Your “Difficult to Ship” Freight & How We Can Help

Freighting has always been at the heart of Extreme Packing Solutions. It branches into several different categories depending on the type of freight it is. Moreover, it is of paramount importance to comply with the requirements and regulations of the US authority on freight and shipping.

5 Freight Shipping Methods

1.Expedited

The most expensive yet, highly suitable for time-sensitive freight shipping delivery is the expedited method. It uses transport modes such as trucks or airplanes. 

2.Partial Truck Load

It is a delivery of freight in the form of 6 to at least 12 pallets. After the inventory, the logistics company directly ships freight without the need to switch between any trucks.

3.Less-than-Truckload (LTL)

LTL shipping method implies the switching of trucks during the freight transit from one place to another. The pallets consisting of the inventory (generally e-commerce) are 1 to 6.

4.Full Truckload (FTL)

A container of 24 to 26 pallets of inventory via road or rail is another freight shipping method (direct shipments, but large ones).

5.Intermodal

Variation of rail and road trucks in this freight shipping method allows the company and the customer to save on costs.

Why Should You Use Freight Shipping Company?

There are numerous potential benefits of using a freight shipping company. Some of them are as follows:

  • Costs savings
  • Time savings
  • Energy efficiency
  • Environmental friendliness
  • Less paperwork

Factors to Consider When Picking a Freight Shipping Company

Firstly, extensively heavy freights are impeccably difficult to ship on your own. Besides, who would want to spend so much time arranging transportation requisites?

The freight sizes are not always easy to accommodate, along with a shipping method. For example, an oversize freight is usually over 96 inches. Sometimes, an excellent shipping company can prove worthwhile by providing shipping for such oversized freights.

A prominent factor to consider is the trust and authenticity of a freight shipping company. It suggests the quality of their service. You might not be willing to let someone else handle your freight, especially if it includes precious or highly-sentimental value goods. Hence, a trustworthy and highly secure user shipping company should be your choice.

Export shipments are a plus from many freight shipping companies. However, keep in mind that compliance with export rules is vital. Once you ensure compliance, you will be able to transport your personal or commercial goods safely.

The fragility of your freight is the responsibility of the shipping company. Normally, freight shipping companies offer services for all fragile goods. Nonetheless, keep an eye out for the ratio of “fragile-goods” complaints to the company. 

Contact Extreme Packing Solutions

For solid and most authentic freight shipping methods, you can rely on Extreme Packing Solution’s excellent services. We implement the best techniques in compliance with all the regulations. We also ensure adequate and timely transits of your freights. So give us a call now at 978-232-9190 or fill out a contact form to get a quote for your freight.

Are Shipping Containers Waterproof?

Shipping containers are a vital part of life the way we know it today. Shipping containers are used to move a wide array of product types across continents, countries, and even oceans. The containers allow large amounts of product to be moved at one time without the need for multiple times of loading and unloading. Shipping containers today are most commonly made of steel, aluminum, or a combination of the two. The design is made to be durable and long-lasting through a variety of conditions during the shipping process. While shipping containers are a great option, it’s reasonable to wonder how secure the contents inside really are. One of the most important questions that are asked is if the containers are waterproof or not, so let’s discuss! 

Waterproof VS Watertight 

When talking about a shipping container and water there are two terms that sound similar but have some key differences. First, a waterproof shipping container is a container that’s coated in a water-resistant material. This means that the container resists water, but the possibility of water getting into the container is still present. The container will stay in good condition, but the same can’t necessarily be said for the contents inside. 

A watertight container is designed to actually prevent any water from going into or out of the storage container. Some waterproof containers may also be watertight using seals around the doors, but that’s not always the case. Unless a container is explicitly marketed as being watertight, you should assume there’s a possibility of moisture getting inside. 

Causes of Moisture in Shipping Containers 

The most obvious cause of moisture in shipping containers comes from the ocean water during transit, but that’s not the only cause. Other causes include: 

  • Exposure to cold and sunlight which encourages condensation to form on the surface of the container 
  • Moisture inside the container – appliances, clothes, and even mattresses can hold moisture. That moisture can turn into condensation during transit and potentially damage other items in the container. 
  • Human error – if the container doors are left open or partially open during wet conditions such as rain, snow, the ocean, and even inconsistent temperatures, water can make its way inside the container. 

