Rhine River Reopens for Cargo Shipping After Flooding

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Rhine River Reopens for Cargo Shipping After Flooding

June 9th, 2024 Tim Jay Leave a comment

Cargo shipping on the Rhine River in south Germany resumed on Friday following a closure due to high water levels caused by heavy rainfall, according to navigation authorities. The reopening of the river around Maxau comes after a week of drier weather led to falling water levels, allowing for the resumption of sailings to Switzerland.

The Rhine had been closed to freight shipping at Maxau over the weekend due to extensive flooding in the region. However, northern sections of the river, including key points such as Duisburg, Cologne, and Düsseldorf, continued to operate normally throughout the week.

High water levels had prevented vessels from navigating under bridges, creating a significant disruption in the region. The high water warning center in Baden-Wuerttemberg has cautioned that water levels at Maxau could rise sharply early next week, potentially leading to new closures.

The Rhine is a critical shipping route for various commodities, including minerals, coal, oil products like heating oil, grains, and animal feed. In recent years, the river has also faced challenges from low water levels due to unusually dry summers.

Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News, Ocean Ports

Cargo Ship’s Power Failures Blamed for Baltimore Bridge Collapse

May 16th, 2024 Tim Jay Leave a comment

Federal investigators revealed that the cargo ship Dali experienced power blackouts hours before it left the Port of Baltimore and again just before it collided with the Francis Key Bridge, resulting in the deaths of six construction workers. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) detailed these findings in a preliminary report on Tuesday, marking the most comprehensive account of the incident to date.

The first power outage occurred roughly 10 hours before departure, triggered by a crew member mistakenly closing an exhaust damper during maintenance, which caused one of the ship’s diesel engines to stall. A backup generator kicked in but soon failed due to insufficient fuel pressure, leading to a second blackout. The crew then reconfigured the ship’s electrical system in preparation for departure.

Shortly after setting sail on March 26, the Dali lost steering and propulsion near the bridge due to another power outage caused by tripped breakers. This failure occurred as the ship approached the bridge, rendering it unable to avoid crashing into one of the bridge’s support columns.

The NTSB report describes how crew members scrambled to address these electrical issues, manually resetting breakers and attempting to restore power. Despite their efforts, the ship experienced another blackout just before the crash. Pilots on board called for tugboats, attempted to drop anchor, and issued a mayday call, but it was too late to prevent the disaster.

The collision caused the 1.6-mile steel span to collapse into the Patapsco River, killing six workers who were on a break in their vehicles. One worker survived by escaping his truck, and a road maintenance inspector narrowly avoided the collapse by running to safety.

The Dali, en route to Sri Lanka with shipping containers and supplies, was grounded amid the wreckage of the bridge. On Monday, a controlled demolition was conducted to remove the remaining span of the bridge from the ship’s bow. The Dali is expected to be refloated and returned to the Port of Baltimore soon.

The NTSB continues to investigate the power failures and is working with Hyundai, the manufacturer of the ship’s electrical system, to determine the cause of the breaker issues. The final report, which will include more detailed findings, is expected to take over a year to complete. Meanwhile, the FBI has launched a criminal investigation into the circumstances leading up to the collapse.

The Dali had arrived in the U.S. from Singapore on March 19, making stops in Newark, New Jersey, and Norfolk, Virginia, before docking in Baltimore. Investigators noted that there were no reported power outages at these other ports.

The NTSB’s mission, as stated by board chair Jennifer Homendy, is to understand why and how the incident occurred to prevent future tragedies.

Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, International Trade

Eventual Autonomous Shipping Faces Considerable Hurdles

May 4th, 2024 Peter Frerichs Leave a comment

Autonomous transport technologies first began with driving and flying. Drones have worked exceptionally well while driving continues to improve. Autonomous shipping is similar in terms of technology and mechanics, but building trust among regulators and freight owners has proven to be a significant stumbling block to widespread adoption.

AUTOSHIP (Autonomous Shipping Initiative for European Waters) is an EU-funded initiative that triumphantly operated an autonomous ship from the coast of Norway last year for a nearly 13-hour journey. The expedition itself was a success, but there wasn’t cargo or much else at risk. South Korea’s Samsung Heavy Industry (SHI) performed a similar feat in 2020 when the Samsung T-8 vessel performed an autonomous journey at Geoje Island, much of it guided via sensor and radar technology.

