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.

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.

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.

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! 

Choosing the right courier service is important if you want your products and materials to get delivered efficiently. With many options available for courier services, it is tough to choose which one would work best for you. When searching for a company to provide you with courier services, make sure you take into account these important factors. 

Immediate Availability

When searching to hire a courier you want to make sure that they have availability at that time. Since you most likely will want to get your package picked up and delivered as quickly as possible it is important to know which companies have availability and which companies don’t. 

Size and Weight Limitations

Depending on what you need to be transported, it’s important to know the companies size and weight limitations. You don’t want to choose a company and then find out after the fact that they cannot transport your item because it is too big or heavy. For some businesses, this doesn’t always have to be a consideration but if you have a business that you are selling furniture, for example, you’ll need to know these limitations. Extreme Packing Solutions can transport products and equipment up to 10,000lbs.

Proof of Delivery 

Tracking is an extremely important factor in choosing a courier service because you’ll need to know when and if your shipments are getting to where they need to be. Proof of delivery is essential for customers which is why Extreme Packing Solutions provides that within our courier services. We will let you know the status of your shipments at all times so you never have to wonder when your package will be delivered. 

Cost to Value

Although cost is important, it’s usually not on the top of the list. While there may be cheaper companies out there to choose, the quality of the service may not be as great. You want to make sure you’re choosing a company that will give you the best service for the best price. Extreme Packing Solutions works hard to provide competitive pricing as well as impeccable service. Don’t make a decision based on cost unless that company can also provide you with all of the other important factors that you’re looking for in a courier service. 

Insurance

Choosing a courier service that provides you with insurance is essential. If for any reason your package does not arrive at its destination, and you were shipping goods that were valuable or held confidential information, knowing that you had insurance will bring you peace of mind. If you are shipping valuable or confidential things, Extreme Packing Solutions offers insurance on all packages. 

Choose Extreme Packing Solutions

Extreme Packing Solutions features all of these important factors in our courier services. We provide reliable service that combines friendly, fast service with competitive rates. Whether you need express next day delivery, scheduled pick-up, or delivers on a daily basis, we offer the solution you need! We deliver throughout New England and can ship materials and equipment of all shapes and sizes. Contact us for a free quote today! 

Electronics like TVs, computers, fridges, and other items have rugged materials that shield them from everyday wear and tear. When moving, however,  they should be handled with special care into movers boxes to avoid accidental breakages. A slight carelessness by ups man or yourself may result in uncalled loses.

Special moving boxes with controlled temperatures should be used; otherwise, dust and humid can wreak havoc on delicate gadgets. Despite electronics being fragile, there is reason to get worried; the below guide will help transport your electronics safely and avoid any possible post moving headaches.

Take Pictures and Videos

The first step to take for a successful move is taking photos or videos of the power cables, data cable connections, and placements of essential gadgets. The pictures will guide you in reconnecting them back to your new place.

Files Back-Up

Begin by saving all your files, photos, videos, and documents into your computer hard disk, and then if possible, back up them on the online drive or cloud. That will guarantee they are safe in case any mishap happens during the transit. Being prepared is better lest you regret later.

Collect The Right Packing Materials And Level Them

After saving of data, the next step is having individual boxes and leveling them. Unique packing equipment for specific electronics and electricals ensures the monitoring of delicate items is natural, considering the degree of fragility. If you do not level boxes carefully, you may end up mixing elements. Some things will grind on others, causing self damages like breaking tv, pc, or laptop screens.

 Use sturdy boxes that are large than electronics to be put inside, if there are no original packing cases. Also, use ant-static bubble wraps to protect electronics that are subtle to static electricity.

Disconnect All Connections, Consolidate Your Connecting Cables and Remotes

In this step, you should turn off all running devices, and then using manufacturers manual, follow guidelines on the dismantling process when moving. In case you do not have the manual, there is no reason to worry; thanks to the internet, most corporations have downloadable manuals on their websites.  Pack all the cords and remotes in one box and level it.

Put The Devices In Boxes And Protect Them

Start by removing all storing devices like CDs and peripheral hand drives and put them in one fitting bag and seal them. If you have printers, remove toners and cartridges as you pack them in a sealable box. Wrap every device using ant static bubble wrap before placing it in moving boxes to protect them from possible static electricity damage.

Some large electronics may need to be put in a thick-walled cardboard box unless you have their original caring bags. Ensure that the packing is as safe as possible and finally close all gaps to guarantee that no motion that would cause friction damage.

Contact Extreme Packing Solutions

Although you can follow these steps to pack your electronics on your own, why do it yourself when you can have a professional service do it for you? Extreme Packing Solutions packers and movers can make your moving process easy and exciting at most affordable rates on the market. Contact Extreme Packing Solutions today!

