Effective Packaging for Outbound Logistics

Outbound logistics refer to the outgoing of goods involves transportation, storage, and delivery that brings the products to the customer. And to move the finished product to the customer, there will be several things to consider from the packaging of finished goods and delivery to varies destination. Order from the customer can go from one carton to a large shipment. Thus, outbound logistics should optimize so that it can run as efficiently as possible.

The Functions of Packaging

Outbound logistics is a movement of goods from point A to point B of the destination. And to that effect, packaging should be designed to adapt to the customer’s request, transport, identification, and meet the regulation applicable.

From logistics, packaging should have the following function:

• Convenient – for the package could be moved conveniently from one place to another place and can be handled easily.
• Economical – if the packaging is expensive, the cost will be put into the product which will increase the price of the product.
• Protective – the purpose of packaging is to protect the product from damage from all-weather and environment. And the risk of damage from during transporting, handling, and storing.
• Communication – information carried on the packaging used as identification during handling, and storage processes.

The Levels of Packaging

Each level of packaging serves a different purpose. And each level plays an important role in protecting the product during movement and storage. It also to advertise and provides information on the outer packaging, so that it can be identified. With the right levels of packaging, it will effectively be preserved and protects the product.

• Primary Packaging – mostly used for consumer package. It is usually a direct contact with the products. It is to protect the product and provides information to the consumer.
• Secondary Packaging – they are packaging outside the primary packaging. It provides another level of protection. And branding of the products during shipping. Secondary Packaging can overlap tertiary packaging.
• Tertiary Packaging – mostly used for warehouse storage and transportation package. They are to bundle the products together. At this stage, it provides additional protection to prevent damage during handling, storage, and transport of goods.

Packaging Materials

Packaging serves to protect the product inside. Choosing the right packaging material will require close attention to the details. It could be one of the biggest factors in making the product success. The right packaging not only attracts consumers but also to keep the product safe during transit. Therefore, packaging must be sturdy and reliable. There are always important points to consider when planning on the packaging, like packaging budget, material, sustainability, size, design, and suitability for transportation.

Labelling and Marking

Labelling is a form of communication on the packaging. It provided essential information about the products from branding, the content of the product to information to the staff who handled the cargo or parcel.

Product Labelling is design to give, information about the product and draw the attention of consumers to the products. It must be clear, readable, and easy to understand.
Common information is the use and care of the product, manufacturer name and address, expiry date, ingredients, handling, warning, and suggestion.

Shipping Label is direction givens for the person who is handling the goods. They will need to know the content inside the carton, inside palletize cartons or container before loading and unloading of the goods. Not only that it provides handling information, but easily identifiable and keeping the consignment together. And it is to distinguish the stock making it easier to find and unpack.

References

Benjamin. (2018). “The 3 Levels of Packaging” Retrieved from https://www.thepackagingcompany.us/knowledge-sharing/3-levels-of-packaging, accessed 07/09/2020.

David Roberage. (2019). “How to Choose the Right Packaging for Your Product” Retrieved from https://www.industrialpackaging.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-packaging-for-your-product, accessed 11/09/2020.

DHL. (2020). “Packaging Advise”Retrieved from http://www.dhl.com.sg/en/express/shipping/shipping_advice/packaging_advice.html, accessed 12/09/2020.

IRC Group. (2018). “Importance of Packaging in Logistics”Retrieved fromhttps://ircgroupglobal.com/importance-of-packaging-in-logistics/#, accessed 12/09/2020.

Jean Beh Lee Chin, DLSM.(2020). “Key Transport Considerations for Integrated Logistics”. Retrieved from SIPMM:  https://publication.sipmm.edu.sg/key-transport-considerations-integrated-logistics, accessed 11/09/2020.

Shippo. (2020). “Shipping Marks and How to Label Cartons for International Transit”.Retrieved from https://www.shippo.co.uk/tips-and-tricks/shipping-marks-and-how-to-label-cartons-for-international-transit, accessed on 08/09/2020.

Syed Muhamad Faizal, DLSM. (2018), “The Five Essential Methods for an Efficient Warehouse Operation”.Retrieved from https://publication.sipmm.edu.sg/five-essential-methods-efficient-warehouse-operation, accessed 12/09/2020.