Like autonomous driving, the International Maritime Organization has defined four levels of maritime autonomy. Level 1 still involves seafarers on board to control and operate ship functions, while some minor operations can be automated. Eventually, the ship moves to Level 4, with no seafarers on board and no remote control. At Level 4, the vessel makes decisions and determines actions on its own.

Context is by far the biggest challenge for machines. Once vessels enter busier waters or are closer to land, other vessels, infrastructure such as offshore wind farms, and similar obstacles emerge. Even at sea, there are a host of hidden hazards that humans are adept at navigating, but it is still unknown whether a machine can successfully avoid collisions.

The 13-hour AUTOSHIP voyage was a success, but learning in real-time with real cargo can be dangerous and costly. Another timely issue in the current geopolitical context is piracy. While freight owners would undoubtedly prefer a crew-less ship in the event of a pirate attack, they would likely not risk their cargo being commandeered in the first place through risky waters without humans onboard to oversee the voyage.

Tech players who are common in the autonomous driving sector have a difficult time competing with larger firms like Kongsberg Maritime (a partner with AUTOSHIP) and Samsung Heavy Industry in the maritime sector. Most of the maritime technological breakthroughs are occurring in improving port infrastructure through automation and digitization. Freight owners and operators are rightly concerned about how quickly ports can get containers off the vessels and onto truck beds instead of navigating sea lanes without human intervention.

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Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, International Trade, News, Ocean Ports

Contaminated Fuel Speculation and the Insurance Fall-Out from the Baltimore Bridge Crash

March 29th, 2024 Peter Frerichs Leave a comment

One of the factors investigators are looking into surrounding the Dali cargo ship crash into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore is “dirty fuel.” An officer aboard the ship recounted the presence of a heavy smell of burning fuel in the engine room after one of the engines shut down. Dirty or contaminated fuel can create clogging issues with a vessel’s principal power generators.

Ships use different fuels depending on the points of their cruise. A relatively light diesel fuel is standard while vessels are inside a port, and if contaminated, algae, dirt, and water are the most common culprits.

The Dali is a Panamax-type ship built in 2015 by Hyundai Heavy Industries. The vessel has a capacity for 10,000 containers and is one of thousands that frequent the Suez and Panama Canals. The Dali underwent more than 20 port state control inspections, and according to the international shipping database Equasis, none of the inspections resulted in the ship’s detention.

The Singapore-based Synergy Marine Group operated the Dali on the Tuesday, March 26th crash. The ship was hauling cargo for A.P. Moller-Maersk and heading for Sri Lanka. The Dali was moving at an industry-standard speed of roughly 9.2 mph, and weather conditions were stable.

Insurance analysts expect the bridge collapse to result in multiple multibillion-dollar insurance claims. Disruption to businesses that rely on the port to the bridge itself will require coverage, and the crash victims will likely raise claims against the ship operator.

The entities that will bear the bulk of the insured cost are the reinsurers, who take on risks sold by the insurers. Britannia P&I Club is the Dali’s insurer, and it is common for specialized marine insurers to have reinsurance coverage of approximately $3.1 billion for vessels like the Dali.

For a point of comparison, thirty-two people perished in 2012 when the cruise ship Costa Concordia sank near an Italian island. Insurers paid over $2 billion to claimants. Meanwhile, in 2022, the car carrier Felicity Ace, caught fire and sank, resulting in approximately $500 million being disbursed under insurance policies.

Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News

Transfix and Rocket Shipping Collaborate to Elevate LTL Experience for Shippers

March 8th, 2024 Tim Jay Leave a comment

Transfix, Inc. has announced a strategic partnership with Rocket Shipping to enhance it’s Shipper App, expanding its capabilities to include Less Than Truckload (LTL) quoting and tendering. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Transfix’s multi-modal, source-to-settle platform, now offering Full Truckload (FTL), Intermodal, and LTL freight operations.

The partnership with Rocket Shipping brings deep LTL expertise to Transfix’s platform, offering shippers improved carrier management, issue mitigation, and competitive shipping rates. With this enhancement, users can expect faster onshore expert support, an upgraded LTL experience, and access to a curated network of high-performing LTL carriers.

Jonathan Salama, CEO and Co-founder of Transfix, emphasized the company’s commitment to leveraging technology to address real-world logistics challenges. He stated that integrating Rocket Shipping’s capabilities into the Shipper App provides customers with a comprehensive solution for their freight operations.

Gabe Pankonin, CEO of Rocket Shipping, expressed excitement about the partnership and the value it brings to shippers. He highlighted the combined efforts of both companies in optimizing freight operations through unique LTL expertise and competitive rates.

