11 Essential Tips to Prevent Your Goods from Being Damaged During Shipment


Shipping goods from China can be a long and challenging journey. Along the way, your cargo might get wet, damaged, or even lost due to improper packaging. In many cases, the root cause lies in packaging that isn’t designed to withstand long-distance, multi-modal transportation.

Below are 11 essential packaging and shipping practices that help ensure your goods arrive safely and in excellent condition.

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1. Use Strong and Durable Outer Boxes

Many suppliers overlook the importance of box strength. Always use high-quality, rigid boxes that can endure the pressure and handling during transportation. Weak or low-grade boxes increase the risk of damage.

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2. Eliminate Empty Spaces Inside Boxes

Avoid leaving gaps inside the packaging. Use bubble wrap, foam, or polystyrene inserts to secure the goods and prevent movement during transit. This cushioning minimizes the risk of internal damage.

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3. Apply H-Shaped Sealing with Tape

Avoid sealing boxes with a single strip of tape. Instead, use strong packing tape to seal the box in an “H” pattern (across all seams) to better protect the contents from moisture, theft, or accidental opening.

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4. Label Boxes Clearly with Fragile or Upright Logos

Shipping often involves multiple handling points. Label boxes clearly with “Fragile”, “Handle with Care”, or “This Side Up” logos to prevent inappropriate stacking and ensure careful handling.

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5. Use Pallets for Heavy Goods

Heavy goods should be placed on pallets to allow safe and efficient handling by forklifts. Loose, heavy items may be rejected by carriers, causing delays.

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6. Arrange Goods Neatly on Pallets

When placing different-sized items on a single pallet, plan the layout to distribute weight evenly and prevent shifting or collapse. Proper stacking helps prevent damage.

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7. Avoid Overloading Pallets

Even if goods are neatly arranged, overloading a pallet can compromise its stability. Stay within recommended weight limits to ensure the safety of both goods and handlers.

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8. Secure the Pallet with Wraps and Straps

Fix goods to the pallet using stretch film (transparent plastic wrap) and elastic straps. This not only holds the cargo in place but also protects it from moisture and theft.

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9. Stabilize Cylinder-Shaped Goods

Cylindrical items or overhanging goods should be properly anchored to pallets using supports or braces to prevent rolling or imbalance.

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10. Use Wooden Boxes for Extra Protection

When pallets are not suitable, wooden crates (open or closed types) can offer added protection, especially for fragile or irregular-shaped items. Choose the box type based on budget and cargo needs.

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11. Special Care for Irregular-Shaped Goods

Machines or custom equipment often don’t fit standard packaging. Tailor-made packing solutions are necessary to secure such items for long-distance transport.

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Conclusion

Suppliers may charge additional fees for specialized packaging such as palletizing or crating. Below is a general cost reference:
    •    Pallet wrapping: RMB 50 – RMB 100 (depending on pallet condition)
    •    Wooden crate sealing: RMB 100 – RMB 500 (depending on size and type)

Importing from China to Malaysia offers many advantages, including a common language. However, some suppliers may mistakenly treat international orders like domestic ones, using insufficient packaging. Proper packaging tailored for international shipping is essential to ensure safe and timely delivery.