Sea freight is the best and most effective way for valve shipping around the world. However, many professional suppliers sometimes make mistakes when packing valves on cargoes. So, in this article, we have come up with how you can efficiently pack valves for sea freight. And here you go.

Importance Of Proper Valve Packing For Sea Freight

It often happens that you sent the valve to someone by sea freight… but the recipient did not get the right one or got it in damaged condition. This is due to your underestimation or incorrect packaging methods. Good packaging will protect your valves from unwanted damage. Also, it will help you save more space in shipping boxes. As a result, you’ll be able to send more valves to less space and save more money. 

Container Dimensions For Sea Freight

All over the world, containers are used to load and carry the goods to ship through the sea. So, it is important to learn at least the basics of the container dimension. 

Three standard sizes of containers are used in sea freight. These are 20’GP (General Purpose), 40’GP, and 40’HQ (High Cube). 20 and 40 feet represent the length of the containers. Also, both 20’GP and 40’GP containers have the same height and width of 8.5 feet and 8 feet, respectively. But the height of the 40’HQ container is different. Its height is 9.5 feet, and hence it is known as a high cube.

FCL and LCL

FCL and LCL refer to Full Container Load and Less Container Load. In FCL, only you can load your valves in a container. And you’ve to pay for the whole container even if you don’t use every inch. But in LCL, your valves and parcels from other senders will be loaded in the same container. But the great thing is that you only have to pay for the space you use.

If you have a volume of less than 15 CBM, then LCL is preferable. Otherwise, FCL would be a wise choice. However, FCL requires a high volume, but it’s very cost-effective in sea freight. So, determine the exact volume of your pallets and choose a suitable container. 

Proper Method Of Valve Packing For Sea Freight

Follow these steps to pack and make your valves ready to ship via sea freight.

Choose the Right Packaging Box

Packaging boxes are the ones in which you put the valves. You do not need to store the valves directly in the container. The best way for valve packaging is to hold the valves in crate boxes first. Then load the boxes into containers. These boxes ensure the safety of your valves. 

Although there are different types of boxes such as fiberboard boxes and cartons, wooden cases and crates, skids, etc… are used in sea freight. But you can go for fiberboard boxes or wooden crates. This is because the valve is a light product, and these boxes can easily protect the valves. However, wooden boxes can endure more pressure than fiberboard boxes.

Label Boxes with Useful Information

It is the sender’s responsibility to label all the packages with helpful information and sign professionally. And all marks or writings should be legitimate, waterproof, and clearly visible. In addition, mark at least two sides of a larger package. 

Make sure all packages or boxes are labeled with:

· Your and the receiver’s information

· Order number

· Description of the valves

· Quantity and measurement

· Gross and net weight in kg

· Other important information

Above all, include international shipping symbols such as “fragile,” “this side up,” “keep dry,” sling here,” handle with care,” etc… to prevent unexpected damage.

Prepare the Valves To Pack

we have to do something before packing the valves. If it’s a large valve, you can open some of its parts to reduce space complexity. But remember, do it only if it does not cause the recipient to fix it. And if you do it, then put the same valve parts in a small cartoon. Therefore, it’ll not mix with other valve parts. 

Most importantly, seal the valve opening with plugs, plastic caps, or waterproof tapes. This will help prevent moisture and dust from entering the valve.

Do Internal Packaging of the Boxes

It doesn’t matter how intense the boxes are, but if you’re putting only valves alone inside, you’re significantly increasing the risk of harm, especially in cases of long-distance and multiple handlers. So, what you can do is use packing peanuts, packaging air cushions, or paper cuts. Make a layer on the bottom and side (inside) of the boxes with anyone. This will stop your valves from hitting each other inside the boxes while shipping. 

Pack the Valves and Seal the Carton

Now that your boxes and valves are ready, you can load the valves into the boxes. Try to keep the same type of valve in the same carton. And distribute the valves equally in all spaces. This will make the work easy for the receiver. But if in any case you’ve to put different types of valves together, place the heavy ones at the bottom of the carton. 

While the valve placing is complete, spread more packing peanuts in the empty spaces. Finally, wrap the carton openings with packaging tape. Or if it’s a wooden box, then you can use small nuts to seal it.

Load the Packages into the Container

Now load all the packages or cartons into the container. Keep in mind the same rules of carton packaging. Put heavy boxes at the bottom and distribute the weight evenly throughout the container. Most importantly, start by placing the packages inside from the very end… and gradually come towards opening the container. And place cartons of different sizes side by side to reduce empty spaces. Finally, lock the container and send it for sea freight. 

Listen To Your Recipients

It’s important to listen to your recipients if you want to improve your service internationally. Make a call or send them an e-mail and ask about the valve delivery. Please make a note of the problems they are talking about and try to fix them next time. And if all goes well, keep up the excellent work. Best of luck…