Choose Extreme Packing Solutions For Your Packing & Shipping Needs

Overall, there’s no simple yes or no response to the question about shipping containers being waterproof. If you plan to use a shipping container to move product, it’s imperative that you have a shipping container company that you trust to be transparent with the quality of their containers and the waterproof versus watertight status. Contact Extreme Packing Solutions today to learn more about choosing the right shipping container based on what you’re shipping, where you’re located, and where your product will be transported to! Give us a call at 978-232-9190 or fill out a contact form.

Tips for Choosing Wooden Shipping Crates

A lot of industries require the shipping of products or resources to clients or even industry workers across the globe. There are various materials available to choose from when trying to source for a shipping crate. There are tin crates as well as there are wooden crates. However, wooden crates have proven to be the most relevant and reliable shipping crate over the centuries. 

In this article, you will learn the tips that might come in handy when choosing wooden crates to ship your goods. 

Wood treatment

Wood is often a host to many types of pest or fungal elements. For this reason, you should choose heat-treated wood while sourcing for a wooden crate. Heat treatment naturally kills pests and fungus by exposing the wood to heat. It is encouraging because it doesn’t make use of any chemicals, thereby leaving the environment non-toxic. Heat treatment also makes the wood stronger and more resilient, thereby preparing it for extreme conditions. 

Wood properties

There are different types of wood. So, it is essential to pick the materials popularly used for this purpose. Plywood or lumber are good options for wooden shipping crates. You could also have an open, sheathed, or closed wooden shipping crate. A sheath allows the crate to adapt to changes in the temperature or clime.

Proper application

A wooden crate is a versatile shipping crate as they are useful for almost any type and size of a product. It provides suitable storage for glassware or even clothes. It can also accommodate just about any size and design of a product. You can make it easier to use if you include a small opening that allows for air passage and regular product checks. Industries that use wooden crates are mostly food ware, glassware, fashion, and tech companies. 

Safety and protection

Your products will be going to an entirely different area. While wooden shipping crates are non-corrosive, it is essential to provide more options to protect your goods from road or sea conditions. You might need films, foils, or (and) desiccants to protect the goods you are shipping.

Label

Label your boxes appropriately to avoid mix-ups or confusion. Not labeling your boxes could lead to; the loss of your goods at sea. Besides, there may be an error or miscommunication in delivery if you refuse to label your container. It is best to print your label on the crate so that yours can be easily identifiable. 

Wooden shipping crates are eco friendly and economical as they can be reused many more times. They’ll come in handy especially for business owners. If you would like to build your wooden shipping crates to accurate specifications, you can contact Extreme Packing Solutions for a thorough and reliable service. Give us a call at 978-232-9190 or fill out a contact form!

How Does Specialty Crating and Shipping Differ from Traditional?

Many people believe that all the shipping companies are the same. They are under the false impression that the only difference between them is the price. Hence, all they need to do is compare different companies and choose whichever offers services at reasonable prices. This is highly inaccurate. 

Each shipping company provides unique features and facilities to their clients. For instance, some companies just offer standard shipping. In contrast, other companies offer special shipping as well. These include customized shipping, packaging, and crating. To better understand the difference between traditional and special crating and shipping methods, read below:

If you want to deliver a small size package from one point to another, you do not have to worry about the standard of special services. However, if you have a big, hazardous, expensive, and fragile package, you will find immense differences between both types of services:

Environmental Challenges

When sending a package that requires complete care in transit, you need to ensure that your sensitive package is in good care. This means hiring a company or service that assures a safe and secure journey for your package, no matter how challenging the route gets.

Professional Services

You need a partner who can provide professional services when transporting your goods to the destination. Services such as special crating and shipping differ from traditional services as it involves professional and highly skillful employees. They handle your item with great care and complete their tasks efficiently.

Fulfilling the Commitments

Shipping companies make great efforts in fulfilling their commitments with clients. However, many companies fail to transfer the item is given time at the destination. That is why different companies choose specialty crafting and shipping services instead of traditional services to ship their item.