The update to the Transfix Shipper App, featuring LTL quoting and tendering capabilities, will be rolled out soon to all users. This collaboration represents a significant advancement in Transfix’s mission to streamline and simplify freight operations for shippers nationwide.

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Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

From Operational Tool to Strategic Weapon: Shipper Portals Redefine Logistics

February 9th, 2024 Meet Shah Leave a comment

In the past, logistics management existed within an opaque realm – shippers lacked visibility, carriers faced limited collaboration, and customers were often left wondering where their orders were. Shipper portals, seamlessly integrated within modern Logistics Management Software (LMS), are breaking down these barriers and empowering shippers to do more than just ship goods; they’re gaining strategic control of their supply chain.

The Central Command for Shippers

A shipper portal acts as a comprehensive workspace within your LMS. Intuitive interfaces make order management a breeze – easy bulk uploads, automated label generation, and streamlined processes cut down on manual labor and reduce the risk of errors. But true power comes from the unprecedented visibility they grant shippers. Tracking shipments in real-time pinpoints exact locations and proactively identifies potential bottlenecks. This granular information is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity for managing customer expectations and staying ahead in the market.

Turning Visibility into Actionable Insights

Shipper portals don’t just offer a window into your logistics; they offer the tools to act decisively. When delays crop up, shippers can immediately reach out to carriers and begin collaborative problem-solving. This eliminates miscommunication, builds stronger partnerships with carriers, and ultimately improves on-time delivery rates. Furthermore, the detailed shipment records accessible through these portals generate valuable data for shippers. Advanced reporting and analytics can uncover trends, reveal optimal routes, compare carrier performance, and pinpoint areas for optimization you never knew existed.

Customer Experience as the True Differentiator

The transformative power of shipper portals is undeniable, but their impact extends far beyond streamlining processes. In an era where customers prioritize reliable, transparent service, shipper portals offer a tangible competitive advantage. Real-time updates and accurate delivery estimates turn anxious waiting into informed confidence. Additionally, self-service capabilities through the portal empower customers, reducing service inquiries and freeing up your organization’s time and resources. It’s about more than delivering packages; it’s creating a customer-centric logistics experience that fosters long-term loyalty.

A Catalyst for Industry Innovation

If efficiency, collaboration, and customer delight are the present of shipper portals, their future is even brighter. Logistics tech is in a phase of rapid advancement, and shipper portals are ready to integrate with these innovations. Expect the following:

Hyper-Intelligent Optimization: AI algorithms and machine learning models will power even smarter route planning, considering factors like traffic, weather, and historical data for maximum efficiency.
The IoT Connection: Sensor-equipped shipments will transmit real-time data on temperature, humidity, and other sensitive metrics, giving shippers unprecedented control in areas like cold chain logistics.
Proactive is the New Reactive: Predictive analytics will uncover patterns and forecast disruptions before they occur, enabling proactive decisions well in advance, minimizing costly delays.

It’s Time to Own Your Supply Chain

The days of fragmented and reactive logistics are over. Shipper portals integrated with intelligent Logistics Management Software offer a unique opportunity to transform your supply chain from a cost center into a strategic differentiator. It’s time to move from simply shipping products to truly orchestrating your logistical symphony, where collaboration, data-driven insights, and customer delight pave the way for lasting success.

Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

Delivering with Confidence: Tips For Properly Strapping Down Containers

July 12th, 2023 Matt Ackerman Leave a comment

Protecting your goods during a long transit can be stressful. You can run into several challenges along the road. Fortunately, cargo transportation has never been easier than using a Shipping Container. These huge metal boxes can literally transport anything from fruit to potentially dangerous goods. They can even keep your cargo safe from outside forces.

Though, what exactly protects these heavy-duty containers during transit? Taking steps like using Ratchet straps, maintaining your tensioning tools and sticking with transportation regulations can ensure your container stays secure. Your container will remain safe the whole ride through. You won’t even have to worry about cargo loss. In this blog, we’ll go over some transportation container tips that’ll help you better protect your cargo box.

Why You Should Properly Strap Down Your Container

For truck drivers, your main concern should always be protecting your load. The best way to do that is by staying compliant with the state laws. In the instance of a Shipping Container, the police can slap you with a hefty fine for improperly strapping down your cargo box. Even worse, refusing to strap down your container properly could lead to a fatal car accident resulting in multiple casualties. If you’re hauling an ISO tank container full of a chemical liquid, you definitely want to avoid a hazardous spill on the highway. You could be stripped of your certificates, licenses, permits and even lose your job. Be sure to make sure you’re following Industry regulations for securing your Shipping Container. Also, double check that all your Shipping Containers parts and tools are up-to-date. Protecting your Shipping Container means protecting yourself from the law as well.

