Packaging is a specification, not an afterthought
Thirty days in a container means humidity, stacking pressure, and handling by people who have never met you. Export packaging that is not specified in the purchase order will be decided by the factory''s cost department.
The standards that matter
Standard Applies to Requirement
--- --- ---
ISPM-15 Wooden pallets/crates Heat-treated and stamped
Edge crush test (ECT) Cartons 32–44 ECT for export stacking
Container weight limits Loading plan Even distribution, no overhang
Moisture control Container interior Desiccants, liners for humid routes
Where damage actually happens
:::chart Share of cargo damage by stage
Container loading/unloading | 34
Ocean transit (moisture/motion) | 28
Warehouse handling | 22
Last-mile delivery | 16
:::
Specify it or pay for it
- Write the carton spec into the PO — ply, ECT rating, and print.
- Require pallet photos before loading — and container photos before the doors close.
- Desiccants are cheap — a $50 bag set protects a $40,000 load on humid routes.
- Test the drop — for fragile goods, ask for a drop test report on the packaged unit.
> The factory packs to the standard you specify. No specification means the standard is whatever was cheapest that week.
Specs live in the order
On Prebro, packaging requirements are part of the product spec and the deal terms — attached to the order the supplier confirms, not buried in a chat thread.