3 main advantages of air transport

# 1 speed

This is the fastest mode of transport compared to maritime, road or rail transport. A cargo plane can travel up to 1000 km per hour, so the cargo may reach its destination within a few hours.

# 2 reliability

Airlines generally adhere strictly to their schedules. If it is important that your partners get their goods on time, you should choose this mode of transport!

#3 traceability

Based on the flight number, it is easy to determine when the plane is expected to reach the destination country. Some companies provide an online application to keep track of cargo status.

What criteria should be met?

Even though precise machines carry out the movement of the goods, care still should be exercised. As with all modes of transport, the most important thing here is that the goods stay safe from injury during transport. The perfect air packaging is able to protect the goods from the risks of impact and injury. Due to stronger acceleration or turbulence, the cargo can be exposed to increased dynamic stress.

We are talking about a combined transport strategy, where the conditions for air and road transport must be met to the maximum! The freight rate is largely determined by the weight of the cargo – this factor should also be taken into account when selecting the packaging material.

When it comes to the transport of dangerous goods (LINKEL VESZÉLYES ÁRU CIKK), you need to be even more careful about the packaging materials and the packaging solutions used!

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Types of packaging used in air transport

Cardboard box

Even if there is no visible damage to the box, it is not recommended to reuse it. External factors such as moisture or high humidity reduce the tensile strength of the packaging material. In order to guarantee absolute safety it is advisable to use light filling materials, for example bubble wrap. During the preparation of your cargo for transport, use only as much material as necessary to fill the box and to the optimal protection of the shipment!

Wooden crate

Wood packaging material – due to the risk of fire – should always have a plus protective layer, which also increases wear resistance. With their help, you can easily transport heavy machinery. Wooden crates are available in both standard and custom sizes.

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Air cargo pallets

It is important that pallets undergo the appropriate heat treatment and are fitted with the official IPPC stamp! A EUR pallet can weigh up to 25 kg so during this type of transport custom-sized and constructed palettes might be better options.

Finally, some good advice for stress-free air transport:

• Always clearly label the shipment
• Complete the commercial invoice
• If dangerous goods are involved, use qualified packaging and ensure that the appropriate labels are visible

Safe and cost effective air-transport – Choose Strapa-Pack!

Do you need perfect packaging in every detail?

Contact us!

The definition of dangerous goods

Substances, objects and products that, in some way, pose a threat to the external environment, personal health or safety. Would you have thought that things seemingly as harmless as … nail polish remover, dry ice, cell phone with lithium batteries or aerosol whipped cream are all considered as dangerous goods? It is important to know which hazard class does our product to be shipped belong to (for example, toxic, infectious, flammable substances) … Depending on this, it will be possible to determine what type of transport, packaging and labelling will be required.

Essential requirements for packaging

The appropriate packaging of dangerous goods therefore depends primarily on the hazard class and the physical properties of the product. Take a simple example: as corrosive substances react strongly with metal, such packaging should be avoided! There are so-called packaging groups, which puts the products in very, medium or less dangerous categories – it also determines the nature of the packaging and the mandatory information to be included!

Whether it is rail, road or air transport, compliance with the rules and caution should be exercised. The protective packaging, inner packaging must also meet strict requirements, and should not react to the goods to be transported! The packaging must be sealed in such a way that the consignment can’t get out to the cargo space, or worse, to the external environment.

Packaging suitable for the transport of dangerous goods

Depending on the vehicle, the Transport of Dangerous Goods can be in simple (for example, wooden boxes, bags, barrels and cans) or complex, combined packaging (box with lining, multiple cans in one box). What’s really important is that in any case, certified packaging should be used, i.e. those that have undergone the necessary tests, such as cumulation, dropping, sealing and resistance to pressure. These will be carried out by Technical Safety Oversight. If everything is in order, the packaging will receive the UN seal. In addition to the UN number, the packaging must bear the appropriate labels indicating the hazard class/packaging group or the nature of the hazard and the handling of the goods.

How can Strapa-Pack help you?

We’ve been preparing dangerous goods for transport for over 20 years. Two of our colleagues also have a valid IATA exam and they have not only completed initial training, but they renew their certificates ever two year, which guarantees that we will always support our clients with fresh, up-to-date expertise.