Properly strapping your container isn’t just the law though, it’s also crucial to protecting your goods. If you don’t practice Shipping Container strapping methods or use faulty hardware, you can almost guarantee that your container won’t be safe during transit. Investing in securement tools like straps, chains, lashing bars, and twist locks can ensure the safety of your container. It’s better to use high-quality tools for better performance, tensioning and security of the transportation container.

For instance, Ratchet Straps are commonly used to tie-down containers due to their optimal tensioning, durability and adaptability to its dimensions. When it comes to choosing the right straps for container securing, they take the lead. A high-quality Ratchet Strap will make sure your container doesn’t fall away.

Additionally, inspect your Shipping Container for any signs of damage that could lead to problems down the road. Specifically, check everything from the container’s locks, seals and alarm systems to ensure they’re working up to par. You want to make a habit of checking that all your equipment is functioning properly before taking off.

In addition to inspecting your container, you must also examine your hardware as well. Make a habit of regularly examining your chains, straps, twist locks and friction mats for any early signs of wear and tear. Though it may be expensive, make some necessary replacements. Faulty equipment could lead to tensioning issues over your container and evidently, losing your cargo. If you catch these problems early on, you can prevent an incident such as this from happening. Even better, you can keep trucking away.

What’s The Best Way To Strap Down A Shipping Container?

Ratchet Straps may be a must-have for many truckers. However, there’s various other container strapping methods for safe delivery to choose from.

For instance, Direct Lashing involves having horizontal bars installed on the trailer’s side rails. They provide several attachment points for your straps and chains to be connected to, all while securing the container. In the end, these bars balance out the tension of your straps and stabilize the cargo box. However, there are a few disadvantages to using direct lashing methods. One of the biggest involves the possibility of damaging the cargo. While it may not directly come in contact with your container, the pressure applied over it could lead to denting or scratches. Also, lashing slows down your preparation process due to manual handling and constant readjustments.

Another method for container boxed strapping is to use twist locks. Simply rest the corner castings of your container on top of the twist locks at the very end of the truck’s trailer. To secure it, turn the lock’s handle at a right angle. Fortunately, this safety feature keeps the container in place on your trailer throughout the whole ride. Even better, these locks improve loading time and provide better safety measures. Not to mention, they’re much easier to utilize. Given all of these great features, it’s obvious why truckers hauling ISO tank containers prefer them over other methods.

However, these locks aren’t designed to handle all types of cargo, only Shipping Containers. Additionally, it’s imperative that twist lock design is compatible with the container and trailer. Otherwise, your cargo won’t be secure.

Friction mats also reduce the chance of your container falling off your trailer. Their rubbery construction provides traction, which keeps your metal box sitting pretty and in place. However, keep in mind that friction mats aren’t a sufficient option compared to chains, straps or twist locks. They don’t provide multiple securement points like direct lashing does. Friction mats also don’t evenly distribute the weight of your cargo.

Arguably, the best way to go about securing your cargo comes down to your Shipping Container needs. Each of these securement tools comes with their own set of advantages that could benefit your situation. In the end, decide what works best for you based on the job requirements.

Stay In Line With Safety Regulations

Staying in line with industry regulations for container transportation can prepare you for the long drive ahead as well. You may be familiar with some of these rules already, such as the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) and the International Organization for Standardization Standards (ISO). These regulations cover the safe handling, construction, dimensions and identification of containers. Additional regulations to familiarize yourself with are International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), which basically involves the safe transport of your goods aboard a ship. International Road Transport Union (IRU) regulations address loading procedures, driver safety practices and the requirements for a vehicle. On the other hand, Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations (OSHA) promotes workplace safety and protects workers during Shipping Container transportation procedures.

While these regulations are pretty common everywhere you go, another country may have additional compliance guidelines for the transportation of Shipping Containers. Make sure you’re aware of a country’s regulations beforehand. Otherwise, you could run into some serious trouble.

Speaking of which, improper container strapping could lead to serious legal liabilities, including cargo liability claims and being held accountable for accidents and fines for overweight containers transported on the road. You could even have a lawsuit on your hands. In any case, you want to avoid any of these scenarios and make sure you’re meeting all transportation regulations.

