RELORoundTable is a mutually supportive but commercially neutral learning environment where visitors can discuss the trials and tribulations of movin’.
Still having conundrums? You're invited to hobnob with the pros at the RELO RoundTable Forums, or join me at the Moving and Relocation page at Examiner.com where we discuss a wide range of topics about local, intrastate, interstate and international relocation issues.
Still having conundrums? You're invited to hobnob with the pros at the RELO RoundTable Forums, or join me at the Moving and Relocation page at Examiner.com where we discuss a wide range of topics about local, intrastate, interstate and international relocation issues.
Moving? What size of flute are you using?
Posted 04-23-2010 at 04:36 AM by RikkiTikki
Received an email recently that included a link to a packaged “deal” of moving boxes and packing material. The sender wanted to know what I thought of the e-tailer’s “fantastic” offer.
I asked what the cartons were going to be used for. “Moving” was the response. OK – this is going to take awhile.
Many corrugated products stocked in Big Box stores or advertised online as “moving boxes” are really cheap, poorly manufactured imitations. Since the dimensions listed in the ad didn’t match the size of cartons normally used by most industry professionals, I inquired about the manufacturer’s specs on the boxes being considered. I’m still waiting for a response from my visitor.
When arranging containment options for ‘movin’ stuff’, it’s important to consider what’s going to be placed inside, the type of handling and transportation the items are going to be subjected to, how high the loaded goods are going to be stacked, and for how long.
The appropriateness or value of a cardboard box lies in its strength. Each carton’s durability is determined by its design and construction. Most corrugated shipping containers are manufactured to specific shipping standards defined in the freight classification systems for rail and over-the road motor freight transportation.
These uniform requirements define the fiberboard construction and material properties in relation to box size and gross weight limits. The corrugated box manufacturer’s certificate is usually found printed on the bottom of a container and represents the minimums for handling and movement in the respective mode of transport.
Most corrugated shipping containers and moving boxes are made of a recycled paper material. Each carton has flutes (or fluting) which consists of a sheet of corrugated paper medium that’s been shaped into a continuous rolling wave. These sheets of rolling ‘arches’ are usually compressed and glued between two flat pieces of corrugated paper material. Flutes serve as protective cushioning and are what gives strength to a carton. The number of flutes per linear foot and the height size of the exposed facing determine a carton’s limitations.
Unfortunately, like my visitor, many consumers figure a box is a box is a box.
They fail to realize that packaging is a significant part of the price paid for goods and services. In the industry these types of inexperienced neophytes are known as banana box movers. You’ll frequently see ‘em leaving the grocery or liquor store with a cart full of empty corrugated egg crates, partitioned wine cartons (with and without lids) and huge stacks of banana boxes complete with slots in the bottom, holes in the sides and convenient handle cutouts.
At home the acquired cartons are diligently stuffed with as much as possible regardless of weight or value. When completed, the proud packers expect someone to move it – safely...somehow!
Some are genuinely surprised when the family members they corralled, laborers they arranged or movers that were hired steadfastly refuse to move the 250 lb egg crate packed with books and magazines.
They can’t understand why grandma’s fine china and crystal that was so carefully and lovingly packed inside the used liquor cartons (with no tops) fell over and broke when stacked in the basement or storage area. Or why the expensive electronics packed in the banana box fell through the hole in the bottom on the way to the truck.
If relocation is in your future, it pays to use the right moving equipment and material – and a little common sense – when packin’ your stuff.
Jim Hansen, an ol’ timer with Burrow’s Moving and Storage, a professional relocation company based in Chicago, prepared a helpful little video explanation about standard moving boxes, what they’re used for and how to pack them in this three minute YouTube snippet.
I asked what the cartons were going to be used for. “Moving” was the response. OK – this is going to take awhile.
Many corrugated products stocked in Big Box stores or advertised online as “moving boxes” are really cheap, poorly manufactured imitations. Since the dimensions listed in the ad didn’t match the size of cartons normally used by most industry professionals, I inquired about the manufacturer’s specs on the boxes being considered. I’m still waiting for a response from my visitor.
When arranging containment options for ‘movin’ stuff’, it’s important to consider what’s going to be placed inside, the type of handling and transportation the items are going to be subjected to, how high the loaded goods are going to be stacked, and for how long.
The appropriateness or value of a cardboard box lies in its strength. Each carton’s durability is determined by its design and construction. Most corrugated shipping containers are manufactured to specific shipping standards defined in the freight classification systems for rail and over-the road motor freight transportation.
These uniform requirements define the fiberboard construction and material properties in relation to box size and gross weight limits. The corrugated box manufacturer’s certificate is usually found printed on the bottom of a container and represents the minimums for handling and movement in the respective mode of transport.
Most corrugated shipping containers and moving boxes are made of a recycled paper material. Each carton has flutes (or fluting) which consists of a sheet of corrugated paper medium that’s been shaped into a continuous rolling wave. These sheets of rolling ‘arches’ are usually compressed and glued between two flat pieces of corrugated paper material. Flutes serve as protective cushioning and are what gives strength to a carton. The number of flutes per linear foot and the height size of the exposed facing determine a carton’s limitations.
Unfortunately, like my visitor, many consumers figure a box is a box is a box.
They fail to realize that packaging is a significant part of the price paid for goods and services. In the industry these types of inexperienced neophytes are known as banana box movers. You’ll frequently see ‘em leaving the grocery or liquor store with a cart full of empty corrugated egg crates, partitioned wine cartons (with and without lids) and huge stacks of banana boxes complete with slots in the bottom, holes in the sides and convenient handle cutouts.
At home the acquired cartons are diligently stuffed with as much as possible regardless of weight or value. When completed, the proud packers expect someone to move it – safely...somehow!
Some are genuinely surprised when the family members they corralled, laborers they arranged or movers that were hired steadfastly refuse to move the 250 lb egg crate packed with books and magazines.
They can’t understand why grandma’s fine china and crystal that was so carefully and lovingly packed inside the used liquor cartons (with no tops) fell over and broke when stacked in the basement or storage area. Or why the expensive electronics packed in the banana box fell through the hole in the bottom on the way to the truck.
If relocation is in your future, it pays to use the right moving equipment and material – and a little common sense – when packin’ your stuff.
Jim Hansen, an ol’ timer with Burrow’s Moving and Storage, a professional relocation company based in Chicago, prepared a helpful little video explanation about standard moving boxes, what they’re used for and how to pack them in this three minute YouTube snippet.
Total Comments 0
