What Gauge Stretch Wrap Do I Need?

The gauge of the stretch wrap refers to its thickness.  For example, 100ga = 0.001in, so a lower number means thinner film and a larger number means thicker film.  Some users measure their film in microns.  For easy conversion, 25mic = 100ga (though the actual conversion is 25.4mic = 100ga).  The only difference between gauge and microns is how one chooses to measure the thickness of the film.

There are three factors that need to be considered when asking what gauge stretch film you need:

1. What function is the stretch wrap serving?
2. What is the average unit weight?
3. What is the typical load configuration?

Stretch Wrap Function
There are two primary functions for stretch wrap - to hold things together, and to protect them.  There are some less common functions, such as in the moving industry where it's used to keep drawers and doors from opening on armoires, cabinets, dressers, etc.  An armoire

Average Unit Weight
In short,

Typical Load Configuration
There are three typical load configurations that need to be determined:

• A-Load
  Symmetric, even, cubed loads with no sharp corners or protrusions and clean vertical sides
• B-Load
  Less symmetric, of uneven nature, irregular vertical sides, slight puncture potential
• C-Load
  Of no symmetry, very uneven, high puncture potential, multiple corners and edges

For more information on stretch wrap film please visit: www.stretchwrapsupply.com

Industry Specific Uses for Poly Bags

Poly bags come in many sizes, weights, and styles.  Their uses range from the mundane, such as holding loose parts like nuts and bolts, to more specific functions that are often missed.  This post will help identify some specific uses of poly bags other than in industrial settings.

Poly Bags for Photography, Art, Books and other Printed Materials
Poly bags come in many stock sizes, and there is one to suit every standard size photograph or piece of art.  It is recommended to order bags that are at least 1" wider and longer than is the photo or piece of unframed art.  If the art is framed, then you'll need the bag to be even larger than the art.

While polypropylene bags are clearer and crisper than polyethylene bags, they are not the best choice for art or any printed material, particularly when it comes to long-term storage.  As an inert substance, polypropylene is less susceptible to mold, mildew and discolorations.  It also translucent, as opposed to transparent, which means less light gets through to potentially damage the contents.  Last, polyethylene has a lower static charge, which means it will attract much less dirt, dust and other foreign elements which could harm your product.

Whether it's short term storage for photographs or archival storage for books, magazines, comics, etc, there are stock poly bags that will meet your needs.

Poly Bags for Furniture Covers and for Moving Companies
There are many stock poly bags that are designed to fit furniture and mattresses.  The difference between a designated furniture bag and a large poly bag is that the furniture bag opens to the side.  They are also sized to fit chairs, love seats and couches of common sizes.  Most designated furniture bags are 1mil thick.  There are also a wide variety of standard, gusseted poly bags that can also be used as furniture covers, and they are available in multiple thicknesses.

Mattress bags are designed to fit all common size mattresses and are vented on both sides.  These will protect your mattresses in transit or in storage.

For professional movers, reclosable poly bags can be helpful for items that require being disassembled and later reassembled.  There are clear poly bags with white block that allow easy-to-read writing and will provide a safe place to put nuts, bolts, and other pieces that a furniture item may require.

Plastic Poly Sheeting is also available for larger items.

Low-Noise Carton Sealing Tape

Carton sealing tape is notoriously noisy and there is really no way around that.  But for some businesses, it can be a problem.  Small businesses, in particular, can find this to be a big problem, particularly if your back-room/packaging area is not far from your showroom area where your customers and/or sales staff may be.  Some examples I've personally come across:

• A small cafe that has a restaurant and ships product where the noise from the packaging was disturbing customers and disrupting the atmosphere they were trying to create
• A company that relocates senior citizens and often boxes things up while in the same room with their clients
• A company that boxed the product that customers would purchase and did not have a backroom in which to do the taping.

There is no way to make standard carton sealing tape more quiet, short of trying to dispense it very slowly, which is simply not practical.

