When exporting their products properly packaging goods onto pallets and wrapping with a stretch wrap film is important for safety during transportation and delivery. International standards and regulations for palletized shipments that exporters need to adhere to exist. Failure to meet any of these standards results in load instability, product damage, delayed shipment, and refusal to accept shipment on arrival.
In this paper the key palletization and stretch wrapping requirements and the best practices to avoid problems and clear the customs efficiently at the destination ports are discussed. This article gives necessary information to be considered while choosing the pallet stretch wrap for export shipments.
Pallets: Measures Implemented by Global Stakeholders
On palletized products that are transported across borders, there are different polices around the world; nevertheless, policies adhere to the ISO standards. Key ISO standards related to pallet load stability and integrity include:
- ISO 21887 – Intermodal shipping containers as well as their design and test for performance
- ISO 2245 – Pallets for the handling and transportation of goods
- ISO 18603 – Flat pallets for intercontinental materials handlings
These standards define requirements with regards to pallet dimensions, pallet material, pallet construction method, pallet loading capacity as well as pallet performance to ensure stability and integrity is achieved. Ais standards such as common regulations also stipulate that pallet loads must be made unitized and securited in such a manner that will not shift or further damage. Stretchhood pallet loads sufficiently and properly wrapping loads with enough stretch film enables exporters meet these stabilization standards.
Advantages of the Stretch Wrap Film on Export Pallets
Using a high-quality stretch film specifically designed for pallet wrapping brings important benefits for exported goods:
- Stabilization and Compression – The best stretch wrap film must seal well and exert a steady, vertical force that ultimately immobilizes the load any time it is subjected to handling or shipping motion.
- Edge/Corner Protection – Using an 80-gauge and above film offers effective cushioning to edge/ corner of a cargo to avoid damages during terrified handling.
- UV Protection – A good pallet wrap has protection from moisture to avoid condensation, rain and even ice melt affecting the contents of the pallet.
- Puncture Resistance – Top-grade films greatly afford high puncture and tear resistance because of the potential or chance of pallets to scrape or snag on surfaces.
- Load Containment Certification – It is necessary to mention that only some of stretch films have ISO 21887 certification for Load Containment that is frequently obligatory for particular destination.
These stretch films are loaded with better edge reinforcement for greater load holding capability. If planning to ship the product through places where it will encounter extreme heat, also consider products with UV/radiation protection added to them.
Peculiarities of wraps’ optimization depending on the export methods
Other considerations include palletizing and wrapping in exporting, and to maximize and optimize the wrapping process some of the techniques include. Best practices include:
- Forklift Access – Provide access areas within the load containment system in order to utilize the prongs of a forklift to access pallet without piercing the film.
- Full coverage – Wrap covers the whole pallet load extending to the bottom board with corner ventilation gaps only.
- Overlapping – Every subsequent layer of stretch film should cover half of the previous layer to ensure the gaps are closed.
- Stay Equally Tensioned – Use equal tension when getting to the exact load to squish the contents tightly.
- Application Top Layer – Place an additional layer over the entire set up to shield from external effects.
- Degrading – Avoid bottom punctures through adding bottom boards or extra layers of wrap or using tape.
The amount of force needed, or containment force index applied to the load is a critical objective for maximum stability while avoiding injury to the load. When taking the time to wrap pallets properly, the final load is very compact and uniform and the whole structure does not shift during lengthy overseas transport.
Meeting Stretch Wrap Standards and Certifications
The special palletization requirement specified by the country of destination should also be confirmed by exporters. ISPM-15 regulations regarding approved wood pallets and boxes has to be complied with for shipments to the European Union quite often. It may also be examined for conformity during customs clearance or during pallets’ delivery at the border.
Selecting certified products is one way of easing the entire exercise of compliance. Many premium pallet stretch wrap films have undergone standardized testing to achieve agencies approvals, such as:
There was no numbering to all the standards mentioned and these are as follows;
• ASTM D4649 – Standard Guide on How To Use and Select Stretch Films
Select films also carry classifications from testing organizations like the International Safe Transit Association, including:
ISPM-15 Mark Certification is a procedure followed for wood pallets.
•ISTA 3E Certification – Packaged-Products for Parcel Delivery System Shipment
Checking for current certifications normally appearing on the outer layer of the packaging ensures that the films will meet international cargo requirement of any export destinations.
In conclusion, the optimization of the export palletization, by utilizing proper high quality stretch film particularly designed for that purpose, contributes significantly. One important thing to note is that the purchase of certified films from reputable brands remarkably helps in the meeting of destination country requirements and at the same time ensuring product integrity right from the distributor to the end consumer. Special care taken in wrapping skills; and specific use of stretch films make exporters sure of getting their pallet loads safely in fit conditions for use.