Packaging & Classification

Freight Shipping Tips & Resources

User Guide

PARTNERSHIPS & CERTIFICATIONS

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CONTENTS

PARTNERSHIPS & CERTIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................................... 1

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................. 4

HAZARDS OF DISTRIBUTION ......................................................................................................................................... 4

Punctures and Abrasion ............................................................................................................................................. 4

Compression .............................................................................................................................................................. 4

Environment Exposures ............................................................................................................................................. 4

Shipment Handling ................................................................................................................................................... 5

Shock.......................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Vibration .................................................................................................................................................................... 5

DETERMINING IF FREIGHT SHOULD BE PALLETIZED .................................................................................................... 5

Palletizing Your Shipment ......................................................................................................................................... 5

PROTECTING YOUR PALLETIZED SHIPMENT FROM DAMAGE...................................................................................... 7

1. Use a Corrugated Box ............................................................................................................................................ 8

2. Provide Internal Protection ................................................................................................................................... 8 Air-encapsulated plastic (small and large cell bubble sheeting) ........................................................................................... 8 Inflatable packaging (air bags) .................................................................................................................................................. 8 Expanded polystyrene "peanuts" (loose fill) ........................................................................................................................... 9 Engineered foam enclosures .................................................................................................................................................... 9 Foam-in-place/Foam-in-bag .................................................................................................................................................... 10 Corrugated liners and inserts ................................................................................................................................................. 10 Crumpled kraft paper ............................................................................................................................................................... 10

3. Close Your Container Securely ............................................................................................................................. 10

4. Label Your Shipment ............................................................................................................................................ 11

SHIPMENT LABELS ....................................................................................................................................................... 11

CLASSIFICATION OF DANGEROUS GOODS ................................................................................................................. 12

Subclass 1.1 ............................................................................................................................................................. 12

Subclass 1.2 ............................................................................................................................................................. 12

Subclass 1.3 ............................................................................................................................................................. 13

Subclass 1.4 ............................................................................................................................................................. 13

Subclass 1.5 ............................................................................................................................................................. 13

Subclass 1.6 ............................................................................................................................................................. 13

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CLASS 2: GASES ........................................................................................................................................................... 14

Subclass 2.1 Flammable Gas .................................................................................................................................... 14

Subclass 2.2 Non-flammable, Non-poisonous Gas .................................................................................................. 14

Subclass 2.2 Oxygen Gas .......................................................................................................................................... 14

CLASS 3: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS ................................................................................................................................... 15

CLASS 4.1: FLAMMABLE SOLIDS OR SUBSTANCES ..................................................................................................... 15

CLASS 4.2: FLAMMABLE SOLIDS ................................................................................................................................ 15

CLASS 4.3: SUBSTANCES WHICH, IN CONTACT WITH WATER, EMIT FLAMMABLE GASES ....................................... 15

CLASS 5.1: OXIDIZING SUBSTNACES (AGENTS) BY YIELDING OXYGEN INCREASE THE RISK AND INTENSITY OF FIRE..................................................................................................................................................................................... 16

CLASS 5.2: ORGANIC PEROXIDES—MOST WILL BURN RAPIDLY AND ARE SENSITIVE TO IMPACT OR FRICTION ..... 16

CLASS 6.1: TOXIC, POISON SUBSTANCES .................................................................................................................... 16

CLASS 6.2: INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCES ......................................................................................................................... 16

CLASS 7: RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES ......................................................................................................................... 17

CLASS 8: CORROSIVES ................................................................................................................................................. 17

CLASS 9: MISCELLANEOUS DANGEROUSSUBSTANCES AND ARTICLES ..................................................................... 17

INTRODUCTION Shipments can include palletized items, boxes that are too large, or multiple non-palletized pieces. They must be properly packed to ensure damage free transportation with normal care in handling. The proper packaging of goods for transportation requires a good understanding of the product and distribution environment and also requires knowledge of packaging materials and experience.

