When it comes to international shipping, shipping companies face a particularly significant challenge. Goods must travel longer distances and are often transferred between carriers along the way. It’s also important to consider the temperature fluctuations and humidity to which the goods are exposed. The right packaging is always essential. The packaging solutions used for domestic shipping are not sufficient for international transport.
Sleeves, for example, are a great solution. They provide excellent protection for delicate items such as blueprints, posters, rods, and profiles. There is a wide variety of sleeves available. Not every sleeve is suitable for every product. There are a few things you should keep in mind. In this article, we’ll tell you which sleeves are particularly well-suited for shipping.
Why are special shipping sleeves so important for international shipping?
Shipping distances within Germany are usually short. The processes are also not as complicated as with international shipping. There are a few differences here. You should be aware of these and, above all, take them into account. International shipments take a long time; the goods are usually stored in containers and transported by plane. In addition, they are often transferred between warehouses and modes of transport. During these transfers, the goods are repeatedly subjected to shocks and pressure. It is also possible for the goods to become damp during this process. Standard shipping boxes quickly reach their limits here. Tubes offer outstanding protection in this case. Their round shape and sturdy construction provide greater security for long and delicate products. Solid cardboard tubes with thick walls are particularly ideal. They withstand pressure and moisture well. They are also easy to seal and can be reused multiple times. This makes them sustainable.
What to Consider When Choosing Materials
When it comes to international shipping, the material plays a key role. Solid cardboard tubes offer several advantages. They are extremely sturdy and eco-friendly. They are also fully recyclable. They have very high compressive strength, ensuring that their contents remain well protected. You don’t have to worry about possible dents, breaks, or creases. Additionally, coated solid cardboard tubes are much more resistant to moisture.
Solid cardboard tubes are available in several different sizes. For particularly heavy or fragile goods, we recommend tubes with a wall thickness of at least 3 millimeters. These ensure maximum stability. They are suitable for long-distance transport and can withstand even heavy use. This ensures that your goods are always well protected.
The main types of pods for export
There are several different types of sleeves. We’ll now show you which ones are best suited for export.
Shipping tubes with a PE coating
PE-coated shipping tubes are perfect for export. Thanks to the additional PE coating, your contents are optimally protected against moisture. Rain and damp containers are no problem for shipping tubes with a PE coating. You can be sure that your goods will arrive safely at their destination. This type is particularly well-suited for export to tropical or coastal regions, where the risk of water damage is especially high.
Cardboard tubes
Another option for export is the use of hard paper tubes. They are characterized by their exceptional strength and durability. When transporting heavy metal or plastic parts, impacts or excessive pressure are a common occurrence. This is exactly where hard paper tubes offer the perfect protection.
Quarter and half-sleeve sleeves
Profiles and moldings can be secured using quarter- and half-shell sleeves. These sleeves make it very easy to wrap the items. The item does not shift inside the quarter- and half-shell sleeves. They are particularly useful for bulky or delicate surfaces.
What are the advantages of solid cardboard tubes?
You can also choose solid cardboard tubes, which offer several advantages when it comes to international shipping:
Select the appropriate size and wall thickness
Choosing the right size for the tube is crucial to preventing damage. A tube that is too large will allow the contents to shift, while one that is too small will not fit or will crush the item. When it comes to international shipping, the length should always be an exact fit. Be sure to check the diameter when purchasing. For fragile or heavy products, a thicker wall is recommended. The tube should be selected so that the contents fit snugly but not too tightly. Additional packing material, such as corner protectors, can also be used. This can provide extra protection.
Types of closures for safe transport
In most cases, the cause of shipping damage is inadequate sealing. Keep in mind that the stresses involved in international shipping are significantly higher. That’s why you should ensure your packaging has secure and sturdy closures. For example, you can use additional packing tape. At UPA, this tape can even be custom-printed. This helps draw attention to your brand. At UPA, you’ll find a wide variety of closure solutions. You can customize these to suit your specific application.
Special considerations when shipping to different climate zones
During international shipping, packaging is exposed to a variety of climatic conditions. Heat, cold, or high humidity can damage the contents. Choosing the right type of tube is therefore crucial. This ensures that the goods remain protected even under extreme conditions. Here are a few examples:
Choosing the right size for the tube is crucial to preventing damage. A tube that is too large will allow the contents to shift, while one that is too small will not fit or will crush the item. When it comes to international shipping, the length should always be an exact fit. Be sure to check the diameter when purchasing. For fragile or heavy products, a thicker wall is recommended. The tube should be selected so that the contents fit snugly but not too tightly. Additional packing material, such as corner protectors, can also be used. This can provide extra protection.
Tropical and humid regions
In this case, a moisture-resistant coating is very important. PE-coated solid cardboard tubes or water-repellent coatings provide excellent protection for the contents in such regions.
Cold regions
In cold climates, condensation can form inside the shipping container. A combination of sturdy corrugated cardboard and additional inner packaging is recommended to prevent moisture damage. Here are a few more tips for shipping tubes internationally:
Sustainability and Reuse
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important, especially in the B2B sector. Solid cardboard tubes can be reused multiple times. They are also 100% recyclable. This conserves resources while reducing packaging waste. In addition, they are lighter than many metal or plastic alternatives. This means you can save money on shipping costs. Thanks to their reusability, companies not only save money. Customers can also see that you place a high value on the environment.
The right sleeve makes all the difference
If you ship internationally, don’t skimp on packaging. Solid cardboard tubes offer optimal protection for long, fragile, or heavy items. They are sturdy, eco-friendly, and can be customized. With the right wall thickness, a secure closure, and, if necessary, a moisture-resistant coating, your products will reach their destination undamaged even after long journeys. At UPA-Pack, you’ll find a wide range of high-quality tubes. These are perfect for international shipping.
