Packaging for transportation and
distribution
Protective function
Good service includes the
ordered good’s arriving in
satisfactory condition. The
packaging should protect the
product from mechanical and
climatic stresses during
delivery.
Warehouse function
Packaging is required to
facilitate the storage of a
product. If possible, the
packaging should be
stackable and meet the
demands of the storage
equipment. In addition, it
should facilitate practical
storage of the packaging
supplies - e.g., through
collapsible boxes.
Transportation function
The packaging also has the
task of facilitating the
transport of a product or
actually enabling the product
to be transported. Likewise,
the packaging’s form and size
should permit the optimal use
of the transport space with
the lowest possible packaging
weight.
Handling function
The goods should be
combined by the packaging
into units that simplify their
processing during
transshipment and delivery.
The form and size of the
packaging units must also
facilitate the employment of
technical aids such as forklifts
or storage and retrieval
systems. If the commodity is
handled manually, then grip
holes in the packaging can be
necessary.
Information function
The packaging should be
marked in such a way that the
products in it can be identified
easily - e.g., by color, pictures
or labels. Furthermore,
packaging of fragile,
perishable or similar products
requiring special treatment
during delivery should be
clearly marked with pictures,
symbols or explanations.
During automated
transportation and processing
procedures, automatic
product recognition is
facilitated by suitable
information appropriate to the
packaging, e.g., barcodes or
RFID tags.
• Distribution packaging provides the first and
most important line of defense against the
hazards of the distribution environment.
• A well-designed distribution package can
make an immediate and significant
contribution to a company’s bottom line by
reducing or eliminating product damage and
decreasing transportation costs.
• A properly designed package will also
enhance company image.