In logistics, choosing the right packaging type and standard is not just about appearance; it is crucial for ensuring cargo security, efficient distribution, and cost-effectiveness.

Packaging serves as the primary protection for a product during shipping, covering storage, handling, transportation, and delivery to the customer’s door.

In addition to protecting goods from damage, vibrations, humidity, and temperature changes, proper packaging reflects a professional brand image.

Many consumers judge product quality by its packaging. Therefore, understanding packaging classifications, material standards, and their application in logistics is essential for companies.

Packaging Types Based on Their Function

Typically, logistics packaging is divided into three main categories based on its function in protecting goods:

1. Primary Packaging

This is the layer that comes into direct contact with the product. Its main purpose is to maintain quality and integrity by preventing contamination while preserving the product’s shape. Product examples include beverage bottles, pharmaceutical blisters,

food cans, and pouches.

2. Secondary Packaging

This is used to combine several primary packages into a single unit, such as cardboard boxes, shrink wrap, or bundle packs.

It simplifies handling, SKU management, and product display at the distributor level.

3. Tertiary Packaging

This is the most critical layer in logistics. It allows goods to be stacked, handled by heavy equipment, and transported safely over long distances. Examples include pallets, large wooden crates, and containers.

This type is a standard across warehousing, sea freight, trucking, and cargo logistics.

Packaging Standards in the Logistics Industry

To ensure efficiency and safety in global supply chains, several packaging standards are widely used, including:

Pallet

Pallets are the main base for stacking and moving goods using forklifts or hand pallets. They are made of wood, plastic, or metal. Pallet standards that are widely used are:

• ISO Pallet (1000mm x 1200mm) – standard in Europe and Asia
• GMA Pallet (48 x 40 inch) – prevalent in North America

Standardized pallets help accelerate loading and unloading, enhance safety during handling, and reduce the risk of damage.

Shipping Container Standard (ISO)

In sea and rail transport, ISO-standard containers serve as the primary form of tertiary packaging. Common sizes include:

• 20 Feet (TEU) for heavy loads and small volumes
• 40 Feet (FEU) for large-cargo volumes

Standardizing container sizes ensures compatibility across all modes of transportation worldwide.

Cardboard and Crates

Corrugated cardboard boxes or cardboard are used as secondary or light tertiary packaging. The thickness and structure (ply/ECT rating) are selected based on the goods’ weight and fragility level.

Meanwhile, wooden crates are required for large, heavy, or highly sensitive items. For export, crates must meet ISPM 15 heat-treatment standards to clear customs at the border.

The Importance of Standardized Packaging

Proper packaging standards offer several advantages, such as:

• Protection against physical and environmental damage, including impact, temperature changes, and humidity.

• Handling efficiency, especially during the movement and arrangement of goods in containers or warehouses.

• Logistics cost optimization, as proper packaging can reduce volume and increase load capacity.

• Easier export and import processes, as standard-compliant packaging helps speed up customs clearance.

Choosing the right packaging material depends on the product. Fragile items need bubble wrap or foam, while solid goods require structural support.

By using packaging that meets standard requirements, you can minimize damage risk and customer complaints, while ensuring faster, safer distribution.

If your company needs a logistics partner capable of handling various packaging types and shipping standards, SELOG—a business unit of PT Serasi Autoraya (SERA)—is the ideal one.

As an experienced logistics company, SELOG provides a full range of end-to-end logistics services, including Trucking, Shipping, Freight Forwarding, Warehousing, and Project Cargo.

Every SELOG service is powered by Astra Fleet Management Solution (AstraFMS), an effective and efficient digital technology that streamlines your business processes.

Through AstraFMS technology, SELOG can provide comprehensive, IT-based solutions for fleet and transportation management in Indonesia.

For more information about SELOG services, visit www.selog.astra.co.id or contact (021) 26605333.

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