There is, however, a type of tape that is manufactured with an adhesive that is a smooth and quiet release.  There are several brands available, but the most reliable, in our experience is the Intertape Whisper Smooth Carton Sealing Tape 130WS .  It functions and performs just like any other carton sealing tape, and fits all of the same dispensers.  But its release is smooth, easy and absolutely noiseless.  The video below contrasts a standard acrylic carton sealing tape (1.8mil thick) with the Silent Supreme low noise acrylic carton sealing tape (2.0mil thick).  You'll not only hear how much quieter it is, but see how much easier and smoother the release is.

For ease of use and low noise, this tape is far superior to any other carton seal tape, short of natural rubber, which is significantly more expensive and has a more difficult release.

To find more information on what tapes work best on what boxes and in what environments, look at the previous post on How to Select the Right Carton Sealing Tape.  The Silent Supreme is an acrylic tape that is 2.0mil thick.  If you have any questions, please contact us and we will be happy to help you or to provide you with a free sample.

How to Save Money on Shipping - Part 3: Surcharges and Other Charges

Both UPS and FedEx are very particular about what they ship.  They do this to ensure that shipments are packaged in a way that works within their systems and to ensure as much reliability as possible.  To ensure packages fit their systems, and to cover costs when shipments do not (carriers have two sources of expenses - size and weight), they both assess various surcharges on certain shipments.  These can easily add up to be significant expenses.

Size and Weight

Space is limited with parcel carriers,
so package size is important

Both carriers will assess a surcharge for packages that are too large for their system.  If a package does not fit on their conveyor systems, a surcharge is assessed.  Additionally, their delivery trucks will only accommodate packages up to a certain size.

• Additional Handling (UPS 2014 - $8.95, FedEx 2014 $8.50)
  
  • Any package where the longest side exceeds 60 inches or its second longest side exceeds 30 inches.
  • Any package with an actual weight of more than 70 pounds
  • Each package in a shipment where the average weight per package exceeds 70 pounds and the weight for each package was not specified when the package was manifest (when the label was printed)  
    
• Over Maximum Limits (UPS 2014 - $51.65, FedEx 2014 - $55.00)
• Packages with an actual weight of more than 150
• Packages that exceed 108 inches in length
• Packages that exceed 165 inches in length + girth [(2 x width) + (2 x height)] 
• Large Package Surcharge (UPS 2014 - $56.60, FedEx 2014 - $55.00)
• Applied when Length + Girth [(2 x width) + (2 x height)] exceeds 130 inches
• If the size criteria is met, the package is subject to a minimum billing weight of 90 pounds

Dimensional Weight
Dimensional Weight is when the carrier determines that the size is more important than the weight (i.e. - lightweight, but large boxes).  If the dimensional weight of the package is greater than the physical weight, then the dimensional weight will be applied.  You can only know if dimensional weight applies by entering accurate (rounded up) package dimensions into your shipping system.

Example: a 19" x 13" x 32" 8lb package is billed as a 48lb pkg due to dimensional weight

If the dimensions were not entered when the package was manifest, you would have thought your shipping costs were approx $10.29.  With the dimensional weight applied, the actual shipping cost is $24.08 - more than twice what you may have billed the customer (prices quoted are from UPS Daily Rates shipping to Zone 2).

Packaging

Not fully encased in cardboard

Due to how their conveyor systems work, both carriers require that packages be totally encased in cardboard.  No other material is guaranteed to move safely on these systems, imperiling both that package and others around it.  As a result, a surcharge is applied to packages that do not meet this requirement.

• Additional Handling (UPS 2014 - $8.95, FedEx 2014 - $8.50)
• Any item encased in an outer shipping container made of metal or wood
• Any cylindrical-like item, such as a barrel, drum, pail or tire, that is not fully encased in cardboard.

Address Accuracy
Both carriers offer many online resources to help you ensure the accuracy of your delivery address, but they're only as good as the address you provide.  Make sure you use the correct address.  Pay attention to your invoices and your online tracking to ensure you're aware of any incorrect addresses.  You can then correct them in your system rather than repeatedly incurring these charges.

