How to Pack a Shipping Barrel - 7 Helpful Tips

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Shipping barrels are a versatile solution for shipping many different types of materials around the world. However, their efficacy depends in part on the methods used to pack them. A well-packed shipping barrel is more resistant to the day-to-day hazards that the barrel may encounter. 

There are relatively simple steps that any shipper can take to ensure the safety of the goods inside their shipping barrels. By following these seven tips, you’ll maximize your shipping barrel’s protective properties and help keep your goods safer. 

1. Choose the right type of shipping barrel.

Each different type of shipping barrel offers different advantages for shippers. Air Sea Containers offers three different material options:

Those shipping fragile goods should consider steel and plastic shipping barrels for optimal protection. Goods that are less subject to breakage may be shipped in fiberboard barrels. 

2. Use the right void fill materials for your cargo. 

Void fill packing materials can make a big difference in preserving cargo packed in a shipping barrel. The term “void fill” is used to refer to materials whose primary purpose is filling a larger type of packaging to cushion and insulate cargo. 

Some of the classic void fill materials include packing peanuts and vermiculite. Packing peanuts provide a cost-effective loose fill material (and are now available in biodegradable versions), while vermiculite is a natural mineral that’s widely used for packaging moisture-sensitive goods–thanks to its absorbent properties. 

3. Create a sturdy base for stacking goods. 

Fragile goods can easily be damaged by having other items stacked on top of them. Thus, when stacking cargo inside the barrel, try to create a bottom layer using the largest, sturdiest and/or heaviest goods being shipped. Sturdy corrugated boxes are a good choice for a bottom layer, as are canned goods. 

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4. Use resilient packaging for goods whenever possible. 

When shipping goods using shipping barrels, use the most resilient packaging material available for your cargo. Some typical options include: 

  • Thin plastic containers are the lowest in weight, but offer the least protection and can often be crushed by contact with heavier packaging. 
  • Corrugated packaging typically provides a good balance of lightweight protection, but it may not be suitable for sharp or very heavy goods.
  • Thicker plastic containers (made from materials such as polyethylene) usually hold up well inside a shipping barrel and weigh the least. 
  • Glass containers are both heavy and break more easily than plastic containers, and are usually not ideal for use in a shipping barrel. 
  • Metal containers are among the heaviest options, but also typically offer good protection for your cargo. 

5. Add extra protection for fragile items. 

A barrel containing fragile items may need additional packing materials to keep its contents safe. Dunnage air bags can be a great option to prevent cargo from shifting while in transit, while biodegradable air pillows placed inside packaging help cushion goods against impacts. Makeshift materials such as newspapers or plastic sheeting can provide adequate coverage if no other options are available. 

6. Be aware of how scents may affect goods. 

Many types of goods, such as soap, perfume, food, clothes and many others, either give off scents or are easily affected by scents produced by other items. If you have scented goods in your barrel, try to avoid packing them with goods that acquire scents easily, or at least use packing materials between them to create a barrier. 

7. Label the barrel clearly. 

Each barrel needs clear and unambiguous labeling that identifies its key information. Labels help material handlers get everything to the correct location and identify potential hazards that handlers need to be aware of. 

Labeling is particularly important when it comes to shipping hazardous materials. Any barrel containing hazardous materials should be marked with the appropriate hazmat labels, as required by U.S. DOT hazmat standards. If your goods are fragile, make sure to add Fragile stickers or directional stickers to ensure that package handlers are aware of your cargo’s handling needs. 

It’s also important to label your barrel with an accurate shipping label. Make sure that the receiver’s address is accurate and that the label contains any necessary information (such as warehouse building unit number) that the logistics team may need to complete the delivery. 

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Air Sea Containers is your source for a full range of shipping barrels, including steel shipping barrels, plastic shipping barrels and fiberboard shipping barrels. We offer fast and friendly service from shipping experts who can help you create your ideal shipping solution. Call (866) 596-9448 or contact us online to get started. 

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