Every business is prioritizing the efficiency and productivity of their warehouses, especially as many struggle to compete with e-commerce sites like Amazon. Most warehouses are looking for ways to cut wasteful spending while also making smart investments that will result in a positive return on investment. Modernizing warehouse initiatives don’t have to involve redesigning your entire warehouse system – there are many smaller improvements you can implement that will also help save time and money. Here are the most popular and profitable options warehouses are implementing at this point.

Systems for Waste Disposal.

Many warehouse operators look at big-picture overhauls when it comes to creating more efficiencies and cutting costs. Instead, sometimes it can be beneficial to start small. For example, many warehouses who are processing orders tend to produce a lot of waste from packaging.

There are a few ways you can manage this to make sure you’re handling waste in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible. For starters, make sure there are easy-to-locate bins for each type of waste. You should also look into the most efficient packaging solutions in order to reduce the amount of waste.

Warehouse Management Software

Years ago, the only way to access a warehouse management system was to pay a large fee upfront. However, many newer systems have converted to cloud-based options. This means that instead of making a huge investment up front, you can actually pay a monthly (or annual) subscription fee instead.

A warehouse management software system will allow you to organize the day-to-day operations of your warehouse. It also makes reporting much simpler. If you are looking to cut costs and maximize efficiencies, a warehouse management software should be a consideration.

Mezzanine (or Loft) Storage

Is storage a major concern for your warehouse? Consider Loft or Mezzanine Storage solutions. This type of storage is a platform that is built above your current space, which can add an additional “floor” to your warehouse, without having to invest in a lot of additional construction.

There are a lot of mezzanine storage designs to choose from, depending on your needs and space.

Storage Optimization

While more storage may seem ideal, you may not actually need it. Could you achieve the same results with more optimized storage with your current shelves and spaces? Pick your employee’s brains to see if they have any ideas on how to better organize storage to lead to more productivity.

Warehouse Layout

Another cost-efficient way to improve your existing warehouse is to change the way you have things laid out. If you’ve invested in software, you may be able to create virtual layouts that will allow you to maximize your layout for most-used items. There are several techniques to consider when it comes to layout, such as an ABC slotting system, zone picking, or putting commonly-chosen items together. The right system for your warehouse will depend on a lot of individual factors.

Moving is the worst. It’s stressful, even when it’s planned, and more work than anyone ever thinks. Custom crating companies make it so much easier but it’s an option some people don’t know about or consider. Here’s why custom crating is the way to go.

The Custom Crating Difference

Sure, you could pack everything in cardboard boxes and plastic bins, load them onto a truck and go. But chances are things will end up broken despite the huge investment in time.

Custom crating companies are staffed by experts who understand how to pack properly. They use wooden crates that are the correct size for your items to make sure that they are safely put away and transported without breakage.

These companies have experience with objects that are tough to pack:

• Pianos and other instruments
• Safes
• Sculptures and other artwork
• Electronics (personal and commercial)
• Commercial-grade appliances
• And many more.

Who Should Use a Custom Crating Company?

If you’re moving a residence or business, ask yourself the following questions. If you answer “yes” to one or more of them, you should definitely consider your options.

Are any of your items insured? If an item is valuable enough to be insured it is a good candidate to be moved in a custom crate.

Do you have items made of glass or other fragile materials? Do you really trust that glass table to a few go’rounds with bubble tape and a blanket in the back of a truck? It would be better in its own crate, wrapped, packed and transported by experienced professionals.

Are you moving your business’ servers and computer equipment? Especially if you don’t have full cloud backup (and even if you do), moving a server is risky. Between temperature changes, water leaks and more, it’s better to have these items securely packed and moved.

Are you moving any irreplaceable items? If something cannot be replaced, like a family heirloom, rare antique or collectible it should be treated with the care of professionals.

Do you want less stress around your move? Professional movers aligned with custom crating companies can often give you back time and lessen the stress of moving because you’ll know your items are safe and secure.

Learn More About Custom Crating

Whether you’re sold or still considering using a custom crating company, get in touch and find out how Extreme Packing Solutions can assist. Rest easy knowing your important items are being moved in the safest way possible. Contact us today!

Outsourcing warehousing and distribution is something that companies of different sizes and in different markets should take advantage of. Why? It provides companies with the opportunity to increase profits, expand and have longevity. It’s a good strategic move for companies who want to save time and money and capitalize on scalability, with room to focus on the core of their business. Take a look at these specific benefits that outsourcing warehouse and distribution services can provide businesses.

Ideal Location for Company Network

Accessibility is important when it comes to the location of your business and planning for product pickup and distribution. You want your warehousing and distribution center near major highways, ports, and railroads in order to reduce cost and the amount of time for delivery, and third-party providers are often located in these strategic locations. A third-party provider can also reduce your logistics expenses and significantly improve lead time in delivering products to customers by handling shipping regulations that constantly changes and tracking lost shipments. Rather than having to manage your own shipment center, outsourcing warehousing and distribution allows you to focus on other aspects of your business.