We have a wide range of UN qualified corrugated paper boxes, blank boxes and wooden boxes available to our customers. We provide for appropriate markings and labels, prepare, and attach the necessary documents.

The safe and sound Transport of Dangerous Goods with the help of Strapa-Pack!

Let’s get in touch!

But it’s time to get back on our feet and look to the future!

The negative impact on businesses has affected almost all industries and demand has decreased as air puffs out of a balloon.

At the beginning of the crisis, the focus regarding the supply chain was on finding alternatives: rethinking distribution and, to some extent, think about which supply chain should be changed or made redundant.

As the disease spread across Europe and later North America, Latin America and Africa, suddenly the focus shifted to survival. At the moment, Covid-19 is mostly about dealing with consequences and fighting off punches.

However, it is time to get on our feet and follow the example of strong leaders and companies: we must start living in the now while transforming tomorrow. It’s the best we can do, isn’t it? There’s no other direction but going forward.

Are you looking for more sustainable and cost-effective transport solutions? This Strapa-pack article on sustainability will be a great help!

The next item on the agenda: supply chain risk management

Life goes on! As the world’s countries ease on restrictions allowing travel and as consumers start to buy again, supply chains will be under increasing pressure. We are almost certain that the supply chain and its risk management will occupy a prominent position on the lists of corporate strategic plans.

Unfortunately, this topic appears too often, but it is only on the agenda of corporate governance and the board of directors in times of crisis. However, risk management of the supply chain does not cover only the functions necessary for operation and implementation. A large part of the supply structure is placed on the planning table in the form of technical solutions, materials and components and often implicitly selecting a particular supplier. This is where successful leadership plays a very important role in managing supply chains during a possible crisis.

Operational conditions for risk management of the supply chain should be established

For effective risk management and redundant supply chains, the organization of the supply chain should be involved in the early stages of the product development process. And to do well at this stage, you need impeccable organizational skills.

Strapa Tip: Packaging is an indispensable element of the supply chain and plays a prominent role in logistics processes. Cost-effective packaging design that is also adapted to the needs of the supply chain is an essential aspect.

To establish the operating conditions of the supply chain, it is also essential to ensure that employees are aware of the commercial/consumer needs and that they consider creating and maintaining a competitive advantage and the needs of consumers important.

The supply chain has never played a more complex and demanding role than it does today.

So it’s time to get off the ground and make things right.

Contact us. Click here Strapa-pack

What’s Incoterms?

The International Chamber of Commerce – ICC was founded in 1919 with the aim of making business clearer and more predictable, fully representing the interests of businesses. The different practices and legal interpretations of traders worldwide made it necessary to lay down common rules and directives. Therefore, the ICC in 1936, has decided to establish uniform standards that can easily be applied in international trade.

A universal foreign trade standard that applies throughout the world…

Incoterms (longer known as International Commercial Terms) is a so-called foreign trade standard, which is included in the transport contract and regulates the rights of the seller and buyer, and their obligations. So it determines how the goods purchased go from the seller to the buyer. A huge advantage is that there’s no need to discuss delivery terms for too long in the contract, just refer to the appropriate Incoterms clause. It does not matter if your trading partner is in Alaska or Uzbekistan as these global guidelines are known and accepted everywhere.

The collection includes 11 conditions, stated in 3 letter abbreviations. The rules are classified in 4 categories, to groups ‘E’, ‘F’, ‘ C ‘ and ‘ D ‘. By means of transport, clauses may apply to sea/inland waterway or for multimodal transport forms.

The new, sixth version took effect on 01.01.2020

Incoterms is renewed every 10 years in order to fully adapt to current business practices.  The sixth version was issued this January.

The new 2020 version is available in 29 languages – You can buy the English document in e-book format here (official page).

The 11clauses mentioned above are as follows:

1. EXW (EX Works)
2. FCA (Free Carrier)
3. CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid To)
4. CPT (Carriage Paid To)
5. DAP (Delivered at Place)
6. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
7. DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded)
8. FAS (Free Alongside Ship)
9. FOB (Free On Board)
10. CFR (Cost and Freight)
11. CIF (Cost Insurance and Freight)

Categories by transport modes:

• Incoterms for any form of transport: EXW, FCA, CPT, CIP, DPU, DAP and DDP
• Incoterms for only sea and inland waterway transport: FAS, FOB, CFR and CIF

Some important changes compared to 2010:

• DPU, instead of DAT – Specifies that in addition to the terminal, other locations may be used for the delivery of the goods.
• FCA – The bill of lading is issued after loading.
• Safety obligations get an even bigger emphasis.

