International Shipping Marks: Labeling Cartons for International Transit
Trying to ship your products internationally? Here's why labeling cartons for international transit is essential if you want your products to arrive safely.
Shipping markings are used to inform those who handle your products about what to expect once they arrive. In the UK, markings can also be used to distinguish between different items within a single shipment.
Why Label Cartons for Transit?
When shipping, make sure your containers are appropriately labeled and marked. Before anyone working with your products touches a package, they should know what's inside. Is it going to be heavy, delicate, or do the contents have to stay in a specific position?
Labeling Your Cartons for Transit
Exporters use many shipping markers on their cartons; however, the following are the ones most recommended, according to the DOT Chart:
- Carton number [1 of x, 2 of x, 3 of x, etc.]
- Gross weight in pounds
- Net weight in pounds
- Dimensions
It's also a good idea to request that your company's name be printed on the boxes. You can also request additional information, such as the number of products inside, are on the boxes.
Using the Right Handling Marks
Symbols, rather than words, should be used in transit and safety markings because they are universally recognized. When you send products internationally, you will most likely come across individuals who do not understand the language in which your markings are written; thus, using symbols to communicate the conditions in which items must be preserved when delivered is critical.
Here are some of the most common shipping symbols:
- Handle With Care
- This Way Up
- Keep Dry
- Protect From Neat
- Center of Gravity
- Fragile
- Temperature Sensitive
Other Marks
If you're transporting hazardous materials, make sure your containers are labeled with the appropriate hazard signals. This is due to the fact that risky commodities (harmful items in transportation) must be handled with caution. Furthermore, transport conditions can cause reactions that make these types of items unstable – but they aren't always dangerous products.
Hazardous commodities necessitate special controlled conditions that are specific to their needs. As a result, it is critical that all containers be labeled so that those in charge can make the necessary arrangements.
Learn More with Export Portal
Any business that engages in international trade knows the essential role that proper documentation plays in ensuring successful transactions. To gain more valuable information on trading, make sure to check out the rest of our site today!
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