Packaging matters because a claim assessment may need to establish whether the goods were adequately protected for the agreed transport and handling. Damage to a poorly supported item can raise different questions from damage to a properly packed unit after an external impact.
Prepare for the actual movement
Packaging should account for the product’s weight, fragility, shape and handling requirements. Groupage may involve transfers. A dedicated vehicle still requires appropriate restraint and protection. Retail packaging alone may not be designed for either environment.
Record the completed package
- Photograph the goods before closing the packaging where useful.
- Show internal support and protection for sensitive parts.
- Photograph the finished unit from several sides.
- Record labels, securing materials and the pallet or crate base.
- Retain relevant packing instructions or specifications.
Preserve packaging after an incident
Keep the crate, pallet, cushioning, wrapping and straps where safe. Their condition can help explain the forces involved and the protection provided. Discarding them too early can remove useful evidence.
Avoid automatic conclusions
Packaging concerns do not mean every claim must be rejected, just as a well-packed shipment does not guarantee payment. The cause, facts, applicable rules and policy terms need to be assessed together.
For fragile, heavy or unusual goods, seek a suitable packaging specification before booking. Cargo Euro Hub can assess the transport requirements from accurate information, but a quotation is not a certification of the package design.
See pallet packing, fragile goods packaging and claim evidence.