How to Prepare Goods for International Transport and Minimize the Risk of Damage

Shipping goods to distant destinations places high demands on packaging quality. Under the international CMR Convention, the sender is responsible for proper packaging, meaning goods must be adequately packed before being handed over for transport. Do not underestimate the choice of packaging materials and cargo securing methods—their quality is crucial not only for damage-free delivery but also for the validity of shipment insurance. Here’s how to maximize the safety of your cargo.

Understanding Liability Limits: The Reality of CMR

In international transport, it is important to understand that the carrier’s liability is limited under the CMR Convention. In the event of loss or damage, compensation is determined by the gross weight of the cargo, not its market value. Currently, this limit stands at 8.33 SDR per kilogram (approximately €10/kg).

For high-value, low-weight items—such as electronics or specialized machine parts—this statutory compensation may cover only a small fraction of the actual loss. For this reason, we consistently advise our clients to secure "all-risk" insurance, which covers the full invoice value of the shipment. The insurer may reduce or reject a claim if the damage is caused by:

• insufficient securing,
• unsuitable packaging materials.

Proper packaging and adequate securing are therefore essential to ensure your insurance coverage is valid when you need it most.

How to Choose the Right Packaging for Air and Road Transport

Each mode of transport subjects your cargo to different physical stresses, meaning there is no "one-size-fits-all" packaging solution. At EGT Express, we often combine various transport methods, and we know from experience that your packaging must be specifically adapted to the journey ahead.

Preparing Shipments for Air Transport

In air freight, every kilogram matters—but you must also consider physical factors. Pressure changes in the aircraft cargo hold can be critical, especially for liquids or ADR-regulated chemicals. Furthermore, air shipments pass through multiple hands and automated systems at terminals. To withstand this process, your packaging should be:

• perfectly sealed,
• highly durable,
• compact,
• easy to handle.

Preparing Shipments for Road Transport

Long-distance road transport is a test of endurance, involving thousands of kilometers of constant vibration. These micro-movements can gradually loosen internal components or cause goods to shift within their boxes. Therefore, secure internal blocking and bracing are just as important as the outer shell.

For groupage (LTL) shipments, you must also plan for stacking. To maximize truck capacity, other cargo may be loaded on top of yours. If your shipment is not stackable, it must be clearly and visibly marked. Without this indication, you run the risk of the packaging collapsing under the weight of additional goods during the journey.

Our Recommendations for Packaging and Cargo Securing

A high-quality outer package is essential for all types of transport. For international shipments, we recommend using at least five-ply corrugated cardboard, which can withstand both pressure and moisture.

For heavier cargo such as machinery or industrial components, wooden crates are the standard. For shipments outside the EU, the wood must be treated and marked in accordance with ISPM 15 regulations.

Proper Palletization Improves Shipment Safety

The pallet is your basic handling unit, and how you load it directly affects the safety of the goods. A golden rule of logistics: goods should never exceed the pallet’s edges. Overhanging corners are almost always the first point of damage during transshipment.

To ensure stability, use at least five layers of high-quality stretch film. For heavier shipments, reinforce securing with plastic or steel strapping. To prevent the straps from damaging the goods or packaging, use protective corner boards at bending points.

Preparing for Customs Inspections

When exporting outside the EU, you must account for the fact that customs authorities have the right to open your shipment. If the cargo is packed in a way that makes access impossible, the packaging may be irreversibly damaged during the inspection, compromising the stability of the entire load. To avoid this, pack smart:

• Stretch film allows inspection of contents and handling labels without opening the package.
• Crates and boxes should be designed so they can be easily resealed after inspection.

At EGT Express, we monitor shipment stability throughout the journey, but without proper preparation at the point of origin, we cannot guarantee the original integrity of the packaging once a customs inspection has taken place.

ADR Compliance and Temperature-Controlled Cargo

For specialized transport like chemicals or food, the integrity of the box is only half the battle. Proper ADR labeling must be clearly visible and placed on two opposite sides of the shipment. Without these markers, our drivers cannot accept the cargo for transport.

For temperature-controlled transport, packaging must match the selected solution:

• Thermoboxes require excellent insulation.
• Pallet shipments in refrigerated vehicles require packaging that allows air circulation.

Our drivers have the necessary certifications and equipment, but proper labeling and packaging are the first indicators of how to handle your cargo safely.

Logistics is a Team Effort

International transport is a demanding process that requires cooperation. We provide an extensive network of branches, online tracking, and the most efficient routes. You help us by ensuring your goods are properly prepared for transport. When our professional logistics background meets your careful packaging, we minimize risks and ensure the shipment reaches its destination in the best possible condition.