When you ship items from one place to another, you don't just send them as they are, right? You make sure they're placed inside containers that'll protect them and ensure they reach their destination safely. That's why shipping boxes have been created. For more than fifty years, these simple, but useful objects have been very helpful for the shipping industry. Shipping boxes make goods transportation a lot easier and more convenient.
The first time shipping boxes were used were back in April 26, 1956. On this special day, the first successful shipment was made. It consisted of 58 truck bodies, and was a five day trip, starting from New Jersey and arriving in Houston. Ever since then, shipping became an important enterprise. The boxes used came in various sizes and shapes. They now "travel" to different places all over the world.
There are many kinds of shipping boxes. This is because people transport just about anything. Now, we will discuss some of the most popular types.
For fragile items sent in bulk, corrugated shipping boxes are used. This is a pre-cut box, bought as a sheet and then folded. Many people today use this when transporting items such as vases, plates and glasses. Fruits and produce can also be sent in these boxes, without being spoilt. Corrugated shipping boxes are used by many people and can be recycled.
Some packages are very large and very heavy. What you need for these are heavy-duty shipping boxes that will sufficiently handle and support the weight. Shipping boxes like these can carry packages weighing 275 pounds or more. For items like heavy books and dumbbells, these would certainly work.
If you're transporting a particular electronic device, such as a computer, you should get a specialty box. Boxes like these would help provide the items with additional protection, so they will not be damaged even when being shipped. Most of the time, these have suspension inserts within them. These inserts are cut-outs wedged inside the box to perfectly fit the item within. They help prevent the items inside from moving too much.
These are just some of the shipping boxes used today. Other examples include moving boxes, file boxes, and a whole lot more.
Not long ago, wood was the only material available when it came to dunnage that separated boxes and other cargo while in transit from industry to market. With better manufacturing and composite materials available in today's market and the decrease in usage of metal strapping for shipping boxes, there are now several options when it comes to protective dunnage for your shipping.
Wood. (floor dunnage, lateral dunnage) Not as popular as it used to be, wood is still used as dunnage. The main reason for this is that wood is often available on the floor of any warehouse and can fit almost any size shipment. It provides good structure and does not fall apart, and it is also very resistant to wear and abrasion. Wooden dunnage has increased in costs, however, and may not be the best option for boxes which contain sensitive or fragile materials.
Inflatable. (interlayer dunnage, top dunnage, lateral dunnage) Shipments containing boxes with sensitive materials inside are increasingly being packed with inflatable dunnage. Air bag like structures are manufactured from kraft paper (vinyl and polyethylene are also used) and have plastic interiors. Lighter materials are not suitable for shipments with metal strapping, but the kraft paper models can handle a lot of abuse. These dunnage options are ideal for both separating boxes and inside the box itself; the product being shipped can mold to the bag, so not only are the packages separated, but are also protected from vibrations.
Foam. (all uses) Foam dunnage is familiar to almost anyone who has ever opened a package. Foam can be used in small bits on the inside of the box, or as molded pieces for pallets, top, and lateral dunnage. The disadvantage of foam, of course, is that it can be messy and is not environmentally friendly.
Fabric. Dunnage made of fabric is especially useful for suspending your product inside its shipping container, with custom designed partitions. This product is collapsible and returnable, so your investment in dunnage doesn't need to be written off with each shipment.
Plastic. Thermoformed plastic trays make excellent bin liners, and offer the added benefit of being returnable and reusable. Their lightweight design reduces shipping costs (as compared to wood) while their toughness increases durability.
Remember that dunnage serves a few different purposes. It needs to protect the contents of the shipping boxes both inside and out, as well as the interior of the ship or truck doing the transporting. The type of dunnage that you select will depend on the type of shipment you are making and the other types of packaging materials that you are using, as well as convenience and price.
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Salvador Paez has sinced written about articles on various topics from Shopping, Auto Insurance and Health. have made the transport and exchange of goods easy. Learn how you can use. Salvador Paez's top article generates over 450000 views. to your Favourites.
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