Exporting to the United States – A Team Canada Inc Publication

8.2 Basic packing and shipping requirements

How you pack your goods will depend, of course, on what the goods are, how they'll be shipped, and what hazards they may encounter on their way to your buyer. Remember that a truck shipment going from Regina to Miami will be on the road for several days and will be subject to vibration and shock; moreover, if it leaves Canada in winter for the southern United States, it will travel from a cold dry climate into a warm, humid one. You'll need to know what dangers your goods will face on their journey and pack them accordingly.

It's in your interest to pack your shipments securely. If a shipment arrives in a damaged state because of improper packing, your buyer won't accept it and may decide not to order goods from you again. Moreover, insurance often won't cover goods shipped in unsuitable or insufficient packaging.

The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service offers two comprehensive publications about stowage and packing for international shipments. One is Safe Stowage: A Guide for Exporters; the other is Export Packaging: A Guide for Exporters. You'll find downloadable versions on the TCS Web site's International Shipping and Distribution page.