ISPM (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures) are standards that regulate wood packaging materials used in international trade for the purpose of preventing the spread of pests and diseases. ISPM 15 standards have been adopted by many countries around the world, including the US, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. In order for a company that deals with wood packaging & shipping to become ISPM 15 certified, they must pass an inspection from an accredited agency. Learn more about ISPM 15 regulations and why these standards were created for the packing and shipping industry by reading below!

What Is ISPM 15?

ISPM 15 mandates that wooden crates, pallets, and other packaging materials need to be heat-treated or fumigated with Methyl Bromide before they are used in international shipping. The primary method of heat treatment requires the material to reach a minimum temperature of 56ºC for at least thirty continuous minutes. After treatment, the packaging is given an ISPM15 mark, or certification, to prove compliance. ISPM 15 standards apply to both coniferous softwood and non-coniferous hardwood that are being used for packaging materials.

Why Was ISPM 15 Created? 

In 2002, many countries engaged in international trade were growing concerned about the spread of diseases and pests from wood packaging. According to APHIS and USDA, 1.8 billion wooden pallets are in service in the United States on a daily basis. Longhorn beetles, bark beetles, and ambrosia beetles were some of the most common culprits of wooden packaging infestation. Overall, wood-boring pest infestations have been significantly reduced since the adoption of ISPM 15 regulations.

What Does ISPM 15 Apply To?

ISPM15 regulations apply to most wood packaging used for international shipping, including packing cases, boxes, crates, pallets, dunnage, spools, reels, and cable drums. However, there are some exceptions. Sawdust, wood shavings, entirely processed wood, wood packaging that is equal to or less than six millimeters thick, veneer peeler core, and heat-treated wine and spirit barrels are exempt from ISPM 15 regulations because they are considered low-risk.

Contact Extreme Packing Solutions!

Extreme Packing Solutions is ISPM 15 Certified and offers specialized crating and shipping services for all kinds of items, including antiques, fine art, electronics, computers, and a wide range of other fragile, high-value items throughout the Greater Boston area and beyond! To learn more, please give us a call at (978) 232-9190 or fill out the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible! If you would like a free quote on a crating and shipping service, please click here to fill out our estimate form!

As your business continues to grow and expand, you may soon run low on space to store your supplies, inventory, and outgoing/incoming orders. When this happens, one of your best options is to rent commercial storage space from a reputable company in your area who can provide you with the extra space you need to keep your business running efficiently. In this article, we’ll discuss how you can choose the commercial storage facility that is right for your business! If you have any questions about commercial storage or are a company in the Greater Boston area who is looking for affordable commercial storage space, please contact Extreme Packing Solutions today!

Prioritize Your Storage Needs

Before choosing a storage facility, identify what you need to store. Are you storing equipment, inventory, or orders that need to be shipped out? Do you need climate control for sensitive items? Clarifying these needs helps you select a facility that offers the right features for your business!

Determine the Amount of Storage Needed

Assess how much space you need now and in the near future. Overestimating the space you need can lead to wasted funds, while underestimating space needs creates frustration and other issues. Take stock of everything you plan to store, then consider if additional items may be added as your business grows. Here at Extreme Packing Solutions, we offer commercial storage space that is customized to fit your needs, so you’ll never be paying for space that you aren’t using!

Location Matters

Proximity is key when selecting a storage facility. Choose a facility that is relatively close to your business so that you can minimize travel time. Additionally, consider the surrounding environment to ensure it’s convenient and safe for you and your staff to access when necessary.

Accessibility for Your Team

The storage space you choose should be easy to access, both physically and in terms of security. Determine who will need access and how often, and check if the facility offers convenient operating hours and suitable access methods like loading docks and ground-level doors.

Focus on Security and Cost

Look for a facility that offers robust security features like gated access and surveillance cameras to protect your business assets. Compare pricing options to balance affordability with the level of security and storage services offered. Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best fit long-term!