Flexibility That Supports Expansion

Outsourcing warehousing and distribution to a third-party provider grant you the flexibility in the supply chain, the transportation network, and warehouse operations. As business demands shift, which is common, you have the flexibility to scale your distribution model up or down and adjust to meet fulfillment needs. If inventory needs to be reduced or increased, your third-party provider will do that and, in the process, limit carrying costs. You don’t have to worry about driver shortage or fuel costs. Outsourcing allows for the continual streamlining of warehouse operational processes to accommodate shifts in business demands.

Experience and Expertise

Third-party providers tend to have years of solid experience and expertise in warehousing and distribution. The supply chain management expertise, culture, and services of the chosen provider should be in line with your specific business needs. The goal should be to see improvements in performance indicators, from on-time delivery to inventory accuracy. A reputable fulfillment service provider understands the intricacies of the supply chain and can be useful to you and your business, enhancing your level of service and improving turn-around time.

Considerable Cost Savings

By outsourcing your warehousing and distribution services to a third-party provider, you are saving time and money in a number of key areas. You will see costs associated with labor and transportation, in particular, decrease. The quality of labor and shipping are optimized, removing waste and improving productivity, creating a balance to cost and service level.

If you want to grow your business by redirecting warehousing and distribution to a third party, let Extreme Packing Solutions be your first choice. Extreme Packing Solutions can add value to your business, providing a centralized location for your inventory and optimized shipping and delivery. Superior service is what we offer so that you can see your business expand. Contact us today!

Moving can be one of life’s most stressful events. There are, fortunately, certain things you can do to make the process less difficult for your household. Hiring professional movers is one choice that families almost always find to be entirely worth the cost. Knowing that someone else is going to be dealing with loading and unloading your seemingly countless boxes can provide you with invaluable peace of mind. Here, you’ll find a list of 10 steps you should take before your movers arrive at your house on moving day.

Get rid of things you don’t use

Moving is the perfect time to get rid of items your family simply doesn’t use anymore. Whether it is old toys, broken small appliances, or outdated clothing, donating unnecessary belongings to charity prior to your move is an excellent idea.

Throw away things that can’t be moved

There are certain items that moving companies won’t allow their employees to handle. These include hazardous items, such as explosives of any kind and many chemical products, and perishable goods, like fresh fruit and vegetables. If any of these items are absolutely necessary, take them with you instead of leaving them for your movers.

Make a list of your belongings

Taking an inventory of all of the items you’re moving is one of the smartest steps you can take. This way, you’ll know right away if any boxes didn’t make the trip. If this happens, contact your moving company right away to find out if there is any way to double-check the truck that was used for your relocation.

Have a “do not pack” room

Depending on how far you are moving from your current residence, you might be driving or flying to your new house. In either case, there are certain things you’ll want to keep with you during your trip. Place these items in a “do not pack” room and put a sign on the door so your movers know not to load anything in that space into their truck.

Create “must-have” boxes

Every member of your family undoubtedly has certain items they cannot be without. These may be something as seemingly simple as toiletries or as life-saving as essential medications. It is wise to place these items in “must-have” boxes that can come with you on your journey to your new home.

Talk to your family about safety

It is always important to discuss safety with your family before you have service professionals in your home. If you have pets, for instance, make sure someone is put in charge of keeping them calm (or even out of the house completely) during the moving process. It is also important to keep clear of the moving crew while they do their jobs.

Get appliances ready to go

If you are planning to take any of your appliances with you, make sure they are ready to go before your movers arrive. Give each of these items a deep clean and unplug them a day or two ahead of time.

Pack small items yourself

Even if your movers are going to be packing most of your family’s belongings, you should pack small items, such as refrigerator magnets, chip clips, and other similar things, on your own. Not only will this help you know where to find them later, but it will save a lot of time on moving day.

Take pictures of everything

While reputable professional movers do everything they can to keep their clients’ possessions safe, it is possible for things to be damaged as they are transported. Taking pictures ahead of time will allow you to easily file any necessary insurance claims on items, such as artwork, that you have coverage for.

Make your movers feel comfortable

It’s important to be hospitable to your movers because they will be in your home for hours (or even days, depending on how many boxes you have!) Give them access to a bathroom, for instance, and make sure they have bottled water and small snacks available to them.

The Extreme Packing Solutions crew has handled all sorts of moves. Whether you are moving down the street or across the country, one of our service packages is sure to be perfect for your needs. To learn more about what we do, contact us today. We look forward to helping you have a stress-free relocation.