Shipping packages internationally and to the military is completely different than shipping them throughout the United States, as there are numerous strict requirements that must be adhered to. From the box that you package the shipment in, to providing identification of what’s inside the box, to completing all the steps required by customs, the entire process can be tedious as well as confusing. For businesses just starting out, learning the entire overseas and military shipping process can be overwhelming, but you can start out by learning a few basics, like determining the difference between a pallet and a crate.
What is a pallet?
A pallet is a large wooden, plastic or metal platform that provides support for international and military shipments, also known as an oversized pallet. Not only do pallets provide support for various shipments, but they make it easier for shipments to be moved, stored, and more. Some shipments must be stacked during the storing and transport process, and pallets can make this easier to achieve. Pallets provide extra cushioning for shipments, to prevent damage to delicate items being transported overseas and to the military.
Wooden pallets are the most affordable and durable choice. Plastic pallets are affordable, but they often lack the strength necessary to adequately protect larger and heavier-weight shipments. If a pallet breaks, then it’s not going to be able to perform as it should, and your goods won’t be properly protected. Metal pallets are the most expensive of all, but also the most durable. These pallets are also quick and easy to clean, and they’re reusable, as well. However, many shippers opt for wooden pallets, due to their lower cost and durability.
Packages can be shipped without pallets, although it’s not recommended. You might believe that if you have a smaller, lighter-weight shipment, that it’s okay not to include a pallet, but this is not true. Regardless of the size and weight of a shipment, it still has the potential to become damaged during storage and transport, so ensuring that it’s accompanied by a pallet for protection and easier maneuvering is a smart thing to do.
Some pallets must be custom made in order to properly protect your shipment, and luckily, there are many companies that specialize in custom-making pallets, regardless of size. So, whether you’re shipping heavy duty machinery, an automobile or some smaller and lighter items, pallets can be built to fit your specific goods.
What is a crate?
A crate, which is typically constructed of wood, is a container in which you will package all the goods that you’re shipping to international and military customers. Crates come in all shapes and sizes, and there are even custom-made crates, because not all crates have the capacity to accommodate every shipment. With the ability to custom make shipping containers, shippers don’t have to worry about separating shipments, as they can all fit inside one container that was specially built for it.
When preparing shipments for export, just grabbing the first crate that you come across will not work. The crate that you use must be appropriate for the type of shipment you’re sending, according to its contents and weight. With the many different crates available, it should be easy to find the proper fit for many shipments, but again, oversized or irregularly-shaped items must be shipped in custom crates.
Many shippers opt to build their own crates, which is permissible, as long as they follow the exact specifications. These crates must meet or exceed the specifications set forth by the government, or the shipments will be rejected. This is why it’s imperative that you are knowledgeable about all the requirements when shipping overseas and to the military.
Using crates and pallets together
When exporting items, crates and pallets are both necessary. The goods being exported are placed inside the crates and bolted or screwed shut. The crates are then attached to the pallets, which prevent the crates-and the goods inside- from sustaining any damage. Just as the crate must be a certain size and shape to accommodate the goods, the pallet must also be of adequate size in order to properly protect the crate and its contents. The pallets help to keep the crates in one place, since moving around during transport can increase the chances of damage occurring.
If you would like to focus on other aspects of running your business instead of dealing with crates, pallets and all the other time-consuming aspects of preparing shipments for overseas and military customers, there is a way to do so. By opting to partner with a third-party shipping company, the agency that you choose will be responsible for all the shipping from the moment you sign the contract.
Kaiser & Johnson offers these services and more, and they have an impressive track record of providing exemplary service to all their clients for the past 25 + years. Kaiser Johnson consider themselves to be experts in the wood export packaging material industry, and they pride themselves on the services that they provide. With Kaiser Johnson, you can rest assured that 100% of your overseas and military shipments will be properly packaged and secured, allowing them to arrive on-time and intact. This export shipper is aware of all the customs requirements and procedures, so you don’t have to be knowledgeable of them.
So, if you’re ready to start focusing on other aspects of your business rather than trying to figure out the customs regulations and scrambling around to gather the proper shipping equipment, give Kaiser Johnson a call. They will provide you with a fair and affordable quote, and as soon as you’re ready, they will take over all the exporting duties for your business, so you can breathe a sigh of relief.