Contact Extreme Packing Solutions For Commercial Storage in the Greater Boston Area!

If your business in the Greater Boston area is looking for commercial storage space that is customized to fit your needs, our team at Extreme Packing Solutions offers affordable commercial storage space & supply chain management solutions at our warehouse in Beverly! Please contact us today, where a member of our team would be happy to answer any questions you might have about our commercial storage services and provide you with a free estimate! Give us a call at (978) 232-9190 or fill out the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

Using traditional shipping methods and national carriers like UPS, USPS, & FedEx puts fragile items at risk while they are in transit, as packages are dropped, bumped into, and handled without the utmost caution. Whether you’re a business owner shipping fragile goods or someone who simply needs to send an item through the mail safely, there are some steps you can take to help ensure that your items reach their destination safely without incurring any damage. In this article, we’ll provide you with some tips on how you can safely ship fragile items! If you have any questions about packing & shipping fragile items or need assistance doing so, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at Extreme Packing Solutions today to get a free estimate!

Techniques That Can Be Used To Prevent Fragile Items From Being Damaged During Shipping

1. Use A Box Or Crate That Fits The Item Tightly

It is not uncommon for fragile items to be damaged when they occupy a space that is much smaller than the box or crate they are being shipped in, as the item could shift and bounce around the box when being moved during shipping. If instead you ship your fragile items in boxes or crates that tightly fit the items, they’ll have less wiggle room and are less likely to be damaged. Here at Extreme Packing Solutions, we create custom boxes and crates for fragile items to ensure their safety during the shipping process.

2. Make Use Of Labels

One of the common reasons why fragile items sealed in a box get broken when being shipped with national carriers is because of employee misconduct and mislabelling of packages. “Fragile” labels can help make employees aware that a specific package needs to be handled with extra cautions, reducing the likelihood of it getting damaged during shipment.

3. Use Foam & Padding

Another way to help reduce the chances of a fragile item being damaged during the shipping process is by using foam and other forms of padding. A combination of a well-fitting box and soft padding can help reduce the impact that drops and bumps will have on the item inside, potentially protecting it from damage. Some of the most popular types of padding for shipping fragile items include packing peanuts, bubble wrap, corrugated inserts, air pillows, foam pads, and more.

4. Hire A Professional Packing & Shipping Company

The most surefire way to protect your fragile items during the shipping process is to hire a professional packing and shipping company. Here at Extreme Packing Solutions, we offer professional packing and shipping services for a wide range of fragile, high-value items like medical equipment, framed artwork, antiques, machinery, computers, electronics, and so much more! To learn more about the packing and shipping services we offer, please click here!

Contact Extreme Packing Solutions!

Extreme Packing Solutions offers specialized packing and shipping services for all kinds of items, including antiques, fine art, electronics, computers, and a wide range of other fragile, high-value items throughout the Greater Boston area and beyond! To learn more, please give us a call at (978) 232-9190 or fill out the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible! If you would like a free quote on a packing and shipping service, please click here to fill out our estimate form!

Moving heavy equipment and machinery is a complex and highly specialized process that requires careful planning, precise execution, specialized tools, and specific vehicles. Every step involves meticulous attention to detail, from the initial assessment of the equipment’s dimensions and weight to the final placement at the new location. Depending on the type of equipment or machinery that needs to be moved, different approaches may be used, but every method requires careful consideration for the safety of both the equipment and those moving it! Learn more about the heavy equipment and machinery moving process by reading below, or contact us today for a free estimate on a machinery moving service in Massachusetts!

Planning To Move Heavy Equipment & Machinery

The first step in moving heavy equipment and machinery is conducting a thorough assessment of the equipment. This involves evaluating its dimensions, weight, and any special handling requirements. It’s essential to understand the equipment’s specifications to determine the most appropriate methods and tools for its relocation. This assessment also includes reviewing the destination site to ensure it can accommodate the equipment. You should also plan for any modifications or preparations for a smooth transfer. As you can see, there are a wide range of logistics that go into moving heavy equipment and machinery, which is where we come in! Extreme Packing Solutions provides companies throughout Massachusetts with machinery rigging, moving, and installation services! 

