The most important part of successful shipping is the safe and secure delivery of the goods. This safety depends upon the packaging of the products. During the entire shipping process, cargo is loaded and unloaded several times before it reaches its final destination and then to the hands of the customer. For ensuring this safety, primary, secondary and tertiary are the three types of packaging systems which are used in the international shipping process.
Out of these three, secondary packaging forms an essential part of a complete shipment. It is more than just a mere safety layer and serves a lot of other purposes. Most importantly, good secondary packaging is important for creating strong goodwill of the brand name.
Why Secondary Packaging Is Important?
Secondary packaging includes the crates, void fill material, tapes, cartoons or boxes, pallet stretch films, etc. All these play an important role in the safe transportation of the goods.
In the shipping industry, the type of container is usually taken as the parameter of determining the kind of secondary packaging. In comparison, LCL (Less than Container Load) requires sturdier and solid packaging as the cargo is placed with many other shipments.
Since there are different types and nature of goods shipped in one container, the probability of loss or damage of goods increases. So, in the case of LCL containers, secondary packaging is very important for the safety of the items.
The goods are handed over to the retailers and distributors in the secondary packaging, which is why it is important to maintain acceptable packaging conditions there. After all, no customer would be pleased to receive the goods in a torn carton or a broken container.
Benefits Of Secondary Packaging
There are many benefits of a good and standard secondary packaging, they are-
- Increases Cost-efficiency – A good secondary packaging results in fewer chances of mishandling which can save costs. A perishable or weak packaging can break anytime during the loading or unloading process. Suppose the goods are packed into a palette which is made up of thin plastic. Its surface can crack very easily which can damage the good. In such cases, the carrier charges handling costs for repackaging it. Thus, this can be saved if the former one is strong and durable.
- Smoothens Transportation process – Whether it be light-weight goods or the heavy ones, good packaging can help in easy loading and unloading of the cargo. This makes it easy for the carriers and other workers involved in the shipping process to do the task more easily.
- Useful in brand promotion – There are many brands who imprint their logos or company names on the containers, tapes and secondary packaging films. This highly impacts the goodwill of the brand because the customers receive the products in it. And as they say, “the first impression is the last impression”. Thus, a good outlook can leave a long-lasting impression.
- Decreases risk of theft or damage – A loose package is easier to open which can be an invitation to the thieves. Alternatively, it can also lead to damage to the products, especially edible or dainty items. So, secondary packaging is also beneficial in decreasing the chances of such deeds. A trader can save a fair amount of deal by it which is why it is given so much consideration.
- Helps in scheduled deliveries – A superior quality standard packaging is one which contains details of delivery like accurate handling instructions, proper delivery address, nature and type of goods, its dimensions and weight, etc. All these things help in better management of goods during the shipping process. The carrier can also distinguish the cargo among so many other shipments, which can save time and help in timely deliveries of the products.
- Uplifts product standards – Every person who is associated with the shipping industry knows the impact of good secondary packaging. A classy and good-quality package can uplift the product standards as well. Thus, a smart trader is one who puts equal emphasis on the presentation of the goods as well.
There are many importers who specify the requirements of secondary packaging before they finalise the deal. For instance, awareness about environmental safety has motivated a lot of traders to use eco-friendly packaging items. These things are mentioned in the agreement and the exporters or shippers are bound to follow the instructions. Thus, it can be concluded that every exporter and importer must pay due attention to the quality and style of the packaging of the goods.