Understanding and following the below packaging guidelines can help you ensure damage free freight movement.

HAZARDS OF DISTRIBUTION Below are the most common hazards in distribution and they must always be considered when preparing your shipment.

PUNCTURES AND ABRASION Occurs when the package shifts or comes in contact with other packages or material handling equipment during sorting and other shipping operations. They can also be the result of improper or insufficient internal packaging that does not prevent the contents from shifting, resulting in the product being damaged or the package failing to contain the product.

COMPRESSION Occurs when external forces are applied to the sides, faces or corners of a package. Stacking, shock, vibration, material handling equipment and tie-down straps all generate compression forces that may result in package or product damage. Proper packaging offers the necessary level of protection against these forces.

ENVIRONMENT EXPOSURES High and low atmospheric pressures are not restricted to air transit and can have a dramatic effect on some products or packages. High and low humidity can result in condensation or corrosion, and it can greatly reduce the stiffness and compression resistance of paper-based products. Temperature extremes globally can range from -80º F to +160º F and can dramatically affect the performance characteristics of packaging material. Other common environ-mental exposures include, but are not limited to, dirt, dust, odors and precipitation. If a product or package would be considered damaged if exposed to these hazards, then the shipper must take extra measures to ensure the package can protect the shipment from these known hazards.

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SHIPMENT HANDLING Proper cushioning can reduce damage caused by the shock incurred during shipment handling. It is important to note that your shipment will most likely be handled with a forklift at some point during distribution. Proper packaging must be able to protect the contents from the drops and impacts commonly associated with handling operations.

SHOCK Occurs during handling and transportation as a result of impacts with forklifts, racks, containers, floors and other shipments. Proper cushioning can reduce damage caused by shock. Most products will require some level of shock protection to prevent damage during normal distribution.

VIBRATION Occurs in transport vehicles like trucks, planes or ships and on virtually anything else that moves, such as forklifts or conveyor belts. Proper cushioning can absorb and reduce the negative effects vibration can have on your product.

DETERMINING IF FREIGHT SHOULD BE PALLETIZED Palletized Freight Palletizing freight helps multi-piece shipments remain together and provides increased protection from damage. Each pallet, including its contents, is considered one piece.

Non-Palletized Freight Loose items, such as boxes or containers that have not been secured to a pallet, are considered non-palletized freight. Each loose item is considered one piece.

PALLETIZING YOUR SHIPMENT Pallets are portable rigid platforms used to consolidate shipments and allow for ease of freight movement. Quality pallets are commonly made of either wood or plastic and can weigh between 20 and 70 lbs. Pallets should be large enough to accommodate the shipment without overhang. Anything overhanging the pallet edges will be subjected to impacts that can result in punctures, abrasions, and compression damage.

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PROTECTING YOUR PALLETIZED SHIPMENT FROM DAMAGE 1. Use Top/Bottom Load Protector Load protectors are layers of corrugated fiberboard or heavy paperboard that help to evenly distribute the weight of shipments that can be stacked upon one another.

2. Use Corner/Edge Boards Corner boards increase vertical stacking strength, prevent damage to corner edges, and stabilize the load. They should extend to the full height and length of the load, and should be used on all corners.

3. Use Stretch Wrapping Stretch wrapping is an effective way to keep all pieces of a shipment together. The plastic stretch wrap should first be applied around the pallet and continued upward around the load. Stretch wrap is designed to stabilize the load, not to secure it to the pallet. Strapping or banding should be used in conjunction with stretch wrap to secure the load to the pallet.

• Must be tight to prevent load shifting • Capture the pallet when wrapping bottom layer • Can be twisted like rope for greater strength

4. Use Strapping or Banding

Strapping prevents pieces from getting lost or separated from the load. It should be drawn tightly to the load which may require running it underneath the top deck boards of the pallet.

