In the world of shipping, increasing attention is being paid to the proper packaging and sizing of cargo. Appropriate packaging and size determination are important not only for the safety of the shipment but also result in cost-effectiveness, faster transportation, and more environmentally friendly solutions. Improperly packaged goods are more vulnerable to the forces encountered during the shipping process. This is especially important when dealing with fragile or valuable goods. Carefully packaged and properly sized cargo reduces the chance of damage, ensuring that products arrive intact at their destination.
Whether it's air, road, sea, or rail transport, each mode of transportation has its own characteristics regarding the size and weight of transported goods. In the case of air transport, cargo movement is mostly done on passenger aircraft, so perhaps air transport has the most limited cargo dimensions. Generally speaking, for a modern passenger aircraft used for overseas shipments, such as an Airbus 380, the maximum height of loadable goods cannot exceed 160 centimeters, but in many cases, the gross cargo weight per shipping unit may also be limited to a few hundred kilograms. The clear "king" of long-distance transport is sea or rail transport when comparing in terms of size and weight. A 40-foot container with a capacity of 20 tons and around 65 m3 can rightfully be called the peak of freight vehicles capable of handling the largest quantities, but even a 20-foot container is suitable for moving a significant amount of goods in a cost-effective manner. From a cargo handling perspective, road freight transport is perhaps the most flexible, as there is a wide range of options from small one-pallet mini trucks to 24-ton capacity trucks if you want to transport goods within Europe, for example.
Proper sizing of the cargo allows for optimal use of cargo space. Precise sizing can reduce transportation costs, as a large part of the costs come from renting cargo space and transportation time. With accurate sizing, more goods can be placed on each transport vehicle, thereby reducing the freight cost per unit. Poorly sized goods may result in the cargo not fitting into the pre-planned loading plan or the shipment can only be completed at the expense of other goods, which will certainly result in additional costs for the client.
The transport units and equipment used today are made according to international standards, in line with international standards also created for packaging the goods to be transported. EUR pallets, which can be comfortably and quickly placed on a truck platform, always have a base area of 120x80 centimeters, and for example, a tarpaulin-type van platform is suitable for accommodating exactly 6 EUR pallets. These coordinated cargo space and packaging tool standards, complemented by properly packaged and sized loads, facilitate easier loading, which can result in significant time savings during the shipping process. Easily loadable goods also reduce the risk of work accidents, as no unnecessary efforts need to be made to place or secure them. This can increase work safety and efficiency at every stage of the shipping chain.
Proper sizing and packaging also contribute to considering environmental aspects. Smaller, space-saving packaging requires less packaging material and can reduce fuel consumption during transport. Through optimized space utilization, fewer transport vehicles are needed, resulting in less harmful emissions, allowing every company to contribute to increasing sustainability and environmental protection.
Proper packaging and sizing are therefore essential for safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly transportation. Carefully designed packaging and precise sizing not only ensure the integrity of the cargo but also contribute to reducing logistics costs and protecting the environment. It is therefore worth investing time and energy in proper sizing processes, as it can result in significant long-term benefits for your company.