• Address Correction (UPS 2014 - $12.35, FedEx 2014 - $12.00)
  Both carriers will work to correct the address provided to them, but at a price.  This is assessed per package, not per shipment, so it can add up.  These charges are specifically noted on your invoice.
• Residential Surcharge (variable)
  Both UPS and FedEx have online resources that will determine if your receiver's address is classified as residential or commercial.  Use these resources, and check your invoices, to make sure you're charging your customers the appropriate shipping.  Home based businesses, farms, and apartments can be particularly confusing with this classification.
• Remote Area/Delivery Area Surcharge (variable)
  This generally applies to more rural locations, and affects industries such as agriculture, farm, and oil.  Similar to Residential Surcharges, these will be noted in your invoice.

Complete Data Entry
It is important that you enter in all the applicable information when creating a shipment.  Not doing so can cost you.

• Weight - If you do not enter the weight, the carrier will determine it for you, but you may not have the correct information to charge your customer the proper amount of shipping.  If you over-estimate the weight, the carrier will bill you according to what you entered.  If you under-estimate the weight, they will bill you according to the actual weight (always rounded up).  In order to bill correctly, you need to enter the weight correctly.
• Size - If you do not enter the dimensions of the box, you can still have dimensional weight or other size charges applied.  Each shipment goes through a scanner that determines the size of the box.  Even if you did not enter the dimensions, if your package is large enough to warrant dimensional weight charges, they will be applied.  Enter the dimensions of the box when you manifest your shipment and you'll know if dimensional weight or other size-related charges will apply.  If you do not, you can be losing money on your shipping.

If the nature of your business precludes you from abiding by all of the size, weight and packaging guidelines encouraged by the carriers, contact your UPS or FedEx representative and see if they can help.  Depending upon your shipping volume and your individual situation, they may be able to work out a solution for you.  They may also be able to give you insight on how to get rural or other business addresses that the carrier classifies as residential reclassified as commercial.

For more tips on saving money with your shipping, read the previous two posts, How to Save Money on Shipping - Part 1: Service Levels, and Part 2: Bundling and Shipments.

How to Save Money on Shipping - Part 2: Bundling and Shipments

Weight Matters
Freight and parcel carriers care primarily about two things - weight and size.  What they are generally not concerned with are the number of pieces being shipped.  This is another area where you can create significant savings.

Each item that requires a label qualifies as a "shipment."  Your shipping rates are determined based upon the size and weight of that shipment.  The charts below will illustrate the difference between shipping multiple single packages as individual shipments, or bundled packages as one shipment.  The red bar indicates the price to ship 1-6 boxes, each as an individual shipment (each has its own shipping label).  The green bar indicates the price to ship one bundle of 1-6 boxes as one shipment (only one shipping label is used, and all boxes are bundled together as one).
 

Shipment A - 11" x 14" x 4", 3lb Package(s)	Shipment B - 6" x 10" x 5", 6lb Package(s)
Shipment C - 13" x 16" x 6", 15lb Package(s)	Shipment D - 10" x 14" x 12", 19lb Package(s)

Depending upon the size and weight of each package, the shipment costs differ dramatically.  You'll notice that the per package price increases far more dramatically than does the cost when the same number of packages are bundled together to ship as one.  With Shipment A, a very lightweight package, the cost barely changes between 1 and 6 packages when they are bundled together, but increases significantly when they are processed as individual shipments.  As the packages get heavier, the difference eventually narrows, but is still significant.

As long as the bundle isn't so big that it warrants dimensional weight, oversize, or overweight charges (addressed in Part 3), bundling multiple boxes together as one shipment can be a significant means of saving shipping dollars.

How to Bundle
UPS and FedEx are very specific about how they want you to safely bundle your packages.  There are three ways to accomplish this.

Bundling with Strapping
The image to the right illustrates how the carriers recommend you strap your packages when bundling them.  They suggest two straps in each direction.  They also discourage the strapping from being used as handles.  This can lead to weakened or broken seals which can result in problems in shipping.

The most common material for these purposes is polypropylene strapping.  This material is available in a variety of widths and break strengths.  The strapping can be applied and sealed with manual tools, battery operated hand-held tools, pneumatic tools, or semi-automatic machines.  For more information about selecting the right strapping, visit our post on How to Select the Right Strapping Product.

