SPC Flooring Packaging for Ocean Freight

How SPC Flooring Is Packaged for Ocean Freight Proper Export Packing

SPC flooring travels thousands of miles by ship. The packaging must protect the product from moisture, impact, and temperature changes during transit. This guide explains how proper packaging works and what to look for.

Inner Plank Packaging

Each SPC plank is protected by the carton. Planks are stacked in groups of 6 to 10, depending on thickness and width. Within each carton, planks are oriented in alternating directions to prevent warping.

Groups of planks are wrapped with plastic film before placing in the carton. This creates a moisture barrier inside the carton. A small desiccant pack may be added to absorb residual moisture.

The carton material should be double wall corrugated cardboard for ocean freight. Single wall cartons are not strong enough for container stacking.

Carton Labeling

Each carton should have a label on the outside showing:

- Product code and color name

- Thickness and wear layer specification

- Quantity in square meters or square feet

- Batch number and production date

- Net weight and gross weight

Labels should be printed, not handwritten. Handwritten labels are easily smudged or lost. The information should be in English for customs clearance.

Pallet Loading

Cartons are stacked on wooden pallets. A standard pallet holds 30 to 50 cartons depending on the product thickness. The total weight per pallet depends on the product thickness and the container weight limit for ocean freight.

Each layer of cartons should be stacked in a staggered pattern. This prevents the columns from collapsing during container loading. Cardboard corner protectors are placed on the pallet corners to prevent strapping damage.

Pallet Strapping

Plastic strapping is wrapped around the pallet to secure the cartons. Two straps horizontally and two straps vertically is the minimum. The straps should be tight enough to prevent movement but not so tight that they crush the cartons.

Edge protectors are placed under the straps at the corners. Without edge protectors, the straps can cut into the cartons and damage the planks inside.

Container Loading

Pallets are loaded into the container using a forklift. The loading pattern depends on the container size. A 20 foot container typically holds about 20 pallets. A 40 foot container holds about 24 pallets. For SPC flooring, 20 foot containers are the common choice because the product is heavy. Even fully loaded, there is usually some remaining space at the container door due to weight limits.

Air bags are placed between pallets and at the container door to prevent shifting during transit. Shifting pallets can damage the cartons and the container door.

Moisture Protection During Transit

The container itself must be dry before loading. Containers left at ports can collect moisture from rain or humidity. The inside walls, floor, and ceiling should be checked for moisture before loading.

Some buyers require a moisture absorbing hanging strip inside the container. These strips absorb excess humidity during the voyage. They are inexpensive and effective for long ocean transits.

Container Climate Conditions

The temperature inside a container can reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit when crossing the equator. SPC flooring can handle these temperatures but the packaging should not contain materials that melt or deform.

The container ventilation should be closed for high humidity routes. Open ventilation allows humid ocean air to enter the container and deposit moisture on the cartons.

What to Check on Arrival

When the container arrives, check for:

- Crushed cartons indicating excessive stacking pressure

- Water stains or wet spots on cartons

- Broken straps that allowed pallet shifting

- Bent or damaged pallets

- Missing cartons compared to the packing list

Document any damage with photos before accepting the delivery. This is important for insurance claims.

About PROLEADER

PROLEADER packages SPC flooring to ocean freight standards with proper strapping, corner protectors, and moisture protection. Contact us for packaging specifications and container loading plans.