Packaging materials are crucial to every logistic process in ensuring successful delivery. There are distinct categories of distribution containers: paper-based, wood-based, and plastic-based. When choosing the kind of packaging to employ while transporting a specific commodity, numerous considerations need to be considered. Thus, when selecting the packaging material, the company should consider all relevant variables, including the products being delivered, the shipping duration, the cost of the materials, the advantages and disadvantages the materials may have and the entire distribution chain. The three shipping containers method provides unique advantages while exposing the goods and the business to specific risks, as discussed in this essay. As a result, selecting packaging materials must always be done with prudence, and the various options should be carefully examined.
Paper-based Containers
Paper-based containers are the most affordable option for shipment compared to wood and plastic shipping containers (Twede et al., 2016). They provide numerous benefits experienced on the different sections of the non-retail distribution chain and provide a packaging method that is efficient and ensures the end product is kept to a minimum weight equal to or above the legal weight restrictions. Paper-based shipping containers have become much more widespread over time, particularly the use of cartons. Moreover, they are lightweight and may be altered based on the material. Suppliers benefit from paper-based shipping containers as it helps them reduce costs and can be able to supply lightweight and fragile goods. This is because they are a more convenient, adaptable, and affordable alternative for transporting, safeguarding, and preserving the supplier’s resources.
Logistics benefits from handling a substantially lighter weight of goods when storing them prior to distribution. They are less bulky than wooden and plastic shipping containers, which implies that they take up minimal space, giving logistics more capacity to ship additional goods. Furthermore, it becomes easier to distribute and carry the goods directly to the buyer. On the other end, paper-based shipping containers provide wholesalers with suitable storage features, guaranteeing product protection while allowing them to store a wide range of products, from perishable to non-perishable, owing to the container’s regulated room temperatures. Storage plays a significant role in their distribution line; thus, this form of distribution enables them to store numerous products for retailers and consumers. Lastly, for retailers, storage is also a crucial component to consider as they have to store some of the goods in inventories waiting for consumers to buy. Thus, paper-based containers offer them storage facilities for their products.
Disadvantages
Suppliers often find it expensive to mold papers into certain shapes and designs using paper-based transportation containers. Hence making it tough for them to alter them for shipping. Also, they are very fragile owing to their lightweight designs, making them perilous to damage when overloading. Additionally, some products cannot be transported using this form of shipping. Secondly, physical and environmental elements can damage goods shipped through paper-based containers, thus affecting logistics. While contemporary paper-based containers have been processed to improve their quality, they still lack guaranteed endurance once subjected to physical elements like pressure and water. Thirdly, due to their fragility, especially during long-distance shipping, distributors may need help using these containers, as they could be easily destroyed during shipping, thus increasing their costs. Lastly, it can be challenging for retailers and wholesalers to maintain heat-processed products for extended periods since controlled temperatures cannot be maintained inside paper-based transportation containers.
Plastic-based shipping containers
Plastic or polymer comprises diverse materials made of High-Density Polyethylene (Khademi, H & Pazirandeh, A. (2021). Due to its durability and affordability, manufacturers and suppliers prefer plastic-based shipping containers. They are very strong, allowing them to endure tossing and throwing throughout transportation. They provide many benefits and drawbacks, impacting many parts of the non-retail distribution chain. Suppliers could save money using plastic-based shipping containers as they are inexpensive, adaptable and practical. Employing these containers provides distributors and suppliers with a shipment platform that is both long-lasting and sturdy. Secondly, manufacturers find this mode of shipment to be simpler and faster, thus increasing value-added time during manufacturing. Thirdly, logistics prefer plastic containers as they are resilient and can endure environmental elements like water and heat.
Additionally, they are easier to arrange for storage and transit. Further, wholesalers and merchants who depend on storage containers find it suitable since plastic transportation containers can prevent contamination. Lastly, they are advantageous to distributors since they can endure shipment stresses.
However, plastic-based shipping containers have several disadvantages. Most suppliers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers aim to refrain from using them since they greatly contribute to environmental degradation. Also, they tend to take up more space, which drives up the prices of logistics’ transit and storage. Lastly, plastic containers deteriorate over time following harsh light exposure, denting and scratching, which subjects the goods to contamination, thus posing a risk to wholesalers and retailers.
Wood-based Shipping Containers
Most goods are typically transported in a different kind of shipping container. For heavy and delicate goods, this sort of shipping container is the best option as it involves minimal risks. Moreover, it is also appropriate for goods that must be handled carefully during packaging, storage, supply and sale to reduce the risk of damage. Using wooden distribution containers is valuable for suppliers who transport bulky items. They are ideal for storing and conveying bulky, complex, long-distance commodities. In addition, wood is rigid; hence, it can safeguard goods throughout the journey (Khademi & Pazirandeh, 2021). Thus, the preservation of goods during transit is assured to suppliers and distributors. Furthermore, due to their suitability for long-term warehousing, wholesalers and retailers who rely on storage for the sustainability of their operations can store large-sized commodities. Lastly, the consumer is assured of receiving their goods in a good state.
However, wholesalers, retailers and suppliers may find wood-based container fabrication and assembly time-consuming. The manufacturer must employ numerous wooden containers to package large commodities that are expensive and space-consuming (Ianis, 2022). Moreover, they are susceptible to inclement weather. This calls for constant container care and maintenance from wholesalers, retailers and suppliers. These containers may be infected with mold and fungus during dangerous weather settings, which could affect goods. Logistics may find them quite hard to move around and store.
In summary, many aspects must be considered before choosing the type of shipping container to package, store and transit various commodities. Additionally, as discussed above, there are benefits and demerits of applying various shipping containers incurred by the whole distribution chain. The size, cost, form and nature of the commodity, accessible and practical transit routes, and weather conditions are all factors that play a key role in determining the type of shipping container to employ. Thus, selecting a transport design that fits the shipment requirement is crucial.
References
Khademi, H & Pazirandeh, A. (2021). Comparison of Different Packaging Materials and Solutions on a Cost Basis for Volvo Logistic Corporation. https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1310850/FULLTEXT01.pdf
Ianis, C. (2022). Advantages and Disadvantages of Wooden Crates. https://www.ianiscargo.ro/blog-articles/5-advantages-and-3-disadvantages-of-wooden-crates/
Twede, D., Selke, S., & Shires, D. (2016). Cartons, crates and corrugated board: Handbook of paper and wood packaging technology. Lancaster, PA: DEStech Publications. https://www.destechpub.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Cartons-Crates-and-Corrugated-Board-2nd-Ed-preview.pdf
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