CompletingUnique Needs

Various packages require vibration and shockproof delivery. Specialty crafting and shipping services are designed in a way to protect your assets. If you want to ensure that your product reaches the destination in time safely, you will regret choosing the traditional shipping method.

Providing Additional Protection

These services include highly trained engineers already aware of methods that they should use to transit a sensitive or hazardous package from one place to another. They use custom crating, bracing, and blocking techniques and protect your items from any mishaps.

Choose a Local Beverly Crating and Shipping Company

Understanding the differences between traditional and special services will help you make an informed decision. If your package is precious and you want to ensure that the company you hire for the delivery handles the package with care and safety, choose Extreme Packing Solutions. We’ll always make sure to handle your belongings with extreme care when packing and shipping them. Contact us today by calling us at 978-232-9190 or by filling out a contact form.

How to Ship Your Furniture During A Move

It does not matter your reason for wanting to ship your furniture, you will agree that you need to take utmost care when shipping furniture. No matter where you are moving to, broken parts and dents are some of the things you don’t want in furniture. So, how do you ensure that doesn’t happen?

Before we begin to discuss how to ship your furniture, we must look at things to leave behind if possible.

What to leave behind

You should understand that the less you carry, the less you pay. This means that there will be some pieces of furniture that you can do without in your new home, and it will only be wise not to carry those along.

Find out if it will be cheaper to buy in the new country. Thankfully, not all things are irreplaceable. So, you can consider the cost of shipping as to buying a new one in the country you are moving to. If the latter is less expensive, isn’t it better to buy a new one then?

Another thing you should consider when moving furniture is the weather. Leather and wooden furniture are sensitive to the weather. So, if the new place or country is humid or even very dry, your furniture will suffer.

Will you have space for it? Do you really need it? These are some of the questions you should answer before deciding on what furniture to ship. You should make sure your furniture is really needed and that it fits where you are shipping it to.

How to ship your furniture

Pieces of furniture are delicate materials and any exposure after packing could mean danger. You need to ensure you pack well. The tips below will help you to pack your furniture will little or no problems.

Leave no space unused

Say you will be moving drawers and cabinets; it will be wise to make good use of them. When you are packing, put together all small items and put them inside the cabinets. Only make sure to shrink-wrap the items so the contents stay in place.

Pull everything apart

All parts of your furniture that can be dismantled should be pulled apart. Bed frames, wardrobes, tables, chairs are some items that can be disassembled. Then put the screws and small parts in sealable plastic bags.

Give fragile items attention

You have to look after the fragile items if you don’t want to incur a loss. Use bubble wrap, corrugated cardboard sheets, and blankets where applicable to pack your fragile items. If possible, remove glass parts from your furniture and pack them separately. If not, then use thick cardboard cut-outs around them and tape the glass surfaces.

Conclusion

Parking your furniture and shipping them is no easy task. You have to ensure that no parts are left exposed and that you label everything while also managing space intelligently. All of these are much hassle especially if you have other duties that need your attention. That is why you should let Extreme Packing Solutions help you with the shipping. Not only can we help you pack without issues, but we will also ensure your furniture gets to the other end in one piece. Contact us today by giving us a call at 978-232-9190 or by filling out a contact form!

Common Shipping Challenges and Methods to Overcome Them

In this day and age, shipments are being made every day to individuals and to organizations. Shipments are being made with both domestic and international shipping services.

In an ideal world, each and every one of the shipments would arrive at its destination on time and in perfect condition, avoiding headaches. However, issues are going to be encountered from time to time.  Luckily, there are steps that can be taken to help decrease the risk of issues and reduce the impact of common problems if they do occur.

Below are the nine shipping issues that occur most commonly, and how to manage them.

1. Items are damaged during handling or shipping.

It is widely known that the conditions in the shipping stream can be very harsh. The items face force as they are loaded onto trucks, planes and ships, and transported over bumpy roads, through turbulence, and even rough seas. 

However, when proper packaging is used, and a crating system is developed by an experienced packaging engineer, it drastically reduces the risk of damage.

2. Shipping costs are unreasonably high 

It does cost money to safely transport items from one point to another. However, if you believe that you are incurring fees that are higher than they should, there are actions you can take to reduce them. 

