When it comes to the world of export shipping, shippers face unique challenges that domestic shippers don’t encounter. Longer transportation times, more regulations, and challenging climate conditions make domestic shipping very challenging. Despite these challenges, export shipping can be incredibly lucrative when you have the right tools and skillset for the job. At Strapping-Products.com, we are proud to offer export shippers all the tools they need to maximize their profits while remaining compliant and meeting the challenges of export shipping. Let’s take a closer look at strapping products for export and how Strapping-Products.com can help you with the materials you need.
Key Considerations for Export Shipping
When exporting cargo, you can expect your shipment to take significantly longer than a domestic shipment. The conditions under which your shipment will be placed are also much more challenging. Export shipments must be able to:
- Withstand vibration and movement
- Withstand challenging environmental conditions
- Withstand loading and unloading multiple times
These challenging conditions require the use of proper strapping materials and methods to prevent load failure during transit in some of the most extreme conditions.
Ideal Strapping Materials for Export Shipping
For export shipping, having the correct straps is crucial. For decades, steel strapping has been the standard strapping material for heavy export shipments. The benefits of steel strapping for export shipping include:
- Excellent strength
- Resistance to UV rays
- Ability to withstand sharp edges
- Resistance to stretching under load
We typically recommend using steel straps for export shipments of industrial materials, such as steel coils, pipes, and machinery. While steel strapping is an excellent choice for export shipping, other strapping materials offer their own benefits, including composite strapping. Composite strapping is often referred to as synthetic steel due to its incredible strength that comes from its construction of polyester fibers coated in polymer. Composite strapping material can be a good option for export shipments that require:
- Flexibility and extra impact resistance
- Mixed cargo shipments
- Long-haul container shipments
Composite strapping also offers the added benefits of corrosion and moisture resistance, making it an excellent choice for shipments on cargo ships.
Dunnage to Protect Export Shipments
When shipping products thousands of miles on trips that last weeks, not days, dunnage becomes a key component of load securement. Dunnage refers to materials such as wood, plastic, and inflatable dunnage bags used to prevent shifting loads during transit. Without proper dunnage materials, you run a high risk of load shift during transit, which can result in damaged merchandise and hazardous working conditions. We recommend that you set up your shipment with dunnage that prioritizes:
- Weight distribution
- Blocking and bracing to prevent movement
- Friction mats to prevent load slipping
- Inflatable bags for mixed loads with significant gaps
Finally, let’s take a closer look at some of the load security regulations for export shipping.
Export Regulations That Govern Securing Loads
Just like shipping in the United States, export shipping requires shippers to uphold standards when securing and preparing their loads for shipment. These guidelines are outlined in:
- Code of practice for the packing of cargo transport units
- IMO container packing guidelines
- ISPM-15 requirements for wood packaging
- Carrier-specific and destination country rules
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines or even having your shipment refused, leading to lost business and avoidable expenses. Luckily, at Strapping-Products.com, we have the strapping materials and tools you need to safely and affordably secure your export shipments.
Get The Tools You Need for Export Shipping at Strapping-Products.com
At Strapping-Products.com, we offer an extensive inventory of straps, strapping tools, and strapping supplies that your operation needs for export shipping. To get started exporting with Strapping-Products.com, contact our team today at (888) 803-8140 to get the best price on the tools and strapping products you need.
