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If you’re sending goods across the country or overseas, professional packing services can save you time, money, and stress. Whether you’re moving high-value items, fragile equipment, or hazardous materials, getting it packed properly is a vital step that shouldn’t be overlooked.
In this guide, we’ll explain what packing services actually involve, what you can expect from a provider, and how you can prepare ahead of time to make the process smooth and efficient.
What are Professional Packing Services?
Packing services involve the careful preparation and protection of goods for transport, often tailored to the specific item, destination, and method of shipping. These services are commonly used for freight shipments, manufacturing goods, aerospace and defence items, or anything that needs specialist handling.
While it might sound like just boxing up a product, professional packing involves much more – from custom crate building to moisture protection and dangerous goods compliance. The aim is to ensure your goods arrive at their destination in perfect condition, without delays or damage.
What’s Included in a Typical Packing Service?
Each company will offer slightly different solutions depending on your needs, but there are a few core elements that most packing services will cover.
Site Survey or Item Assessment
Many providers will begin with a site visit or assessment to understand the nature, size, and handling needs of your items. This helps determine the best materials and methods to use for secure transport.
Custom Case Making or Crating
Rather than using off-the-shelf boxes, high-quality packing services will create custom wooden cases or crates designed specifically for the dimensions and weight of your goods. This minimises movement and reduces the risk of damage.
Protective Materials
Depending on your shipment, materials like foam, foil, heat-sealed linings, shock absorbers, and corrosion-resistant layers may be used. Foil packing, for example, is commonly used to protect electronics or moisture-sensitive items during sea freight.
Labelling and Compliance
Professional packing services often include compliant labelling for fragile, hazardous, or regulated items. This is essential for customs and international transit, particularly when dealing with dangerous goods or military equipment.
Export Documentation Support
Some providers go beyond packing and help with the paperwork too. Export documentation is key when shipping goods internationally, and good packing services can guide you through the forms, certificates, and regulations involved.
Who uses packing services – and why?
Packing services are used by a wide range of industries, from aerospace to automotive, electronics to engineering. Businesses choose professional packing for a number of reasons:
- Protect valuable or sensitive equipment
- Meet shipping regulations (especially when exporting)
- Save time and resources by outsourcing
- Avoid delays or fines from incorrect packing
- Prevent damage and reduce insurance claims
Whether you’re shipping a single high-value machine or hundreds of small components, reliable packing can make or break the success of your delivery.
How to Prepare for a Packing Service
If you’re using professional packing services, a little preparation on your end can go a long way. Here are a few simple steps to help things run smoothly.
1. Know What You’re Shipping
Have the dimensions, weight, and item details ready. If you’re shipping machinery, provide the make, model, and any specific handling instructions. If goods need to be kept dry, mention that too – the more information, the better.
2. Communicate Your Destination and Route
Let the provider know where your shipment is going and how it’s getting there. Air, sea, and land freight all come with different conditions and risks – and the packing will need to reflect that.
3. Check Access at Your Site
Will the packing team be working on-site? If so, make sure there’s clear access to the items being packed, along with any machinery or loading bays needed. If your goods are being delivered to the packing facility instead, confirm delivery windows and unloading requirements.
4. Confirm Timelines
Discuss when your goods need to be packed and shipped. Lead times can vary, especially for custom builds or when working with export deadlines. Being upfront with your timeline helps avoid last-minute stress.
Are Packing Services Worth it?
In a word: yes. While it may be tempting to pack goods in-house or use basic materials, the cost of poor packing, like damaged items and delayed shipments, can far outweigh the initial savings.
Professionally packed goods are better protected, more compliant, and more likely to arrive in good time. If you’re shipping overseas, working with a provider who understands the finer details of packing services is not just useful – it’s essential.
How John Pipe International Can Help
With over 60 years of experience, John Pipe International is trusted by businesses across the UK for expert packing services and logistics support. From custom case making and foil packing to full export documentation and freight management, we can tailor a complete solution that keeps your goods protected and compliant.
Whether you’re shipping across Europe or exporting globally, we’ll make sure your items are packed with care, handled with precision, and delivered with confidence.
Any item, anywhere.
Contact our team today to discuss your project and request a tailored quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between packing and packaging services?
Packing services usually refer to preparing larger or more complex items for transport, especially for shipping or freight. This includes things like custom-built crates, securing heavy equipment, and making sure goods meet export regulations. Packaging services, on the other hand, are more about branding and presentation, like putting a product into retail-ready boxes or wrapping.
Can packing services handle dangerous or sensitive goods?
Yes, many professional packing services – including ours – are experienced in dangerous goods packing and handling sensitive equipment. This includes using the correct materials, following international regulations, and providing the right documentation to ensure safe and legal transport.
How much do packing services cost?
The cost of packing services depends on a few things – the size and type of the items, how they’re being shipped, the level of protection needed, and whether you need any extras like foil packing or export documentation. The best way to get an accurate price is to request a tailored quote based on your specific shipment.