Packing it right

Is this material eco-friendly? Is the package too big? Too small? Just right? Will this keep the contents in one piece? (photo credit: istockphoto)

The customer who packs well makes the job much easier for logistics providers. Underpacked boxes can collapse when stacked or in transit; overpacked ones can rupture easily. 

Many logistics companies develop market awareness and add value to the customer experience by educating their customers on good packaging practices. DHL highlights that packing should support five key logistic functions: 

• Protection (to ensure the product arrives in good shape)

• Warehousing (facilitating storage by being stackable, collapsible, etc)

• Transportation (optimal in weight and size)

• Handling (eg, easy to move via forklift or has grip holes) 

• Information (marked for easy identification and special treatment needs, or for automated tracking via barcodes or RFID tags).

Under its third-party accredited “Eco Responsible Packaging” programme, UPS helps customers assess packed items not only for environment-friendly packing material but also for right-sizing and adequate damage prevention. The latter not only protects the shipment but also avoids the added carbon cost of returning or reshipping damaged goods.

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