To ensure you are getting the best price, you should compare providers. However, beware of “bargain shippers” who could end up costing you more than they save. You should schedule the shipping as far in advance as possible.  The closer you wait to the delivery date, the more fees that can be acquired.

 3. Lack of knowledge about international shipping 

The process is much simpler getting a shipment from city to city in the United States. Typically, it is loaded onto a truck and arrives at the destination within a few days. If you are trying to make a shipment overseas, it becomes more complicated. With international shipping, there are customs requirements, forms that must be completed, and transfers from one carrier to another.

To avoid complications with international shipping, be sure to work with a crating and shipping company that has substantial experience in getting shipments to their foreign destinations

4. Shipping route disruptions 

There can be many forces that are outside of your control that could impact shipping routes. A few examples are natural disasters, political unrest, and pandemics. These obstacles cannot be prevented but there may be a way to work around them.

If you are working with an experienced shipping logistics company, they monitor local, regional, national, and world events in order to anticipate these types of problems.  In the case of an issue arriving, they can leverage their knowledge and network of industry contacts to determine if there is a way to modify the path the shipment can take to avoid trouble spots.

5. Lost items

It can seem like a shipment has fallen into a black hole once it has entered the shipping stream with some shipping companies.

However, with a premium crating and shipping provider, they track your shipment throughout the journey. If contact is lost with a package, action can be taken immediately. 

6. Stress of “split shipments”

There are times when items are picked up in one location but must be delivered to multiple locations, such as with estate shipping. This can create frustration for the family members if they are coordinating the process.

You should find a company that handles the logistics, carefully labels, logging, and tracking assets as they go their separate ways. They also keep shippers and recipients updated on the progression of the project.

7. Harsh environmental conditions along the shipping route 

Effects of the environmental conditions can cause hidden forms of damage. Corrosion and internal damage can be caused to electronics like servers by high humidity levels, such as with ocean transport.

Precautions such as moisture barrier packaging, desiccants, and humidity indicator cards can help ensure that sensitive items are protected.

8. Shipping hazardous materials 

There are many restrictions in association with shipping hazardous materials.

A crating and shipping company that is experienced in this can help you understand the packaging and handling requirements, and the paperwork that is required, so that no rules or regulations are broken while you are transporting the hazardous material.

9. The cost of repairing or replacing damaged goods 

In spite of the efforts of yourself and your shipping company, items may still be damaged during transport.

To avoid paying for the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged items, you can arrange for cargo insurance, ideally with the company that is coordinating your shipment.

Choose Extreme Packing Solutions in Beverly, MA

A common solution to having problem-free shipping is working with an experienced specialty crating and shipping company. Having their expertise can help you avoid or minimize common shipping issues so you can focus on other tasks. This is why Extreme Packing Solutions can assist you! Contact us today by giving us a call at 978-232-9190 or fill out a contact form!

What is a Freight Box?

Freight box refers to an enclosed shipping container employed in transporting one product or another. These containers can be made from a few different materials, including plastic, cardboard, and wood. Freight boxes provide certain advantages, notably, greater protection of transport products. Standard shipping units are often limited in providing the same degree; accommodation of various sized loads, and flexible cost for individual budgets.

Types of Freight Boxes

Common choices in freight boxes are cardboard boxes, plastic boxes, and wood boxes, each of which has its advantages. 

  • Cardboard freight boxes are not the most effective in offering product protection. They are still available in several options, such as single, double, and triple wall corrugated cardboard boxes, which offer the greatest protection. These freight boxes are flexible in providing ease in loading products and removing front panels, while particular varieties offer conveniently integrated pallets for simple handling. By itself, cardboard boxes are more affordable, but shipping insurance could increase overall cost, especially if the insurance company considers that the life of these boxes is short and that they are less protected from the elements, especially moisture, during travel.  
  • Plastic freight boxes are a better option than cardboard freight boxes when it comes to durability because they offer an added level of protection. Plastic freight boxes are available in different thickness and stability, and commonly feature an integrated pallet for convenient handling. Given their texture, a downside of plastic crates is their tendency to shift during transport, which increases the risk of damage to the products.
  • Wooden freight boxes offer the best product protection compared to plastic and cardboard boxes and enhanced stability and durability. For most options, the freight boxes are constructed from thick plywood that is either 1/4, 1/2, or 3/4-inch-thick plywood, making it convenient for shippers to choose the degree of security they desire. These freight boxes can be bulky, making storage difficult, but some varieties are collapsible for more efficient storage.

