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Palletizing and Chargeable Weight/Volume (W/M)


Boxes, bubble-wrap, packing tape and other shipping supplies can be purchased on-line via our PACKAGING section.  We recommend boxes (cartons) with a "Bursting Strength" of 200 lbs per square inch or greater.

For larger Heavy Duty Corrugated Boxes, D-Containers and Crates visit www.uline.com.

We also accept plastic storage containers & suitcases.

To avoid damage or loss we palletize and shrink-wrap all shipments exceeding 3 loose pieces or if any one piece exceeds 99 lbs. Our price includes the pallet, shrink-wrap and labor to build and handle the loose pieces.
Palletized cargo dimensions are derived by the length, width and highest point of the pallet (including the pallet itself). pallets
Standard size of a US wood pallet (aka "skid"):
- Length 48" (1.2m)
- Width 40" (1.0m)
- Height 6" (0.15m)
We build pallets to a height range of 50" to 90".

Palletizing may increase chargeable volume by 10% - 30% or more. However palletized cargo has a much higher probability to reach the destination safely without damage or loss.

PICKUP SERVICE + PALLETIZING: If you are selecting palletizing along with our pickup service the cargo will be accepted by our driver as loose cartons and then palletized before transfer to the steamship line CFS (Container Freight Station or shipping terminal).

SELF-DELIVERED CARGO: If you deliver the cargo to the origin ship terminal, you will likely be asked to pay for the palletizing directly at the terminal.  For self-delivered cargo, it is the consigner's responsibility to order palletizing at the terminal.

PALLETIZING UNIVERSITY:
  • Shrink-Wrap is also referred to as "Stretch Wrap".
  • We recommend ULINE 120 Gauge Stretch Wrap S-3968.
  • Place the strongest and heaviest pieces on the bottom.
  • Ensure the Shrink-Wrap also grabs all sides and of the pallet.
  • Place similar size pieces on same row when building the pallet.
  • Any one piece that exceeds 99 lbs must be palletized & shrink-wrapped.
  • Cover the top of your pallet also with shrink-wrap to keep your cargo clean and safe.
  • NO OVERHANG - Align pieces to fit within the edges of a pallet (48" X 40" or 1.2m X 1.0m).
  • Shrink-Wrap Early & Often - 3 to 5 layers of 120 gauge wrap should be applied to include the top.
  • The following box sizes fit within the dimensions of a standard size 48"x40" pallet and make the layers uniform without dead space.
    DIMENSIONS (inches)   #PER LAYER ULINE
    (LengthxWidthxHeight) on a 48"x40" Pallet   LINK
    12"x10"x Any Height

    16

    		 Click Here
    16"x10"x Any Height

    12

    		 Click Here
    24"x10"x Any Height

    8

    		 Click Here
    24"x20"x Any Height

    4

    		 Click Here
    48"x40"x Any Height

    1

    		 Click Here

DIMENSIONAL WM CALCULATOR
(For inland mode of transportation)

# Pieces Weight Dimensions
Length Width Height
Cubic Meters Chargeable Weight

TOTAL CUBIC METERS: 0
Total cubic feet: 0
Actual Weight: 0 lbs
Chargeable Weight: 0 lbs

Shippers should be aware of CHARGEABLE WEIGHT AND CHARGEABLE VOLUME (WM) definitions used in different modes of cargo transportation. In respect of Ocean and Inland modes the meanings of WM are:

OCEAN MODE OF TRANSPORTATION: Since vessel capacity is not really limited by weight of cargo but by the hold of the ship, then charges for regular ocean shipments are based on the total cargo volume. In general for sea shipments, the weight of the cargo is not a pricing factor.

However there is a cargo density limit if WM ocean freight rates are present. It varies depending on the carrier, origin and destination, etc. Regular shipments most likely will not exceed the limit. In general exporters have to be aware of the “U.S. 45 lbs rule”, 45 lbs = 1 cubic foot. This means that if the density of the cargo exceeds 45 lbs per one cubic foot, then chargeable volume will be calculated using this formula: Total Weight of the cargo (in pounds) divided by 45 lbs = Chargeable Volume in cubic feet. The limit of 1 cubic meter = 750 kilos can be used as well. However depending on carrier, origin and destination etc, it may vary: 1 cbm = 500 kilos; 1 cbm = 1000 kilos etc. The exporter should be advised about WM by the carrier when making the booking.

INLAND MODE OF TRANSPORTATION (Pickup or Line-haul charges): WM for Inland Trucking is more heavily restricted then in the Ocean mode and subject to actual or dimensional weight verification. Chargeable weight for Inland Trucking will be calculated using this formula: Chargeable Weight in Pounds = Actual Weight of the Cargo OR (Length x Width x Height in inches) divided by 250, whichever is greater.

Notice: Our online quick quote and booking Weight & Volume calculators DO NOT reflect WM. They reflect straight weight charges. This is purposely done to avoid misunderstandings for first-time visitors. If WM rules apply then it will be indicated in our documents for each shipment.

For your convenience you can define inland trucking chargeable weight (services that include pickup or line-haul charges) using the calculator above in this web-page.
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