Bundling with Tape
For those who will bundle infrequently, tape is an easier option than strapping.  It requires no special tools and is easily applied.  Parcel carriers still suggest that the tape be applied in the same pattern as the strapping example above.

While some carton sealing tapes will suffice, it is highly recommended that filament MOPP tape be used.  This tape most often comes in the form of filament or tensilized tapes.  Filament tape is simply a standard tape but with nylon filament threads running the length of the tape to give it added strength when bundling.  Tensilized tape is similar in construction, but the filaments are manufactured in to the tape and not visible, and they run both the width and length of the tape.  As with most tapes, it's important to use the appropriate thickness based upon the weight of the product being bundled.

Bundling with Stretch Wrap

Stretch wrap is similar to tape, but does not have any adhesive quality so it will not leave any residue or mar the boxes.  Bundling stretch wrap comes in widths of 2", 3" and 5".  It also should be applied like the strapping, with the stretch wrap being applied in both directions.  Bundling stretch wrap is probably the easiest to apply of the three methods suggested here.  Stretch wrap strength is measured by gauge, or thickness, with the higher number indicating the thicker wrap, and subsequently that which is applicable for heavier weight bundling operations.  Lightweight bundling applications can use lower gauge wraps.

There are three handle types available with bundling wrap.

• Standard Core - Comes on a 3" core and ships with one plastic plug-in handle per box
• Extended Core - Comes on a 1" extended core so that each roll has its own built-in handle
• QuikWrap - Comes on a 1-3/4" core and a specialized plug-in handle that swivels around its own core

No matter which of these bundling wraps you choose, the actual wrap is the same - only the core and handle are different.  More information on stretch wrap and bundling wrap can be found on our post, How to Select Stretch Wrap.

No matter which method you choose, depending upon your unique needs, bundling your shipping is a clear way to save a potentially significant amount on your shipping.  If you have multiple pieces going to the same destination, this is an option you will want to consider.

If you have any questions about which option may work best for you, or what product will work best, please contact us and we will be happy to help you.

For other ways to save money on shipping, look at How to Save Money on Shipping - Part 1: Service Level and Part 3: Surcharges and Other Charges.

How to Save Money on Shipping - Part 1: Service Levels

Any company that does any business is engaged in some sort of shipping - either sending or receiving, and often both.  Subsequently, shipping is a major expense.  There are many ways to reduce your shipping expenses without dramatically altering the way you do things.  These posts will focus on UPS shipping in particular, but should translate equally to FedEx or any other small package carrier.

Can it get there in this?

Parcel carriers have multiple shipping levels - Ground, 3rd Day, 2nd Day, and Next Day.  Each service level gets progressively more expensive.  One of the easiest ways to reduce your shipping expenses is to know the transit times from you to your customer.  It is a waste of money to send something 2nd Day Air when it gets there in one day via Ground service anyway.  Essentially, you're paying more for it to take longer to get there.

The confusion with this stems from what the carriers will "officially" guarantee.  3rd Day, 2nd Day and Next Day Air are all guaranteed accordingly - 3 days, 2 days or 1 day transit.  Ground, however, is guaranteed in 1-5 business days.  This does not mean your package will take anywhere between one and five business days to get to its destination.  It means that the carrier doesn't know where your shipment originates and where it's going, and therefore can't tell you how long it will take to get there.  A shipment from Atlanta to Jacksonville, for example, is a guaranteed one-day Ground transit, while Atlanta to Denver would be three days, and Atlanta to San Diego would be a five-day transit point.  The only other difference is that Ground shipments are not time guaranteed.  They will get there whenever the consignee/receiver gets their usual delivery, while the air services are guaranteed by a certain time.

Or does it require this?

For example, if you have a 10 lb package that is going from Atlanta to Jacksonville and you need it there the next business day, you have two options (prices quoted are from UPS posted daily rates):

UPS Ground - $9.41
UPS Next Day Air Saver - $49.45

Both of these shipments are equally guaranteed to deliver the next business day.  The only difference is that the Next Day Air shipment is time-guaranteed and the Ground shipment is not, but both are guaranteed to deliver on the same day.