Heavy Equipment & Machinery Moving Process

After the assessment and preparation steps, moving heavy equipment and machinery involves the following key steps.

1. Selection of Transport Methods: Choosing the appropriate equipment for the move, such as hydraulic lifts, cranes, flatbed trailers, etc. based on the size and weight of the machinery, is crucial for the safe movement of machinery and equipment.
2. Loading: Using the selected equipment, the machinery will be loaded onto transport vehicles carefully. This step requires precision and coordination to avoid damage.
3. Transportation: Nextm the equipment will be transported to its new location, following the planned route and ensuring safety throughout the journey.
4. Unloading and Placement: Once at the destination, the equipment will be carefully unloaded using cranes or other heavy lifting equipment, then placed in the desired position.
5. Installation and Inspection: After placement, the equipment will be properly installed and inspected for any damage. Finally, checks will be made to confirm that the equipment or machinery is ready for use!

Contact Extreme Packing Solutions For Equipment & Machinery Moving Services in Massachusetts!

If you have any questions about moving equipment and machinery or would like a free estimate on the heavy-duty equipment moving & rigging services we provide to businesses in the Greater Boston area, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at Extreme Packing Solutions! Give us a call today at (978) 232-9190 or fill out the estimate form on our website for a free quote!

Bidding on an item at an auction is exciting, but many first time auction shoppers aren’t exactly sure how they’re going to get their newly purchased product from the auction location to their home or business. Valuable items can create even more of a headache, because you’ll want to make sure that your items are safe and secure throughout the trip from auction to your front door. In this article, we’ll break down the whole auction item shipping process, from purchase to delivery! If you have any additional questions about shipping an auction item or if you’d like to get a free estimate on shipping an auction item you’ve recently won, please contact our team at Extreme Packing Solutions today!

Finding An Auction Item Shipping Service

Right after you’ve won an auction, the first step in the process of getting it delivered to its final destination is to find a company that offers auction item packing and shipping services. This step is especially important for high-value auction items like fine art, antiques, electronics, equipment, machinery, collectibles, and more. Once you’ve found a company that ships auction items and serves your area, contact them to get an estimate on packing and shipping costs!

Packing & Shipping Process

Once you’ve found a company that offers auction item shipping services, the next step in the process will be for them to pick up the item and begin to prepare it for shipping. Here at Extreme Packing Solutions, we create custom packaging and crating for our clients’ auction winnings to ensure that they are safe and secure during the shipping and delivery processes. The custom packaging and crates we create will prevent your items from shifting around during shipping and being damaged or broken. Next, we’ll ship your items to their destination using our trusted network of land, air, and ocean carriers, ensuring that your items get to your door safely by an agreed upon date.

Delivery

Once your item has been shipped, the final step is the last-mile delivery process, which involves getting your auction item exactly where it needs to go within your home or business. For smaller items like electronics, this step can be relatively easy, but for larger items like equipment and machinery, you’ll likely need some help. Here at Extreme Packing Solutions, we offer last-mile delivery services that include turn-key installation, so when you hire us, we’ll get your items exactly where they need to go and even be there to help install them! Click here to learn more!

Contact Extreme Packing Solutions!

If you have any questions about the shipping and packing services we offer for auction items, please don’t hesitate to contact us! A member of our team would be happy to walk you through the custom packing and shipping process and answer any questions you may have! Give us a call today at (978) 232-9190 or fill out the contact form on our website, or for a free packing and shipping estimate, fill out our estimate form by clicking here!

