Classify items before selecting packing
Upholstery, coated finishes, panels, long cabinets, glass, stone and metal edges need different protection and support. Review assembly state, weight, vulnerable areas, handling and route before choosing surface wrap, corner protection, cushioning, cartons, frames or pallets. A crate is not necessary for every item and does not replace internal restraint where it is needed.
Keep hardware and assembly information together
Match knock-down parts and hardware bags to item codes and distinguish left/right pieces, set quantities and locations. Supply agreed assembly drawings, connection sequences and identification photographs so the installer does not have to guess from appearance. Agree spares, special tools and replaceable components at order stage. Link every hardware bag to the relevant outer carton and item.
Use labels for phased receiving and installation
Organise labels by project, area, floor, room type, item code and carton sequence and align them with the packing list. If an item occupies several cartons, any carton should identify the complete set. Agree which areas arrive first and which components must travel together. Distinguish pieces, sets and cartons in quantities to avoid a receiving discrepancy created by the schedule itself.
Review moisture, stacking and container restraint early
Discuss moisture protection, closure methods and stacking limits against transit, storage and climate conditions. Plan weight distribution, support and unloading sequence and name the party loading, supplying restraints and recording the load. Any packing test or third-party inspection needs an agreed method, acceptance criteria, samples and cost. Export packing is not an unconditional guarantee against every transport event.
Check wood packaging separately from delivery terms
Check applicable destination treatment and marks for raw-wood pallets, crates and dunnage. Wholly processed-wood material has a different scope under ISPM 15; review mixed constructions as actually built. FOB or FCA addresses delivery and cost allocation, not the packing specification. The named port or place, transport, insurance and clearance scope still belong in the offer and order.
Make receiving evidence traceable to the carton and item
When an issue is found, promptly record the outer carton, label, internal protection, damage and handover time and retain transport and receipt documents. Report within the agreed period and distinguish transit damage, shortage, product issues and site damage. Manufacturer, carrier, insurer and local installer use the evidence and agreed responsibilities to decide repairs, parts or replacement. Item-level traceability makes that discussion more effective.
The agreed schedules, drawings, quotation and contract define the scope, materials, quantities, costs and responsibilities.