The web sites for both UPS and FedEx will let you determine transit times and freight estimates for any shipment.  Use these, or print the transit-time maps, to know when you need to upgrade the service level and when you can ship Ground.  This alone can save you significantly.

UPS Calculate Time and Cost	UPS Transit Map
FedEx Calculate Time and Cost	FedEx Transit Map

Choosing the appropriate service level and using Ground services where applicable instead of air services will offer significant savings.  Web sites for both UPS and FedEx will help you, and there is no charge for using either.  Choose wisely.  Pay less.

For additional information on how to save money on shipping, look at the next post in this series, How to Save Money on Shipping - Part 2: Bundling and Shipments and Part 3: Surcharges and Other Charges.

UV Protection for Pallets and Product

For businesses who store their product outdoors, it is important to make sure your product is protected from the harmful rays of the sun.  UV rays can harm your product and can deteriorate the effectiveness of the stretch wrap or poly bags surrounding your product as well.  The further south you go, the more important UV protection is, but keep in mind that it's not the heat that does the damage, it's the unseen and unfelt UV rays, that are just as harmful in the winters of Minnesota as they are in the summers of Florida.

UVI and UVA
There are two terms to know when looking at UV protection:

• UVI - Ultra Violet Inhibitor
  This is an additive that is used in the production of stretch wrap or other polyethylene plastics, which delays the oxidation (or deterioration) of film stored outside and not sheltered from the sun.  Without a UVI additive in the film, your stretch wrap will markedly deteriorate over time, lose its stretch and cling, and subsequently lose its effectiveness.  UVI protection is rated to be effective for a certain period of time, ranging from 30 days to a year or more, depending upon the application.  In short, UVI slows down the eventual oxidization of a polyethylene product and subsequently extends the life of the product.
• UVA - Ultra Violet Absorber
  Probably the best common example of a UVA would be the sunscreen you use.   It absorbs the harmful UV rays and keeps them from impacting the poly product or its contents.  A UVA additive to the film will have much the same impact as a UVI, but also serves to prevent colors from fading over time.
• Practical Difference between UVI and UVA
  To extend the life and performance of your poly product, UVI is all you need and is the most common additive for plastic products.  As a result, the remainder of this article will deal only with UVI.  Neither UVI or UVA should be used in contact with agricultural chemicals or pesticides.

UVI/UVA and Color
A common misconception with UVI treated products is that they need to be black.  This is not the case.  Most UVI treated products are, however, black or white or some other color.  Color has no impact on the UVI performance but is usually done for purely aesthetic or security reasons, or simply to differentiate it from standard non-UVI wrap.  Black UVI treated stretch wrap, for example, will prevent people from seeing what is on your pallet.  While color alone can affect the heat that is transferred to your product, it has zero impact on the UVI performance, which is where the real damage can occur.  A stretch wrap treated with a UVI additive is just as effective whether the stretch wrap is black, white, or clear.

UVI Treated Products
As a blog geared toward the industrial setting, we will focus on two primary product types that can be treated with UVI.

• Stretch Wrap
  UVI stretch wrap film is rated for as short as 30 days, and can be longer depending upon environmental variables.  It is often black or white but can be clear and be just as effective as a UVI film.  If almost everything you wrap is stored outside, then UVI treated stretch wrap is a good option. 
• Pallet Covers and Poly Bags
  Pallet covers and poly bags can be UVI/UVA treated and are rated in effectiveness for between 1 year and 3 years.  It should not be used in contact with agricultural chemicals or pesticides.  While it is common to find black UVI/UVA bags in stock as pallet covers, you can have any type bag in almost any size or thickness custom made with UVI/UVA additives.  If you have some products that need UVI protection and some that do no, UVI/UVA treated pallet covers can be a good option.  They will allow you to use your regular stretch wrap, but cover it with a UVI/UVA pallet cover.  They can also be re-used, provided you keep an eye on the cumulative sun exposure the bag is subjected to.  There are many stock UVI/UVA treated pallet covers (in 2mil black and 3mil black) and custom bags can be made in any size.  Samples are also available (standard bags, not UVI rated) so you can make sure you have the correct size.  When determining what size bags you need, use the formula below:

Contact us today for quotes on UVI treated stretch wrap (in any size), pallet covers, and poly bags.  We'll be happy to help you determine what will work best for your needs.