Almost all individuals and businesses now rely heavily on technology to manage our daily lives and operations. From tablets, laptops, and desktop devices for work and home to smartphones for communication and entertainment, it’s rare to ever be too far away from some form of computer or smart device. Packing and shipping computers and other electronics requires precise packing skills and very specific care from the courier to ensure they get where they need to go safely! In this article, we’ll offer some tips on what you can do to make sure your electronics are safe and secure when shipping! If you have any questions about packing & shipping electronics or need assistance doing so, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at Extreme Packing Solutions today to get a free estimate!

Five Tips For Packing Electronics For Safe Shipping

As mentioned above, computers and electronics are indispensable assets for personal use, business operations, and academic purposes. These devices are not only valuable, but they’re also exceedingly fragile. Improper handling during shipping can lead to disastrous outcomes: scratched screens, water damage, dislodged components, or completely non-functional devices. Imagine the frustration when a laptop arrives with a shattered screen because it wasn’t secured within its packaging, or a smartphone that no longer turns on due to a poorly cushioned fall during transit. Proper preparation and packaging are essential for ensuring your electronics reach their destination in pristine condition. Here are some effective packing tips to safeguard your electronic devices during shipping:

1. Use Original Packaging: Ship computers and electronics in their original boxes whenever possible. These packages are designed to fit the devices snugly and provide optimal protection against shocks and bumps. If you no longer have the original packaging, you should find a company (like our team Extreme Packing Solutions) who can create padded packaging that is custom-made for your device.
2. Opt For A Larger Shipping Box: Place the original box inside a slightly larger shipping box for further protection. This extra space allows for additional cushioning materials, minimizing the risk of damage during movement.
3. Incorporate Cushioning Materials: Employ bubble wrap, air pillows, packing peanuts, or foam blocks to fill any gaps in the shipping box. These materials help stabilize the electronics and absorb shocks, ensuring the items remain immobile and secure.
4. Secure With Tape: Ensure both the original packaging and the outer shipping box are sealed securely with strong packing tape. Focus on reinforcing the seams to prevent the box from accidentally opening or the contents from shifting during transport.
5. Hire A Courier Service: The best way to ensure that your electronics are shipped safely is to hire a professional company. Here at Extreme Packing Solutions, we specialize in packing and shipping computers, electronics, and other high-value items that are at risk during transit. Contact us today for a free estimate!

Contact Extreme Packing Solutions!

Extreme Packing Solutions offers specialized packing and shipping services for electronics, computers, and a wide range of other fragile, high-value items throughout the Greater Boston area and beyond! To learn more, please give us a call at (978) 232-9190 or fill out the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible! If you would like a free quote, please click here to fill out our estimate form!

Taking advantage of third-party partners is one of the smartest moves when running a business. Supply chain outsourcing has many benefits, many of which are surrounding the fact that doing so will give you the time to focus on your key business operations rather than spending time worrying about shipments, deliveries, storage, and more. Continue reading below to learn more about the benefits of outsourcing the supply chain management operations of your business, or contact Extreme Packing Solutions today to speak with a member of our team about the wide range of supply chain management solutions we offer to businesses in the Greater Boston area! 

Increased Flexibility

Allowing a third-party company to manage some of your supply chain operations can free up your schedule, giving you more time to focus on other aspects of your business. This means more time for team meetings, business improvements, sales, and more. With more time comes flexibility, so you can spend your day doing what you love rather than stressing about tedious supply chain operations!

Save Money

Outsourcing your businesses supply chain operations can help you save money in the long-run thanks to the reduction of operational and labor costs. Oftentimes, third-party supply chain management companies have different technologies and processes that could be more effective for your business, resulting in more efficient supply chain operations that will actually put more money back into your pocket!

Risk Reduction

Working alongside a third party partner could reduce your risk when issues arise. Companies that offer supply chain management solutions are insured and have plans in place for any issues they might encounter with warehousing, shipping, transportation, and more.

Supply Chain Management Expertise

For most business owners, their forte is in the products and services they provide, not in the logistics of warehousing, receiving, shipping, and packing. That’s where outsourcing your supply chain operations comes in! Here at Extreme Packing Solutions, supply chain management is what we do, so you can leave these logistics to us and get back to what you’re best at!