More about the 4 most frequently used clauses

#1 EXV – Ex-Works: Almost all costs and risks are borne by the buyer. The seller has essentially the task of making the goods available to the buyer within the contractual period, properly packaged and transported.

#2 DAP – Delivered at Place: The seller shall fulfil his obligation if he makes the goods available to the buyer at the named place of destination, ready for unloading.

#3 DDP – Delivered Duty Paid: The seller shall be obliged to deliver the goods to the destination and shall bear the related costs and risks, including payment of customs duties.

#4 FCA-free Carrier – Delivered Free of Charge to the Carrier: Delivery of goods to the carrier of the buyer is the duty of the seller. The place for unloading can be of several types. If this place belongs to the seller, the goods are actually delivered when they are loaded onto the means of transport provided by the buyer. If this place is not in the possession of the seller: delivery is considered to be completed when loading on the means of transport, which is ready to unload the goods at the designated place. In this case, an additional condition is the presence of a responsible person appointed by the buyer or seller.

No matter which mode of transport you choose, we will prepare your goods for transport.

Strapa Pack – Packaging Design, production and sales & custom packaging services.

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Let’s get started:

#1 INFORMATION: Be up to date regarding your logistics supply chain.

With the fast growth of e-commerce in the last decade, air transport has become a key element in the logistics supply chain for many companies and organisations. You should know that this type of transport (just like other types) only works smoothly if you are fully informed about certain influential factors and circumstances. We recommend that you keep yourself informed of local holidays and public holidays in the regions you are shipping to.

Take China, for example, because it is an important country for many of our clients.

Even if you are in daily contact with China, it is easy to forget when their cultural celebrations or peak logistical periods begin and end. To help you with this, we have prepared a list of Chinese holidays and public holidays, which you can find at the end of the article. Of course, you should be aware of this information regarding all of the important logistic markets!

#2 PLANNING: Make sure you plan your air transport in time.

Once you are aware of all the important information, you should also know how to use this information if you want to avoid certain additional, unnecessary costs or annoying delays.

This may sound complicated at first, but it really isn’t! If you are familiar with the dates of the scheduled air transport, simply compare them with the information available to you and then modify the schedule to allow for any possible delays.

Make sure you don’t leave this for the last minute! It is usually a good starting point to book air transport shipments at least two weeks in advance. Unfortunately, there are peak seasons when you should expect a higher demand, when transport prices can also be higher. It is possible, that if you want a guaranteed space on a given day, it will mean extra cost.

We take care of everything! We are following market developments on a daily basis to help our customers plan their delivery schedules. This will facilitate the prevention of potential obstacles and unforeseen costs.

#3 COMMUNICATION: maintaining regular communication with all participants in your logistics supply chain

Regular communication = fewer misunderstandings! Continuous and consistent dialogue with the supplier or manufacturer reduces the risk of last-minute surprises. This way, you will also be able to provide your supply forwarder with information on the expected quantity and/or date of the air shipment.

If the logistical service provider is constantly informed of possible changes, they can plan the transport more precisely. Which means that, that at the end of the day, all parties experience a smoother goods flow and fewer delays, not to mention that the budget also becomes easier to calculate.

The optimized shipping calendar ensures that everything goes smoothly.

Keep these three simple steps in mind:

# 1 gathering information,

# 2 planning and

# 3 communication

+ 1  Proper packaging is guaranteed future investment

• Avoid disruptions: arrange the necessary labels
• When choosing the packaging material, consider the maximum weight and size guidelines
• Make sure the packaging is properly sealed
• The weight of the cargo is an important factor: use only as much packaging as is really needed
• Forget broken, overused pallets, damaged boxes and wooden crates

If you take our advice, everything will go smoothly!

If you need safe and cost-effective packaging for air transport, please do not hesitate to contact us!

China 2020 HOLIDAYS – CALENDAR

Use the following 2020 calendar only as a guide