There are many steps involved in any manufacturing project, from submitting a quote request to receiving finished parts or products at your facility (and all the actual manufacturing operations that occur in between).
We’ve already provided our best advice regarding the quoting stage that kicks off a project (in this article on faster quoting and this article on connecting your manufacturer with your engineering team). Now, let’s shift the focus to the final stage of a project: packaging and shipping.
Packaging and Shipping: Don’t Overlook this Important Step!
At RDL, we produce custom fabrications of all shapes and sizes. Some of the parts we make are small enough to fit in the palm of a hand; others are what we consider extra-large sheet metal assemblies.
As you can imagine, packaging and shipping requirements and preferences vary quite considerably from project to project. And yet, when the items we fabricate are ready to leave our sheet metal fabrication shop, we’re often left guessing how a customer’s receiving department would like to receive them.
We’re happy to make these determinations ourselves. But in the interest of ensuring 100% customer satisfaction, we encourage you to share your packaging and shipping preferences with us when you request a quote—or, at the very least, when you place an order.
Packaging and shipping in RDL
RDL offers a range of packaging and shipping options to accommodate your specific needs for custom fabrications. Here are some of the preferences and requirements we are happy to accommodate:
Shipping items as kits: We can package and ship your sheet metal fabrications as kits, ensuring that your assembly team has easy access to all the necessary parts for each unit of the product.
Strategic placement on pallets: If you have specific items that you need first or items that require special handling, we can strategically place them on their own pallets or at the top of a pallet. This helps streamline handling and ensures quick access for your team.
Shipping on boards, pallets, or boxes: Depending on the size and nature of your fabrications, we can ship them on boards, pallets (in various sizes such as 4′, 8′, or 10′), or even in boxes. We will select the most suitable packaging option based on your requirements.
Meeting pallet quantity and weight requirements: We understand that there may be specific requirements for the quantity of items per pallet or maximum pallet weight. We will ensure that these requirements are met to facilitate efficient handling and shipping.
Palletizing items to prevent damage: To avoid stacking issues and prevent damage during transit, we can palletize your items according to specific requirements. This ensures that your fabrications arrive in excellent condition.
If you have any packaging or shipping preferences or requirements that are not listed above, please don’t hesitate to inform us when requesting a quote. We are committed to meeting your unique needs, and we will work closely with you to provide the most suitable packaging and shipping solutions for your custom fabrications.
FAQ
1.How to choose the right packing material?
We always prioritize the most economical and appropriate packing methods for exporting our products. We utilize various types of packaging materials, including:
Plastic Bags: We employ bubble plastic bags to safeguard sheet metal parts that require surface protection. Additionally, we utilize zip-lock bags to package smaller products.
Cardboard Boxes: Depending on the weight of the products, we select different types of corrugated cartons.
Wooden Cases: When dealing with heavy cargo, we opt for fumigation wooden cases. However, if the cargo is not excessively heavy, we opt for three-plywood wooden cases, which are more cost-effective compared to fumigation wooden cases.
Wooden Pallets: We choose between fumigation wooden pallets or plywood wooden pallets depending on the specific requirements.
2.How to Choose a Reliable Forwarder?
Having a reliable forwarder is crucial for smooth and efficient delivery of goods. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a good forwarder:
Rich Export Experience: Many customers have long-standing relationships with their preferred forwarders. If the customer has designated a forwarder, they will coordinate with us for delivery. However, for customers without a designated forwarder, we provide suggestions on selecting the right one. We have extensive experience working not only with Chinese freight forwarders but also with renowned international forwarders such as Blue Water, Green Carrier, Prime Cargo, and DSV. We possess professional expertise in export declaration, customs clearance, and familiarity with destination country regulations.
Cooperative Relationships with International Forwarders: We have established partnerships with international forwarders such as Blue Water, Green Carrier, Prime Cargo, and DSV. These collaborations ensure a reliable network for transporting goods.
Shipping Options: We offer multiple shipping options based on our customer’s delivery time requirements. Whether it’s ocean, air, or train transportation, we select the most cost-effective shipping method for our customers.
In summary, we have significant experience in export packing, loading, and shipping. If you have any questions regarding packing and shipping, we can provide optimal solutions to meet your needs.
One of our BBQ Grill customers has been consistently ordering seven 40’GP containers of cargo every month since 2020. The demand for camping products soared following the deregulation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. By the end of March 2022, we had already shipped 100 containers’ worth of cargo for this customer.
Over the past two years, we have frequently experienced complaints about grill products, but there have never been any customer complaints about packaging and shipping issues.
If you require custom sheet metal fabrication parts, please feel free to contact us.
Phone: +86-186 6888 0953 (WhatsApp)
Email: sales@platemetalmfg.com
Ningbo Ridley Machinery Co., Ltd. | Ningbo Ridley Trading Co., Ltd.
Address: No.6, Shuangjiu Road, Chaiqiao Street, Beilun District, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, China, 315800
Website: www.platemetalmfg.com