If you do not plan to secure your shipment to pallets, follow these steps:

a. Ship freight in corrugated boxes, crates, or shipping containers when possible. b. Use a container strong enough to support the weight of contents, and consider double boxing. c. If you are reusing containers, remove all old labels, tags, and markings. Avoid reusing boxes. d. Use at least two inches of appropriate cushioning material to protect internal items from each other and the

corners, sides, top, and bottom of containers. Appropriate cushioning material may include corrugated fiberboard, multiple layers of folded newspaper, styrofoam sheets, or packing blankets, depending on the shipment contents.

e. Reinforce edges to protect from bending. f. Securely seal closures and seams with reinforced tape. g. Label each piece with telephone numbers and complete address information, including postal code of the

shipper and the consignee or any other pertaining information that you deem necessary to identify your shipment.

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1. USE A CORRUGATED BOX

Whenever possible, use a new box. The more times a box is used, the more it loses its original protective qualities, so a previously used box may not adequately protect your shipment.

If you must reuse a box, make sure it is rigid and in excellent condition with no punctures, tears, rips, or corner damage, and that all flaps are intact. Remove any labels and all other shipment markings from the box.

Choose a box strength that is suitable for the contents you are shipping. Weight limits printed on the Box Maker's Certificate (found on the bottom flap of most boxes) are intended for palletized freight shipments, not for shipments through small parcel carrier environments.

2. PROVIDE INTERNAL PROTECTION It is important to cushion the contents of your package properly.

Please be sure that you wrap each item separately. Fragile articles need separation from each other, and from the corners, sides, top, and bottom of the box.

Please use proper cushioning material, combined with a strong outer container, to protect your shipment fully. Make sure you use enough cushioning material to ensure that the contents do not move when you shake the container.

Improper cushioning material includes clothing, blankets, towels, newspaper/newsprint, and pillows. Instead, please use the materials listed below to cushion and protect your shipment:

AIR-ENCAPSULATED PLASTIC (SMALL AND LARGE CELL BUBBLE SHEETING)

• Designed to protect and cushion lightweight items. • Used in multiple wraps and layers to ensure that the item is completely protected, especially on corners and

edges

INFLATABLE PACKAGING (AIR BAGS)

• Used primarily as void-fill materials for lightweight items • Not recommended for items with sharp corners or edges • Extreme hot or cold temperatures may affect the ability of air bags to provide adequate product protection.

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EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE "PEANUTS" (LOOSE FILL)

• Used primarily as void-fill material for lightweight items • Overfill the box with loose fill, gently close the flaps, and seal securely • Do not use with flat or narrow products that may move to the edge or bottom of the carton in transit • Due to the shifting and settling properties of peanuts, it is recommended that a minimum of two inches (5.08

cm) of cushioning be used around the contents • It is recommended that flat pieces of corrugated fiberboard be used between contents and peanuts to help

prevent migration through the peanuts • Peanuts cause static electricity and may damage electronic items. Anti-static peanuts should be used for

electronic items. Use plastic bags, bubble sheeting, or other items to wrap the item so peanuts will not work themselves into areas that may cause harm to your merchandise.

ENGINEERED FOAM ENCLOSURES

• Materials may include expanded polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, or copolymers • Enclosures should be pre-engineered for specific products

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FOAM-IN-PLACE/FOAM-IN-BAG

• A foam, sprayed into the box or mixed in packets, that expands and forms a protective mold around contents • Must be properly used, with even foam distribution around the contents

CORRUGATED LINERS AND INSERTS

• May be added to the package to increase strength and improve package performance

CRUMPLED KRAFT PAPER • Used primarily as a void-fill material for light-to-medium weight, non-fragile items and items that are suitable

for such packing materials • Must be tightly crumpled • Place at least two inches (5.08 cm) of paper between contents and outer box

Note: Fragile objects such as electronics, glass, ceramics, and artwork, require special packaging for safe shipment. Packages containing these and similar items may require added cushioning or a double (over) box.