Fortunately for you, there’s a couple of ways you can stay up to date on the latest guidelines for Shipping Containers. You can participate in industry-led forums and safety seminars to get all the information you need. That way, you stay ahead of the game and are well-prepared for the transport of a container.

Helping You Become A Better Driver

Transporting a Shipping Container doesn’t just mean getting the job done, but also doing it right. Whether it’s your first time transporting a container or you’re seeking a safer method to do so, you must take several factors into consideration. Knowing the best strapping and loading methods for ISO tank containers, which safety regulations to comply with and inspecting your tensioning devices are three of the most important aspects of transporting a Shipping Container. Understanding these key points will help you excel at transporting a container and ultimately, become a better driver.

Author’s bio

Matt has an extensive background as a Content Writer, writing articles on topics ranging from entertainment news to health and wellness. He currently works for Mytee Products as a Content Strategist.

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Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News

Fluent Cargo Makes Route Planning Easy

May 23rd, 2023 Tim Jay Leave a comment

The company’s launch reflects strong demand from shipment planners in the global logistics industry.

Fluent Cargo, an Australian technology company specializing in international shipment planning and research, announces the launch of its multi-modal routing engine and platform.

The solution helps logistics professionals find the best ways to get any shipment to and from any location in the world using available modes of transport.

Users simply input an origin and destination country, city, port or address, and the system will immediately provide multiple shipping options.

Whether the shipment requires air freight, ocean freight, trucking, or other services, Fluent Cargo displays multiple route options, single or multiple combinations of modes of transport along with transit times, carrier information, and detailed specifics including the type of plane or ship used, capacity and more from thousands of service providers.

Fluent Cargo aims to democratize the planning and scheduling of the movements of international shipments and make the process as easy as planning a holiday.

Availability

The Fluent Cargo platform is now live at FluentCargo.com, and is accepting new registrations from the worldwide logistics industry — logistics service providers, and shipping professionals at businesses with both domestic and international shipments.

Pricing

Fluent Cargo is currently free of charge for users and will always have a free plan. Additional premium features are currently in development and will be rolled out in the coming months to create additional value for business and enterprise users beyond the free version’s capabilities.

Technology

The Fluent Cargo platform’s advanced technology sources gigabytes of data from a multitude of partners, incorporating live tracking information of every aircraft and ocean vessel updated frequently.

Additionally, Fluent Cargo compiles schedule data from hundreds of airlines (passenger and cargo) and ocean carriers, via both aggregators and direct integrations.

This extensive data, which encompasses city, airport, seaport, road network, and shipping lane information, is integrated into a “comprehensive digitized global shipping network.”

Using proprietary algorithms, the platform rapidly parses this data to generate tailored search results for users based on their unique requirements. With a minimum input of origin and destination, users can further customize their search with preferences such as carriers, locations to avoid or route via, and even specific cargo requirements like size, volume, and type.

About Fluent Cargo

Fluent Cargo is an independent, mission-driven company with a vision to provide our clients with instant access to all of the information they need in order to better plan their shipments. We’re constantly thinking about schedules, port features, carrier information, port congestion, and other factors that influence shipment planning, be it on a plane, ship, or truck.

Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News, Technology

Traxens New IoT Device Leads Smart Container Requirements For Decarbonising Shipping

April 19th, 2023 Tim Jay Leave a comment

Traxens, the world’s first smart-container service provider for the global supply chain industry, unveiled today the new third edition of the Traxens-Box 3, its permanent container tracker and flagship product for shipping lines, freight forwarders and BCOs.

With the shift to green methanol-powered vessels and the increasing safety requirements of the International Maritime Organization, the Traxens-Box 3 IoT device has been completely redesigned to meet the highest level of ATEX certification on the market for explosion safety onboard ships.

Various shipping products are now being subjected to new explosion safety requirements as the shipping industry moves towards clean energy such as methanol-based fuel.

Added to the ATEX redesign, the battery life now reaches 7 years – an increase of 50% compared to the previous model. As a permanent container installation, this feature is critical to maximizing the device’s return on investment during a major part of the life of a container.

While focusing on risk management and cargo safety, Traxens continues to reinforce its main features for greater reliability. Traxens’ door opening detection, whose algorithms are constantly being improved, has already demonstrated its value in numerous cases, such as when consumer electronic goods have been stolen and when authorities have intervened timely after being alerted.

