicates the nature of the goods, their quantity and their values (unit and total).
DocShipper Tip: Build up the packing list little by little by listing the packed goods as you prepare (especially in the case of a move). This "technique" also allows you to have control over what you have already packed and what remains to be done, on "paper".
Make a box with the basic necessities. Don't forget to leave a cardboard box filled with "essentials". We are thinking in particular of all the hygienic items for the move (sponge, towel, the minimum for cooking, etc.).
What can DocShipper do for you?
The most important step is to establish your needs. Before taking any steps, our experts establish all the packing needs that the shipment will need to be transported safely. This report is naturally done in close collaboration with the client, who has the "final word" on the operation (as long as it complies with international standards).
The organization for D-Day. Once a consensus has been reached between our offer and your expectations, our expert who will follow you from departure to arrival will organize the whole packing: What day? How long? Do you have relatives who can help you to save money ?... It is also this flexibility that we offer at DocShipper!
Info DocShipper: Thanks to our experience in international moving, we now have the capacity to perform packing services for all types of products! Moving is a real challenge in the field of packing: goods are different so generally not assemblable and the cargo is split between strong/low-value goods with other fragile/high-value goods.
Safety is priceless. Calling on a packaging professional like DocShipper is certainly not giving! But how many people make the mistake of saving on packaging and end up with a destroyed shipment on arrival? We see far too many of them to not alert our customers, but they are free to make their own decision: your decision is ours.
Points not to be neglected during packing
The packing list
As mentioned above, the "packing list" is an important element that should not be rushed since it will be directly transmitted to the local customs.
Info DocShipper: Many customers ask us how to value second-hand goods (especially in the case of removals). This is indeed a delicate question that appeals directly to common sense:
- If you overvalue the goods: You will pay more taxes when clearing customs and insurance will also be more expensive.
- If you undervalue the goods: Customs may raise a doubt, investigate and block the goods at the border until a fine is paid. At your own risk... If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to contact our experts!
Labelling
From a practical point of view, this is a definite advantage! For you on arrival, for transport professionals so as not to confuse the goods, or finally for customs officers because it supports the veracity of the "packing list". Labelling is a quick, inexpensive operation that is so beneficial, so don't forget!
The advantages and disadvantages of packing yourself
Advantages
One of the best reasons to pack yourself is clearly to save money. To save time or money, you need to weigh what is most important to you.
Another major advantage of packaging is the ability to purge. If professional packers come in, they don't decide what should be moved and what shouldn't be moved. They pack everything. Doing some of the packings yourself gives you time to dispose of the items you don't need to move.
The organization is another reason to do your own packing. When you do your own packing, you know where things are going to be, whereas professional packers may not.
One final advantage - no one else goes through your stuff. Some people are just not comfortable with others handling the goods.
Disadvantages
It takes a lot longer than you think. A typical customer will only pack about 4 or 5 boxes/hour. That doesn't count the time it takes to go out and buy packing materials and supplies or the extra time it takes to purge or lower the memory.
You miss things you don't realize the need to be packed. You've misjudged the need and realize that packing will take more time and resources than expected.
The responsibility for any damage is transferred from the professional packers to you when you do the packing yourself. This may not be a major concern, but there are some items that you would be upset to lose because they have been damaged by your packaging.
Also note that if your packaging is not in accordance, insurance may not compensate for any litigation.
Why hire a team of professionals for packaging?
The packaging process is more complex than it looks. It comes with a lot of different little things to plan and anticipate. On the other hand, setting up the shipping process is long and stressful.
We advise you not to waste even more time packing yourself, especially if you don't have the necessary equipment to do so. DocShipper works with a team of experienced professionals who can really take care of your goods.
Even though packing services represent an additional cost, it is a key step that must be managed in the most efficient way. We adapt the materials to the goods to be shipped, while adapting our offer to your budget as well!
Professionals save you time
Packing services can be particularly useful if you need to move quickly. If this is the case, DocShipper can pack your entire inventory in one day, when you might need a week to do it yourself.
In fact, packing comes with specific expertise and you may not have the knowledge of the amount and type of packing materials to use. Professional packers will use appropriate packing supplies for each item. For example, we will use padded packaging for your fragile items and special boxes for small parts.
DocShipper Tips: Entrust DocShipper shipping for the packing process to save time and stress!
You become eligible for insurance
Most packing companies offer insurance for your cargo. Indeed, in packaging services, the risk of breakage is extremely low, but even if unfortunately one or more of your products are damaged, the company must pay to compensate you.
DocShipper Info: If you would like more information about our insurance program, contact our experts or visit our dedicated page: Transport Insurance
At DocShipper, we make sure that your shipment is covered for international shipping. When providing pre-departure packaging services, we know that the risk of breakage or damage is extremely low. However, if one or more items are damaged, DocShipper Care is there to ensure decent compensation, making sure you don't lose any money.
DocShipper Note: You should never consider shipping your goods internationally without decent insurance coverage! It would be too risky.
FAQ | PACKING SERVICES
📦If my product is damaged in transit can I contact the insurance company?
Avoid conflicts with the insurance company: The insurance company will try to find a problem so as not to have to reimburse you in the event of a dispute. Note that packaging is one of the arguments most often used by insurers to avoid compensating for breakage, theft, loss. If it is not manufactured according to international standards, the insurer will not consider it as standard packaging.
⛔️Can I wrap any product myself?
No, some products, such as industrial products, are often subject to international safety standards. Hazardous materials such as chemicals must be packaged by a certified organization to ensure the safety of the products until they reach their final destination .
✂️How can I pack my goods myself?
(1) Create a file with all the necessary documents for departure. (2) Adapt the packaging by category (3) Allocate a dedicated area for packaging (4) Pack strategically: heavy items should be placed at the bottom of the box, for example (5) Fill in the packing list
📝What is the packing list for?
The packing list is a very important document that lists the entire shipment. It is therefore important to fill it out carefully, as it will be used directly by customs during the customs clearance phase. This document therefore indicates the nature of the goods, their quantity and their values (unit and total).
🌐Can I ship my goods internationally without insurance?
No, it's too risky. However, when you choose to go through professionals you become eligible for insurance. At DocShipper, we make sure your shipment is covered for international shipping. Even though the risk of breakage is low when you use professional DocShipper Care is there to ensure that you are compensated for the damage, making sure you don't lose any money.
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