3. CLOSE YOUR CONTAINER SECURELY Proper closure of your container is just as important as proper cushioning for the safety and security of your shipment.

To close a box securely, do not use masking tape, cellophane tape, duct tape, string, or paper over-wrap. Instead, use a strong tape -- two inches (5.08 cm) or more in width -- such as these types:

Pressure-sensitive plastic

• Generally the easiest, most convenient tape to use • Versatile because it adheres without water and sticks to a variety of surfaces and shapes

Apply three strips to both the top and bottom flaps of the box. For regular slotted containers (RSC), where the flaps meet in the center, apply three strips of tape to both the top and bottom of the box, so the middle and two edge seams are sealed. For corrugated containers where the flaps overlap (FOL), apply three strips of tape to both the top and bottom of the box, so the three edge seams are sealed.

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Nylon reinforced filament tape

• Use 60 lb (27 kg) grade tape at least three inches (7.62 cm) wide • Apply three strips to both the top and bottom flaps of the box. For regular slotted containers (RSC), where the

flaps meet in the center, apply three strips of tape to both the top and bottom of the box, so the middle and two edge seams are sealed. For corrugated containers where the flaps overlap (FOL), apply three strips of tape to both the top and bottom of the box, so the three edge seams are sealed.

4. LABEL YOUR SHIPMENT Label each package with telephone numbers and complete address information or any other pertaining information that you deem necessary to identify your shipment. Some special labeling may also be required according to the nature of the goods being shipped. Please check Labels section for most commonly used shipping labels:

SHIPMENT LABELS Below are the most commonly used labels to identify specific handling requirements for your shipment. Labeling is a very important part of packaging and it helps ensure the shipment arrives in the required state.

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IMO CLASSES FOR DANGEROUS GOODS An international system for classification and labelling of dangerous goods.

The Carriage of dangerous goods and marine pollutants in sea-going ships is respectively regulated in the International Convention for the Safety of the Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Convention for the Prevention of pollution from Ships (MARPOL).

Relevant parts of both SOLAS and MARPOL have been worked out in great detail and are included in the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, thus making this Code the legal instrument for maritime transport of dangerous goods and marine pollutants. As of 1st January 2004, the IMDG Code will become a mandatory requirement.

CLASSIFICATION OF DANGEROUS GOODS For all modes of transport (sea, air, rail, road and inland waterways) the classification (grouping) of dangerous goods, by type of risk involved, has been drawn up by the UNITED NATIONS Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UN).

SUBCLASS 1.1 Consists of explosives that have a mass explosion hazard. A mass explosion is one which affects almost the entire load instantaneously.

SUBCLASS 1.2 Consists of explosives that have a projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard.

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CLASS 2: GASES SUBCLASS 2.1 FLAMMABLE GAS

454 kg (1001 lbs) of any material which is a gas at 20°C (68°F) or less and 101.3 kPa (14.7 psi) of pressure (a material which has a boiling point of 20°C (68°F) or less at 101.3 kPa (14.7 psi)) which-

1. Is ignitable at 101.3 kPa (14.7 psi) when in a mixture of 13 percent or less by volume with air; or 2. Has a flammable range at 101.3 kPa (14.7 psi) with air of at least 12 percent regardless of the lower limit.

SUBCLASS 2.2 NON-FLAMMABLE , NON-POISONOUS GAS This division includes compressed gas, liquefied gas, pressurized cryogenic gas, compressed gas in solution, asphyxiant gas and oxidizing gas. A non-flammable, nonpoisonous compressed gas (Division 2.2) means any material (or mixture) which- 1. Exerts in the packaging an absolute pressure of 280 kPa (40.6 psia) or greater at 20°C (68°F), and 2. Does not meet the definition of Division 2.1 or 2.3.