Several thousands of Traxens-Box 3 devices have already been pre-ordered by Traxens’ main customers who will start to deploy them in the following months.

The world’s top shipping lines, which are also Traxens’ shareholders, are already using the two previous versions of the device to convert their assets into smart containers, constantly communicating their location and additional status information.

About Traxens

Traxens has been driving digital transformation in the global supply chain for more than 10 years. The company’s breakthrough loT technology, data science expertise, global logistics experience and standards leadership unlock the value of real-time data generated from cargo assets shipped by sea, rail and truck. Traxens is trusted by hundreds of global cargo owners, enabling them to reduce door-to-door transport costs, optimize their operations and minimize risk. By partnering with the world’s leading shipping lines, authorities and insurance companies, Traxens helps all members of the global logistics supply chain ecosystem to reach a sustainable and optimized supply chain. Traxens is privately held and headquartered in Marseille, France.

Archives, Education, Global Trade Daily

5 Tips for Shipping Atypical Items

December 26th, 2022 Mike Szczesny Leave a comment

Let’s say you got something shipped in the mail for a birthday or holiday. Someone you dearly care for told you that they were sending you a special surprise. You were excited at the prospect, full of hope and curiosity. Then the day comes, and you receive your package. But the experience isn’t quite like you expect.

Maybe the gift wasn’t so much of a surprise. The gift you received was wrapped thoroughly, but it looked exactly like the item inside. You started to slowly open it, and wow, wouldn’t you know it, it is exactly what you thought it would be. It was awesome to get the gift, but a little bit more of a surprise would have been nice.

Or maybe the item you received was wrapped, but not thoroughly enough. You opened the package only to discover that the special gift someone picked out for you was bent, broken, or damaged. This really affected your experience, and when you told the person who sent it, they also expressed disappointment. There may not have been a way to salvage the item or seek a refund.

Listen: Packaging up oddly shaped or fragile items for shipping isn’t easy. Luckily, there are some ways to improve the experience and decrease the chances people receive broken items. Here are four tips to help you ship delicate, atypical, or oddly shaped items:

Look for a sturdy box or container.

If you have something that is oddly shaped or delicate, you need a box or contain that is bigger than the item you are shipping. There must be enough room for you to cushion the item, ensuring that whatever you send doesn’t get broken or damaged. Honestly, it doesn’t matter what size the item is. If the box or container is bigger, you should be able to ensure the safety of your item while keeping the element of surprise (if it is a gift).

Don’t get a box that’s too big.

However, if you package something in a container or carton that is significantly bigger than the item you are shipping, there is a greater chance that it will get broken. The less space an item has to move around in, the fewer chances there are that it will break. For example, if you are dealing with custom awards and trophies, measure the height and width of the item and find a container that is only slightly bigger than that to have it sent off. Can you make a container that is way too big work? Of course. But it will require a lot of extra packing materials, which in the end is very wasteful.

If necessary, utilize more than one container

If you are worried that you won’t be able to secure an item inside of a container, maybe try using two containers instead of one and a bunch of packing material. For instance, if you are shipping a music box, you could put it in a box and have that box placed in a sturdier, but still snug, outside box. This will help eliminate any of the bumps and bruises that your item might incur during the duration of its trip.

Use plenty of filler

The best option might wind up being the one where you load up your package with different fillings. Whether you use a corrugated wrap, packing peanuts, old newspapers, or some other item of your choosing, they will help to increase the stability inside of the package. One of the easiest ways for something to get broken in transit is the jostling that occurs. By using plenty of filler, you are mitigating that risk.

Purchase custom-made inserts.

These might even be offered by the company that you purchase your item from. It’s not unlikely that a guitar company would have custom-made inserts to make sure that the instrument you purchased to send to someone else will stay intact for the entire trip. If that’s not the case, you could have custom inserts made for you. Granted, this is more expensive way to go about it, but it could be the best way to protect your item.

By smartly sending your items, you can give a loved one a perfect gift that will be intact and a great surprise.

Mike Szczesny is the owner and vice president of EDCO Awards & Specialties, a dedicated supplier of employee recognition products, branded merchandise, and athletic awards. Szczesny takes pride in EDCO’s ability to help companies go the extra mile in expressing gratitude and appreciation to their employees. He resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Rhine River Reopens for Cargo Shipping After Flooding

Why You Should Properly Strap Down Your Container

What’s The Best Way To Strap Down A Shipping Container?

Stay In Line With Safety Regulations

Helping You Become A Better Driver

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