Are Your Goods Protected Enough During Shipping?

Dear All Valued Customer, 

When arranging an international shipment, many businesses focus on freight costs, transit time, and customs clearance but one critical factor is often overlooked which is cargo packaging.

The right packaging does not just protect your products. It can also reduce damage, prevent delays, and lower unexpected costs.

Here are three of the most common packaging methods:

1. Pallet

Pallets are ideal for stacking cartons and allow forklifts to move cargo safely and efficiently. They help maximize warehouse and container space while reducing handling time. 

Wooden Pallet

Plastic Pallet

Type	Best For	Advantages	Disadvantages
Wooden Pallet	General export & domestic shipments	Strong, economical, widely available	May require ISPM 15 treatment for export
Plastic Pallet	Food, pharmaceutical, cleanroom	Hygienic, waterproof, reusable	Higher cost

Common pallet sizes

• 1200 × 1000 mm (Asia)

• 1200 × 800 mm (Euro pallet)

2. Wooden Crates

Crates provide stronger protection for heavy, fragile, or high-value equipment. They are commonly used for machinery, industrial parts, and export shipments that require extra durability.

Closed Wooden Crate

Open Slatted Crate

Plywood Crate

Type	Used For
Closed Wooden Crate	Machinery, electronics, fragile cargo
Open Slatted Crate	Equipment needing ventilation or visibility
Plywood Crate	Export cargo, lighter than solid wood

Crates offer much greater protection than pallets because the cargo is enclosed.

3. Custom Cargo Packaging

Depending on your cargo, additional protection such as shrink wrapping, strapping, cushioning, corner protectors, or waterproof covers may be necessary to ensure your goods arrive in excellent condition.

Lastly, when we are shipping cargo or packaging with wooden pallets or crates, they may need to comply with ISPM 15, the international standard requiring heat-treated wood to help prevent the spread of pests. Non-compliant packaging can result in customs delays, quarantine, or additional costs.

At ASICO Logistics, we do not just arrange transportation, we help ensure your cargo is packed appropriately for its journey. Whether you need advice on packaging, shipping methods, or export requirements, our team is here to assist.

If you have an upcoming shipment and are not sure which packaging option is best, simply reply to this email. We would be happy to help.