Correct cargo packaging: responsibility and benefits

Packaging is often the great forgotten part of logistics planning and yet it's one of the factors with the greatest impact on cargo integrity, people's safety and total transport cost. Poor packaging can cause damage, losses, customs rejections and even accidents in the supply chain.

Legal and contractual responsibility

Proper packaging is the responsibility of the shipper. Marine, air and land transport insurance policies expressly state that damage resulting from insufficient or inappropriate packaging is excluded from coverage.

Likewise, shipping lines and airlines can reject shipments with packaging that doesn't meet minimum standards, releasing themselves from liability for subsequent damage. In customs, packaging that breaks or spills can lead the authority to hold the goods for sanitary or contamination risk, with fines and destruction costs.

Benefits of correct packaging

• Full cargo protection: minimizes the risk of breakage, scratches, deformation, moisture or corrosion during handling, stowage and transport.
• Space and cost optimization: tailored packaging lets you consolidate more units per pallet and per container, lowering the unit freight cost.
• Operational safety: stable, well-closed packages with the correct center of gravity prevent accidents for loading and unloading staff.
• Compliance with international standards: for wooden packaging, Costa Rica requires compliance with the ISPM-15 standard (heat treatment and IPPC marking). For dangerous goods, packaging must meet IATA (air) or IMDG (sea) regulations.
• Corporate image and customer satisfaction: packaging that arrives in perfect condition conveys professionalism and respect for the end customer.

Practical recommendations

• Choose materials by cargo type: double- or triple-wall corrugated cardboard for heavy products; polystyrene foam or air bags for fragile items; silica gel or vapor barriers against moisture.
• Strapping and palletizing: use straps, bands and edge protectors. Fix the cargo firmly to the pallet, avoiding overhangs.
• Clear marking: label with handling symbols (fragile, "this side up", maximum stacking) and package identification data consistent with the invoice and packing list.
• Prior testing: subject a sample of the packaging to drop, vibration or compression tests, especially on long or multimodal routes.

Consult your logistics agent about best practices according to the type of cargo and the requirements of the destination country.

Written by: Leonor Vásquez, Operations, VS Logistics S.A.