When Can You Not Ship a Barrel?

10/09/2021

Barrels are one of the most effective forms of industrial packaging, and they’re perfect for shipping goods and materials from one country to another.

But shipping internationally isn’t quite as simple as filling up a barrel before having it sent overseas. If you’re transporting industrial goods in shipping containers, then you need to make sure you choose the right type of barrel, protect your goods and add the correct labels.

To help you out, the experts at ITP Packaging put together a quick guide to shipping barrels. When can you not ship a barrel? Keep reading to find out…

How to Choose the Right Type of Shipping Barrel

If you’re getting ready to ship goods or materials overseas, it’s incredibly important that you choose the right shipping barrel, otherwise your goods could end up damaged, the barrels could be impounded or, in extreme cases, you could even cause an accident.

There are several types of shipping barrels commonly used to transport goods overseas, either by businesses working on an industrial scale or by individuals sending smaller-scale personal items. The most popular shipping barrels are:

Each of these types of shipping barrel has its advantages and disadvantages, and the best type of barrel for you will depend on a number of factors.

The most important factors to consider are:

What are you shipping?
How much are you shipping?
How much protection do your goods need?
What’s your budget?

If you’re transporting large quantities of industrial goods that need lots of protection, the best option will be a large steel drum. However if you’re transporting food or drink, then a food-grade plastic barrel is going to be an excellent option. If you’re on a budget and your goods aren’t fragile, a cost-effective fibre drum is a great option to consider.

How to Protect Your Goods for Travel

The type of shipping barrel you decide on will go a long way to protecting your goods during travel. If you need extra protection, it’s always best to opt for a heavy-duty steel barrel over a less robust fibre drum.

You can also add extra layers of protection before shipping. Drum liners can help to protect liquids while in transit and avoid cross-contamination, while drum covers can protect barrels from dust, moisture and UV rays.

Breakable goods can be packed with protective packaging such as polystyrene, bubble wrap, cardboard and more.

Why Is Labelling Important?

Labelling your shipping barrels is just as important as selecting the correct barrel and protecting your goods. Incorrect labelling can result in your goods being stopped at the border and impounded by customs – and that can mean delayed shipping times and expensive fines.

Shipping barrels need to be correctly labelled to conform to international shipping standards, and meet the import requirements of the country they’re being shipped to. As a minimum, labels should detail what’s inside the shipping barrel. Different countries have different rules on how comprehensive you need to be, so always check.

If goods are perishable, flammable or potentially hazardous, you need to label the shipping barrel as such. In most cases, this is a legal requirement when shipping. If goods are fragile, then it’s a good idea to label the barrel as ‘fragile’, too.

What Goods Cannot Be Shipped?

Not all goods can be shipped however, even if they’re correctly packed and labelled. Before shipping a barrel, it’s important to check if you can legally ship the goods, or else you could get into trouble with the authorities.

Many dangerous goods can’t be shipped internationally or can’t be shipped easily. This includes goods such as firearms, pyrotechnics, explosives, chemicals and hazardous waste. Many countries have restrictions on specific foods or organic materials, such as soil, seeds or plant matter, too. Other goods, such as alcohol or tobacco, are usually prohibited unless hefty taxes and import fees are paid first.

Barrels that are damaged or visibly broken often can’t be shipped either, so always check the quality of the shipping barrel and make sure it’s UN-approved before purchasing.

Contact ITP Packaging Today to Find Out More About Barrels

Robust, hardwearing and incredibly versatile, industrial barrels and drums are the most effective packaging option for many industrial goods.

ITP Packaging stocks a comprehensive range of industrial barrels, including steel and plastic drums. Our expert team is ready to advise you on the best options for your business.

Contact our packaging experts today to place your next order.