SUBCLASS 2.2 OXYGEN GAS This is an optional placard to the 2.2 Non-flammable Gas placard for compressed Oxygen in either the gas or liquid state. Oxygen is considered a non-flammable because it in and of itself does not burn. It is, however, required for combustion to take place. High concentrations of oxygen greatly increases the rate and intensity of combustion

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CLASS 3: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS A flammable liquid (Class 3) means a liquid having a flash point of not more than 60.5°C (141°F), or any material in a liquid phase with a flash point at or above 37.8°C (100°F) that is intentionally heated and offered for transportation or transported at or above its flash point in a bulk packaging.

CLASS 4.1: FLAMMABLE SOLIDS OR SUBSTANCES Desensitized explosives that when dry are explosives of Class 1 and are specifically authorized by name or have been assigned a shipping name and hazard class by the Associate Administrator.

Self-reactive materials, which are thermally unstable and that can undergo a strongly exothermic decomposition even without participation of air.

Readily combustible solids that can cause a fire through friction and show a burning rate faster than 2.2 mm (0.087 inches) per second, or metal powders that can be ignited and react over the whole length of a sample in 10 minutes or less.

CLASS 4.2: FLAMMABLE SOLIDS Spontaneously Combustible material is a pyrophoric material, which is a liquid or solid that can ignite within five (5) minutes after coming in contact with air or a self-heating material that when in contact with air and without an energy supply is liable to self-heat.

CLASS 4.3: SUBSTANCES WHICH, IN CONTACT WITH WATER, EMIT FLAMMABLE GASES

Dangerous When Wet material is a material that when it makes contact with water is liable to become spontaneously flammable or give off flammable or toxic gas at a rate greater than 1 L per kilogram of the material per hour

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CLASS 5.1: OXIDIZING SUBSTNACES (AGENTS) BY YIELDING OXYGEN INCREASE THE RISK AND INTENSITY OF FIRE

Oxidizer (Division 5.1) means a material that may, generally by yielding oxygen, cause or enhance the combustion of other materials.

CLASS 5.2: ORGANIC PEROXIDES—MOST WILL BURN RAPIDLY AND ARE SENSITIVE TO IMPACT OR FRICTION

Organic peroxide (Division 5.2) means any organic compound containing oxygen (O) in the bivalent -O-O- structure and which may be considered a derivative of hydrogen peroxide, where one or more of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced by organic radicals.

CLASS 6.1: TOXIC, POISON SUBSTANCES Known to be toxic to humans so as to afford a hazard to health during transportation or is presumed to be toxic to humans because it falls within a toxic category when tested on laboratory animals.

an irritating material such as tear gas that causes extreme irritation, especially in confined spaces

CLASS 6.2: INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCES Infectious Substance material is known to contain or suspected of containing a pathogen.

3.6.2.1 Definitions

For the purposes of these Regulations:

3.6.2.1.1 Infectious substances are substances which are known or are reasonably expected to contain pathogens. Pathogens are defined as micro-organisms (including bacteria, viruses, rickettsiae, parasites, fungi) and other agents such as prions, which can cause disease in humans or animals

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CLASS 7: RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES Any quantity of packages bearing the RADIOACTIVE YELLOW III label (LSA-III). Some radioactive materials in "exclusive use" with low specific activity radioactive materials will not bear the label; however, the RADIOACTIVE placard is required.

CLASS 8: CORROSIVES 1. For the purpose of this subchapter "corrosive materials" (Class 8) means a liquid or solid that causes full thickness destruction of human skin at the site of contact within a specified period of time. A liquid that has a severe corrosion rate on steel or aluminum is also a corrosive material.

CLASS 9: MISCELLANEOUS DANGEROUSSUBSTANCES AND ARTICLES

A material which presents a hazard during transportation but which does not meet the definition of any other hazard class. This class includes:

1. Any material which has an anesthetic, noxious or other similar property which could cause extreme annoyance or discomfort to a flight crew member so as to prevent the correct performance of assigned duties; or

2. Any material for an elevated temperature material, a hazardous substance, a hazardous waste, or a marine pollutant.

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