Topic 2.

Cargo and Packaging

Introduction

An especially important part in the transport process is

preparing for shipment, including selection, design, and fabrication of the materials that will
protect the merchandise until it reaches its final destination.

Each product is special and different regarding packing and packaging; therefore, it must be
processed in a different manner for its transportation. For instance, an agricultural industry
company does not require the same care in the products it transports than a computer industry
or a glass industry company requires for transporting their products. While many producers of
goods for the food sector take care of some aspects for preserving their merchandise, with the
priority being that the products retain optimal properties for consumption, computer equipment
manufacturers try to use packing that minimize or eliminate risk of damage to the product,
regarding aesthetics and function; glass producers seek different conditions to the two previous
examples.

Next time you go to the supermarket observe the packing and characteristics of various
products, not from a marketing or advertising perspective, but with an eye on logistics, and you
will realize the relevance of this component in the logistics process.

Explanation

2.1 Merchandise packing and packaging

From the perspective of logistics, the product packing or packaging is the material in charge of
protecting the product’s physical and chemical characteristics, which is in direct contact with
the product. Companies also exploit packing to catch the attention of the customer or to
position the product according to established marketing plans.

Packaging refers to grouping several products that do not require packing, to facilitate handling,
storage, transportation, and distribution.

Both packing and packaging are elements that will integrate to the product as a relevant,
additional part in logistics, where there must be proper planning to create them depending on
the company's specific needs. This planning allows the determination of the optimal material
according to the product characteristics:

Materials used for this purpose are paper, corrugated carboard, plant fibers, wood, plastics,
glass, metals, among others.

There are also considerations companies must make regarding packing, such as product
labeling. Depending on specific regulations in each country, there is certain information that
must appear on the label, especially when the product is for human consumption. In the case of
export goods, this element is especially significant, to the point it may determine whether a
merchandise enters a country or not. Generally, it must include the following information:

 Product’s trade name.

 Name and address of the producer, exporter, importer, and/or distributor.
 Country of origin.
 Net weight, gross weight, volume, among others.
 Instructions for use and storage.
 Date of production, expiration date, and lot number.
 Precautions.

In exporting, the packaging used must also include certain identification information, as in the
product label:

 Exporting country.
 Name and full data of producer, exporter, importer, and/or distributor.
  Product characteristics and instructions for handling.

2.2 Types of containers

The same way distinct factors of the packing and packaging selection affect the selection of the
means of transportation, they are also relevant in selecting the container used to move the
shipment in the principal mode of transportation.

Due to the high level of specialization that exists in the transportation industry, there is a vast
variety of containers that adapt to the needs of each company, product, and virtually any special
characteristic for any transportation service user.

Depending on the mode of transportation used, the following are available options for
containers:

a. Containers used in maritime transportation:

b. Containers used in land transportation in highways:

c. Containers used in land transportation in railways:

 d. Containers used in air transportation:

Source: Portal de la industria de la carga en México. (2013). Retrieved from

http://cargainfo.com/

Conclusion

When talking about packing, packaging, containerization, or any other term referring to a
process to protect merchandise during transit, there are options adapting to every kind of
product, region, emergency, value of the goods, or any other factor the company deems
important.

The same way a company decides which are the modes of transportation it will use to move
merchandise, there is a specific process to select the container and another to select the type of
packing and packaging, as well as the materials to be used.