PACKING GUIDEFOR LARGE AND PALLETIZED CARGO

DHL Express caters for your time-critical large and palletized cargo needs through our market-leading network.

Handling oversize or overweight shipments may require special handling and can be subject to a surcharge and/or special booking procedure. The weight and size limits in use at DHL are outlined below. If you need assistance, please contact your local .

PALLETIZING YOUR LOADHere are a few guidelines for securely transporting your freight:

Use GMA or EURO pallet designs of wooden or plastic construction. Avoid use of cardboard pallets. Always ensure the pallet is designed to carry the weight of goods being shipped.

Stack boxes squarely on the pallet, corner to corner with no overhang on any side.

Attempt to follow all carton orientation symbols. (e.g., “TOP LOAD ONLY”, “THIS SIDE UP”).

Avoid pyramid stacking which makes boxes more susceptible to damage from other shipments. The method is also subject to a surcharge due to the wasted space it creates when loading.

Distribute weight evenly on the pallet to avoid excess pressure being placed on box contents. For heavier shipments, T-stack loading is recommended.

Weight SurchargeSpecial Booking

Required

Up to 70kgs

70kgs – 499kgs ü

+500kgs ü ü

Size SurchargeSpecial Booking

Required

All sides < 120cms

Any single side > 120cms

ü ü

Dimensions over 300 x 200 x 160

ü ü

Note: Individual pieces weighing more than *30kg must be packaged in a fork-movable box or securely loaded to a pallet. The box or pallet must be fork-movable on at least 2 sides. Due to the weight special handling equipment will be required to move the item including forklifts or pallet jacks.

Shipments that do not meet this criteria may incur a surcharge or be refused collection.

*Local country variances may exist

SHIPMENT WEIGHT AND SIZE LIMITS

Pallet Loading Methods

Column Stack

ü

Pyramid Stack

ûOverhang Stack

û

T-Stack

ü

Packing Guide for Large and Palletized Cargo 1

Should only be used where a T-stack pallet cannot be achieved

LARGE AND PALLETIZED CARGO

You can help prevent damage to your consignment during transit through a variety of measures which are outlined below. These methods are not exhaustive and other forms of protection may be employed, including foam cushioning and wooden crating.

PROTECTING THE LOAD

Packing Guide for Large and Palletized Cargo 2

Edge Protectors Paperboards Bracing

Vertical edge protectors not only reduce damage to box edges during transport but also help to stabilize the load. Horizontal as well as vertical edge protection is advised.

Paperboards positioned on the top, base and sides provide a protective barrier. They help to spread the weight of shipments on top of and against the base slats of the pallet.

When shipping outsize pieces such as cable reels or engines, ensure you brace the items to the pallet using wood or metal. The bracing should prevent sideways movement that may occur during transit.

Banding and shrinkwrap are the two primary methods of securing a load to a pallet and must be employed for outsize or palletised cargo. Types of banding used can include steel, nylon, polyster (PET) and polypropoline. Metal is more suited to heavier solid items whereas nylon and PET are recommended for cartons and lighter items.

Shrinkwrap Banding / Strapping

To apply shrinkwrap, secure the leading edge of 70 gauge stretch or shrinkwrap to the pallet or forkable base.

Apply the shrinkwrap by tightly rotating the film around the consignment.

Continue applying the film in an upward direction whilst ensuring a 50% overlap of the previous layer of film.

At the top diagonally crisscross the film from each corner until fully covered.

Finally, steeply rotate the film down to the bottom and apply a tight overlap to the base of the pallet.

When applied correctly, strapping is an ideal way to secure your shipment.

If manually applying the strapping, loop first piece underneath the pallet void and over the top of the consignment to secure along a vertical edge.

Repeat so that 4 straps tightly secure the load in all directions.

Use horizontal edge protectors to avoid bands cutting into the top edge.

Use shrinkwrap to further protect the shipment from environmental damage during transit.

SECURING THE LOAD TO THE PALLET

Packing Guide for Large and Palletized Cargo 3