Freight Box Size

Freight boxes are available in many different sizes to match customers’ specific shipping needs. The North American standard pallet sizes, measured in length x width, are 48 x 40, 42 x 42, and 48 x 48. However, there are many other sizes, including those of various heights, convenient for tall products. The minimum weight capacity for most boxes is approximately 1,200 lbs. Some cardboard boxes below this capacity are less durable, while standard-sized wooden and plastic boxes may have a maximum weight of 2,000 pounds and others above. You may find that some companies may offer custom box options to meet your unique freight needs.

Items That Can Be Shipped in Freight Boxes

There are very few items that pose physical limitations that will make freight box shipping impossible. Barring certain legal restrictions for particular categories of products, it can be shipped if it can fit in the freight box. Government regulations may be on certain items, like food, chemicals, electronics, batteries, specific medical equipment, and some hazardous materials.

If you are looking for a company to help with your freight and shipping needs, Extreme Packing Solutions is the right one for your freight box needs. We offer a variety of freight box options to make your shipping easy and convenient. Give us a call today at 978-232-9190.

How To Move Fine Art & Antiques

High quality and important items like fine art and antiques need special care and attention while packing and moving. You’ll need to pack these sacred items differently than you would pack some of your other less valuable belongings. Here are some tips to follow when packing and moving your fine art and antiques

Moving Fine Art

If you have art that is larger, packing and moving it can be a tricky process. Attention to detail and giving it extra care is extremely important. 

Start by wrapping your art in a type of plastic wrap to prevent smudging in case rain is an issue on moving day. Once you have it wrapped in plastic, wrap it again with bubble wrap to prevent any other damage such as scratches or dents. Next, you’ll want to find a box that will fit your art. If you still have the box you originally got the artwork in then you can use that. If you don’t have that original box anymore you can use an extra tv box, a bicycle box, or any box you can find that fits your art. 

For larger art pieces you might not be able to find a box that fits. This is when you’ll likely need to get custom crating or boxing from a packing specialist like Extreme Packing Solutions! Extreme Packing Solutions provides cardboard or wood crating for these high quality and sacred items. 

Moving Antiques

There’s a chance that your antique furniture is already a little worn out and delicate so it’s important to take extra good care of it during the packing and moving process. Just like with the fine art you should start with bubble wrap. Bubble wrap effectively prevents scratches and dents. It is also suggested to use moving blankets as well because having that extra cushion is worth the price of buying or renting blankets. If there are any loose or removable parts of your antique furniture you should remove them and pack them separately. 

Crating Services

If your fine arts and antiques are extremely sentimental and important to you, we always recommend spending the extra money for custom crating. Custom crating is guaranteed to prevent damage as the wooden crates will keep the items in place and act as a barrier protecting them from outside harm. 

If you’re looking for professionals in Beverly, Ma, and its surrounding towns to make custom crates for your art and antiques, contact Extreme Packing Solutions today! Our team has years of experience and will make sure your items stay safe during your packing and moving process.

What To Avoid When Shipping Pallets

Freight packaging sometimes requires palletization, which is intended to keep shipment together and secure and safe in transit. Pallets have flat surfaces that create a foundation for the freight to be positioned on. While pallet shipping is a highly economical form of transporting freight and the process appears simple enough, it requires thorough planning and certain specific actions to be taken to avoid unwanted mistakes that could damage the freight. Let’s take a look at what to avoid when shipping pallets. 

Not Choosing Appropriate Pallet For Your Freight

If the wrong pallet is selected for shipment, it could mean disaster for the security of the freight during transit. First consider the material that the pallet is made from and avoid material that is slick, such as egg cartons that will likely shift during transport. It’s best to select pallets that are made of sturdy wood that can stand up to the weight of the freight that is will be supporting. Structural integrity is essential as it relates to pallets Choosing the right size pallet is also important to be able to accommodate the weight of the freight and to allow forklift access on all sides for loading and unloading. Also look for signs of protruding nail heads and damage to the pallet boards. While wood pallets are the standard, plastic, metal and corrugated pallets are also available on the market and may be more ideal for particular specialized shipping needs. 