Contact Extreme Packing Solutions!

If your business in New England is looking into outsourcing your supply chain management processes, our team at Extreme Packing Solutions offers specialized packing, shipping, warehousing, and supply chain management solutions throughout Massachusetts and the Greater Boston area! Please contact us today, where a member of our team would be happy to answer any questions you might have and provide you with a free estimate on any of the services we offer! Give us a call at (978) 232-9190 or fill out the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

A shipment’s journey is going to go through many hands before it reaches its final destination. From the manufacturer’s facility to a variety of carriers, to the final fulfillment, it is important to understand the different elements at work that go into making sure a shipment arrives on time and in good condition. One way to conceptualize this is to use the categories of first-mile, middle-mile, and last-mile deliveries. These terms refer to different stages of transportation throughout the journey of a singular shipment. Learn more about the differences between first, middle, and last mile delivery below, or contact Extreme Packing Solutions for supply chain management solutions in the Greater Boston area!

What Is First-Mile Delivery?

First-mile delivery refers to the earliest stages in shipping. This is often the relationship between a manufacturing facility and a warehouse or other storage facility. Retail companies and e-commerce companies rely on distributors to hold large amounts of products in order to effectively ship those products to customers quickly. Strategic placement of items in warehouses across the country can help limit the time it takes to move products to consumers and lead to better fulfillment. B2B businesses often rely on these warehouses as well to quickly and effectively move products to their clients or to retail locations when restocking is necessary. 

What Is Middle-Mile Delivery?

Middle-mile delivery refers to the process of moving products from a distributor center to a fulfillment facility. These fulfillment facilities are often third-party and part of a network of facilities used by a shipping company. Say for example you have a warehouse that serves the Northeast. When a customer in the Boston area orders a product, the warehouse will ship it to a fulfillment facility in the Boston area, before last-mile delivery brings it directly to the doorstep of the customer.

What Is Last-Mile Delivery? 

As you might guess, last-mile delivery is the final stage in shipping. Whether bringing items to a retailer so they can be sold directly to a consumer, or bringing an item to the residence of a consumer, this is the final step in getting shipments to their destination. Last-mile delivery is often one of the most complex elements of shipping. First-mile and middle-mile delivery are often routine, using the same paths over and over again between large strategically placed facilities. However, that final trip is often to very specific locations. It is also the step that is most important to get right. Customers or clients expect items to arrive on time and to be unloaded in a timely manner!

Contact Extreme Packing Solutions!

If you are looking for a company that offers specialized packing, shipping, and supply chain management solutions (including last-mile delivery services) throughout Massachusetts and the Greater Boston area, please contact our team at Extreme Packing Solutions today! We would be happy to answer any questions you might have and provide you with a free estimate on any of our services! Give us a call at (978) 232-9190 or fill out the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

Courier services are companies that offer shipping and delivery services, often specializing in last-mile delivery for products and orders. If your company does not have the employees, equipment, and fleet of vehicles to effectively and efficiently deliver your products and orders to their final destinations, then hiring a local courier service can be an excellent option! In this article, we’ll talk about a few different reasons why local courier services can be beneficial to your small business! If your company is looking for a local courier service in the Greater Boston area, Extreme Packing Solutions is here for you! Contact us today to learn more about the services we offer!

6 Ways Your Business Can Benefit From A Courier Service 

From ensuring the fast movement of products to enhancing customer satisfaction through reliable delivery times, courier services are becoming an indispensable part of many businesses’ processes! Some of the benefits of hiring a courier service include:

1. Enhanced Delivery Speed

A courier service can significantly reduce transit times for packages and orders, ensuring that your products promptly reach your customers or business partners. This efficiency helps your business be competitive and meet the expectations of modern consumers in a world where 2-day delivery has become the norm.

