General transport packaging guideline

8.2.2024 | Knowledge Base

Author of the article: Finnish Transport and Logistics (SKAL). Original article: General packaging guideline (PDF)

This guideline compiles key considerations for packaging and packaging materials from various perspectives. It should be noted that the instructions do not cover all possible packaging requirements for transport. In addition, different carriers may have their own specific instructions or regulations. This guide provides a good general understanding of what is required from packaging to avoid unnecessary transport damage.

Understand the transport process

During transport, shipments are subjected to various stresses such as shocks, pulling, pushing, abrasion, compression, bending and vibration. Therefore, goods must be carefully packed. Vibrations arise from uneven road surfaces, and goods are affected by braking, acceleration and turning. In addition to the journey itself, shipments are loaded and unloaded. It is common in parcel, roll container and pallet deliveries that goods go through terminals, which increases the number of handling points. In terminals, packages may also be moved using conveyors with sorting devices. Packaging must withstand all such normal handling conditions.

Key points for packaging goods

Choose a durable and sturdy outer and, if necessary, inner package.
Take into account the nature and fragility of the goods.
Goods must not rattle or move within the packaging.
There should be no empty space between the goods and the packaging, which may collapse under pressure.
Goods should not touch the packaging directly – cushioning material must be used to protect them.
All closure seams should be sealed securely so the package does not open during transport.
All items must be placed inside the transport box – items taped or attached on the outside can break or fall off during handling.
The sender is legally responsible for proper packaging and marking of dangerous goods (ADR/LQ) including required documentation.

Other important considerations

Liquids should be packed in sealed containers with absorbent material to soak up potential leaks.
Factory or retail packaging designed for container or pallet shipping is often not sufficient for single-package deliveries, where stronger protection is required.
Packages are constantly in contact with others and prone to damage in every handling stage – tough handling is often unavoidable.

Pallet guidelines

Pallets handled by forklifts must be at least 15 cm in height.
The pallet should be slightly larger than the shipment – nothing should overhang.
Ensure load stability when stacking – interlocked stacking improves sturdiness.
Secure the load with straps, wedges or stretch film to avoid shifting during transport.
If no stacking is allowed, mark clearly.
Do not exceed pallet weight limits.

Pack correctly

While good packaging might seem expensive, damaged goods usually cost more. They may result in delayed or broken deliveries, causing dissatisfaction, complaints and compensation claims – or even lost customers. Carriers are not liable for indirect costs.

There is a wide range of packaging solutions available. The correct packaging can be optimised for each product using cardboard, paper, stretch film, foam, air cushions, stickers, staples, protective fillers, bubble wrap and polystyrene beads.

Most carriers won’t compensate damage if the packaging is intact. A good package protects better and fails less often.

Packaging labels

The package must include all necessary transport labels for correct delivery. Typically, palletised goods require parcel labels. Parcels also need address cards. Refer to your carrier’s guidelines. If your shipment includes several packages, each must have its own parcel label and any special handling markings, which must be approved by the carrier.

Road transport contract law and consumer protection act

This section summarises key points of the Road Transport Contract Act and the Consumer Protection Act related to transport packaging.

Road Transport Contract Act in relation to transport packaging

The sender is responsible for ensuring that the goods are adequately packaged and labelled. The sender is not entitled to compensation if the goods have not been properly packaged or labelled with appropriate warning and handling instructions. However, these markings do not relieve the sender of responsibility or offer additional protection for the shipment. Compensation is limited to a maximum of €20 per kilogram of the damaged weight. Guidance on sufficient packaging is typically available on the carrier’s website.

The sender is liable for damages if the consigned item causes harm to individuals, other consignments, or the carrier’s property, provided a reservation has been made in the consignment note before the start of transport. The sender retains the right to issue instructions concerning the consignment during transport. This means the sender can interrupt the delivery or change its destination, but is responsible for any resulting costs.

The sender has the right to claim compensation if the goods are lost during transport. The compensation amount is limited to €20 per kilogram of the missing or reduced weight. The carrier is liable for breakage, loss, or reduction of the goods if it is due to the carrier’s own fault or negligence.

The recipient must always inspect the goods upon receipt and report any visible damage to the carrier immediately. If there are no external signs of damage, the recipient has seven working days to submit a damage report to the carrier. Failure to meet these deadlines results in the loss of the right to claim compensation.

Consumer Protection Act

The seller bears the risk for the goods they sell, including during transport. The seller is responsible for the destruction, loss, deterioration or reduction of the goods until the goods have been delivered to the customer. The sold item must match the seller’s description and fulfil the characteristics promised to the customer.

In distance selling, the seller must provide the customer with instructions for returning the goods. Until 13 June 2014, the seller was obligated to cover the return costs. After this date, sellers may require the customer to pay for the return. The customer has a 14-day right of return from the time of sale, but they must inform the seller of the return. Returned goods must be in resalable condition.

The Finnish Transport and Logistics Association (Logistiikkayritysten Liitto ry) accepts no responsibility for any transport damage or other harm that may result from the use of this guideline. The instructions are general in nature, and we recommend consulting current legislation and the packaging instructions of your chosen transport company.