Export castings are usually cleaned and rust-protected, then packed in wooden boxes or crates, or strapped onto pallets, and braced inside the container. Small parts go in boxes or bins, while heavy parts are bolted or strapped to skids.
Packing failures are a common source of claims. Rust on machined faces and parts damaged by shifting loads are the two you are most likely to see, and both are preventable.
Rust protection
A sea voyage from Gujarat crosses warm, humid air, and containers sweat as temperatures change. Bare iron and steel rust quickly in those conditions. Protection depends on the surface:
- Raw castings that will be machined later usually need only a light rust-preventive coating, or none if light surface rust is acceptable.
- Primed or painted castings need the paint fully cured before packing, or it will stick to the packing.
- Machined faces, bores and threads need a rust-preventive oil or wax, and often caps or plugs.
- Machined parts are often wrapped in VCI film or bags, which release a corrosion inhibitor inside the wrapping, as explained in what VCI packing is.
- Desiccant bags in boxes and the container help reduce condensation.
Boxes, crates and pallets
- Small and medium castings are packed in wooden boxes or steel bins, separated by layers or dividers so they do not knock against each other.
- Heavy single castings are bolted or strapped to a wooden skid, with a crate or frame around them if machined faces are exposed.
- Robust raw castings are sometimes strapped in bundles on pallets with steel strapping.
- Each package should state gross and net weight, and heavy packages should show lifting points and the centre of gravity.
Wood packaging rules
Solid wood packing used in international trade usually has to meet ISPM 15. That means the wood is heat treated or fumigated to an approved standard and stamped with the official mark. Many importing countries inspect for the mark and can refuse or treat non-compliant packaging at your cost.
Plywood and other processed wood are generally exempt, but rules vary by country. Confirm current requirements with your customs broker or freight forwarder, and make sure the packer uses wood from a certified treatment provider.
Loading the container
Castings are dense, so a container reaches its weight limit long before it is full. Weight must be spread evenly across the floor, with heavy packages at the bottom and blocked against movement. The guidance in how machines are lashed and secured in containers applies to heavy castings too.
Agree a packing specification with the foundry before production, with photos of the first shipment as a reference. Check it at loading, not on arrival. Loading supervision catches the mistakes that cost most to fix at the other end.
Documents and marking
Mark each package with your order number, part number, quantity and package number, matching the packing list. Put a copy of the packing list inside the first box. Clear marking speeds up customs and receiving. The full set of papers is covered in the document pack your broker will ask for.
Next step
We agree packing specifications with the foundry and supervise loading, so your castings arrive clean and undamaged. To plan your next shipment, book a free sourcing review.