2. Affordability

Contrary to popular belief, courier services can be cost-effective for businesses of all sizes. By offering various pricing models and scalable services, couriers like our team at Extreme Packing Solutions provide affordable shipping options without compromising on speed or reliability!

3. Peace of Mind (Reliability)

Reliability is a must when choosing a delivery method. Courier services offer tracking and secure delivery options, giving you peace of mind that your items will arrive safely and on time. This reliability is so important in maintaining trust with your customers and ensuring the smooth operation of your business!

4. Insurance

The availability of insurance options through courier services adds an extra layer of security for businesses. Insuring your shipments protects against loss, damage, or theft, ensuring you are compensated in such events. This is especially important for valuable or sensitive items that could significantly impact your business if compromised.

5. Ease of Use

Modern courier services provide user-friendly platforms that streamline the process of sending orders and shipments. With features like online booking, tracking, and scheduled pickups, sending a package has never been easier. This convenience saves time and allows businesses to focus on their core operations.

6. Customized Solutions

Many courier services offer the flexibility to tailor delivery options to your business’s specific needs. Whether handling perishable goods, requiring special handling, or delivering to remote locations, couriers can provide customized solutions that standard postal services cannot. This adaptability ensures that all your delivery requirements are met, regardless of their uniqueness!

Contact Extreme Packing Solutions!

If you are resident or business owner in Massachusetts that is looking for a local courier service that offers fully insured packing, shipping, and last-mile delivery services in the Greater Boston area, please contact our team at Extreme Packing Solutions! A member of our team would be happy to answer any questions you might have and assist you in any way that we can! Give us a call at (978) 232-9190, or fill out the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

Packing up and moving items is generally a hassle most people would rather avoid. Packing becomes much more tedious when dealing with antiques and other precious items that are fragile and valuable, whether they have monetary or sentimental value. While “DIYing” often works for most projects, antiques are items that require far greater care and expertise. In this article, we’ll offer you some tips on how you can safely ship your antiques without risking damaging them! If you are a resident or business owner in the Greater Boston area that is looking for the safest way to ship antiques and other fragile items, please contact our team at Extreme Packing Solutions today to get a free packing and shipping estimate!

Step-By-Step Guide For Packing & Shipping Antiques

Here is a guide on how to pack antiques and other fragile items for damage-free shipping:

1. Pre-Packing prep

• As a precautionary measure to ensure that compensations are paid in the event of loss or damage, take inventory of your items and have them appraised. 
• Next, ensure that you have an insurance policy that covers these items throughout the packing and shipping process.

2. Packing 

• Get or create a box or crate that fits the item(s), leaving little room for jiggling and shaking.
• Put in corner protectors, and use bubble wrap or padding to create a cushioning effect.
• Depending on the item that needs to be shipped, you may wrap it in a protective film to prevent scratches or stains. 
• Finally, seal the box and clearly label it as fragile. 

3. Shipping Antiques

After securing your antiques firmly in a box or crate, the next step is shipping. There are several different options for shipping, including:

• Personal Shipping: This option entails hiring a shipping vehicle suitable to your antiques and shipping them personally. In this case, you would handle the logistics of renting the vehicles, fuel, hiring a driver, and necessary shipping permits.
• Shared Shipping: Shared shipping allows you to share the shipping expenses with other people. This arrangement requires each person to pay for the space their items occupy in the vehicle. For this reason, it is usually cheaper than personal shipping, but not as fast or as safe.
• Professional Antique Shipping: Here at Extreme Packing Solutions, we offer specialized packing and shipping services that are customized to fit your specific needs. Our packing and shipping services are always fully insured and will guarantee that your items arrive at their destination safely! Click here to learn more about our packing and shipping services for fine art and antiques!

Contact Extreme Packing Solutions!

Extreme Packing Solutions offers specialized packing and shipping services for antiques and a wide range of other fragile, high-value items throughout the Greater Boston area and beyond! To learn more, please give us a call at (978) 232-9190 or fill out the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible! If you would like a free quote, please click here to fill out our estimate form!