Failing to Properly Pack Individual Boxes

Getting the right pallet is key, but if you fail to properly pack the individual cartons or boxes before stacking, it doesn’t matter the chosen pallet won’t matter. The content of the cartons or boxes shouldn’t be allowed to shift from side to side during transport, and so, it’s necessary to fill in excess space with some sort of packing paper that can serve as a cushion and offer impact protection.

Not Securing Your Pallet Correctly

An added measure of precaution doesn’t hurt when it comes to shipping pallets. Cargo straps are often used by many shippers to secure the freight to the pallets. Proper freight containment requires that the straps be wrapped entirely around the pallet and through the forks while remembering to ratchet the straps in place greater fit and security. In other instances, shrinking wrapping is used to secure the freight; it’s generally recommended to wrap the freight five full times from top to bottom treating it as a single unit. The key should be ensuring that the freight is held firmly in place during transport to avoid damage.

Inadequate Stacking

You want to avoid a top-heavy freight scenario when stacking pallets, where the heavier items are placed on top of the pallet in the initial stage and lighter items placed on the bottom. This biggest problem created is the freight becoming prone to tipping over because the weight is not distributed evenly. Heavy items should be placed on the bottom and lighter items on the top when stacking to increase strength and stability, security and reduce the risk of damage. 

Incorrect Labeling 

It can be a real headache if you neglect to properly label your shipment. It doesn’t suffice to have a single label on one side of the pallets. Ideally, all pallets should have a shipping label on either side that clearly highlights key information that includes, sender and recipient names and addresses, shipment date, number of units being shipped, tracking number, among other pertinent information.Extreme Packing Solutions can meet your pallet shipping needs from start to finish. With unparalleled customer service and high-quality products, you can expect guaranteed satisfaction when it comes to your shipment. For a free estimate, contact us directly on our website or call us at (978) 232-9190.

How to Ship Medical Equipment Safely

Packing and shipping medical equipment can be challenging because of the size, weight, and value of the equipment. The packaging process is important as it will be what keeps the equipment safe during transportation. This process requires a special kind of packaging and expertise. 

In order to make sure all medical equipment and supplies arrive at their destination safely, securely, and on time it is recommended to do the following: 

Plan Ahead  

It is important to take the time to fully plan how you are going to pack and ship your equipment. Whether you are going to put the packaging together yourself or call an expert to assist you, it is best to plan out the process. If you are looking to hire a professional you want to book an appointment with them ASAP to guarantee they have availability when you need them. 

Consider Environmental Conditions and Requirements

When packaging medical equipment it is important to know what temperatures they need to be in. If your equipment is going to be shipped and stored in a place with high humidity, you’ll need to find the right tools to protect it from moisture damage. Or, if the equipment you are packaging needs to be kept at a cooler temperature, you’ll need to make sure you get refrigerated transport. 

Use Tailored Packaging

In order to make sure your equipment stays safe during transportation, you need to make sure it is packaged with full protection. Putting your equipment into a crate with bubble wrap around it is not enough to protect it during travel. You need to strategically package this equipment. It is recommended to leave this up to the professionals. Extreme Packing Solutions has the tools to assist. 

Disassemble Items First

If you are dedicated to packing the equipment without a professional, it may be in your best interest to disassemble the equipment first and package it separately. While this may take some time, it will make sure everything stays safe during transportation. 

Insure and Track Your Equipment

Since medical equipment can be very expensive, it is recommended to get insurance on your items. By insuring your items and setting them up with a logistics provider, you’ll be able to track your packages throughout their transportation process as well as be insured if something were to happen to them during transportation. 

Choose Extreme Packing Solutions

Extreme Packing Solutions has years of experience in the packing industry. We have worked with many industries including the medical industry. We have the tools and knowledge to safely ship all medical equipment and have it arrive at its destination safely and in a timely manner. If you’re looking for professional assistance to pack your medical equipment for a move, contact us today!