Supplies for Moving Companies

If you're a moving company, whether large or small, you need the right materials to be competitive and offer your clients the most safe, secure move possible.  Most of that revolves around having the right materials to safeguard your client's belongings.  Following are some of the supplies that moving companies most often use, or could use.

Stretch Wrap

Stretch wrap is a stretchy, clear plastic film that can be used for a variety of applications within the moving industry.  There are two types of stretch wrap that are most common:

• Hand Stretch Wrap - 12", 15" or 18" wide on a standard 3" core, and 20" and 30" on a 1" extended core
• Bundling Stretch Wrap - 2", 3" and 5" widths.  The 2" and 3" films are on a 3" core and the 5" can ship on a 3" core or a 1" extended core.

Typical applications for stretch wrap in the moving industry:

• Protecting furniture from nicks and dings (typically hand wrap)
• Keeping furniture doors and drawers closed (typically bundling film)
• Consolidating items so multiple items can be loaded/transported as one

Stretch wrap is easy to use, will not mar furniture - whether wood, leather or fabric, leaves no adhesive residue like tape can, is clear, and has strong, reliable hold potential to stand up in the many demands that the moving industry places on the items in its care.

Plastic Poly Bags
Plastic poly bags and related products can be used for a variety of purposes and can often be re-used as well (unlike stretch wrap).  Some of the most common poly products used are:

• Furniture Bags - these come in sizes specific for chairs, loveseats, and couches.  Where standard poly bags open on the width, furniture bags will often open on the length, so instead of having to pull a poly bag over the couch from one end to the other and to lift it off the ground to do so, you can simply pull the bag over the top of the couch, allowing both ends to be protected and for it to be relatively easily lifted and moved while covered.
• Garment Bags - these are designed for hanging clothes and are much like what you would get at a dry-cleaners.  These will ensure that your client's hanging clothes are protected as much as possible during the move, even if they are in a garment box.
• Mattress Bags - these are sized for standard and pillow-top mattresses in all the common sizes - twin, full, queen, x-queen, king, and x-king.  These will protect your client's mattresses and/or box springs in transit and, depending upon the thickness you choose, can provide a handhold when carrying.
• Reclosable Bags - these are zip-top bags that come in a wide variety of sizes.  The most common use of these is to store parts for when items have to be disassembled for transport.  Some reclosable bags also come with a white write-on block so they can be easily labelled and read.  These can be put in drawers or cabinets during transport, taped underneath the furniture, or simply carried separately.
• Poly Sheeting - this comes in a wide variety of sizes and are simply long sheets of poly on a roll.  They range in width from 3' up to 20' and typically come in lengths of 100'.  For items too large to bag or to protect floors, for example, poly sheeting can be a useful option.  It can also be used to protect items that need to be set aside in a lawn, for example, or to cover them in the event of inclement weather during the move.
• Poly Tubing - stocked in various thicknesses, it comes in sizes as narrow as 1" and as wide as 60", and in lengths from 300' to 4000', depending upon the width and the thickness of the tubing.  This product is used most frequently for protecting rugs/carpeting that are rolled up for transport, but can be used for many other applications as well.  Since it is a tube, it can be cut to length and taped or tied at each end to protect the item.

Carton Seal Tape
Tape is something every moving company needs.  But there is more to tape than just how wide or how long it is.  For a standard move, the type of tape (acrylic, hot melt, natural rubber) is generally not as important as is the thickness/grade of the tape.  The heavier and larger your boxes are, the thicker your tape should be.  The chart below helps illustrate the differences:

And just to be thorough, the following chart details the differences in the different types of carton seal of tape available:

For most moving applications, hot melt tape will be quite sufficient and it is also the most cost effective of the three carton sealing options.  For extreme cold weather moves or for items going in to long term storage, acrylic tape is recommended.  The most likely moving application for natural rubber tape would be if you're using recycled cardboard boxes, in which case natural rubber would provide the most reliable seal.

How to Select the Right Strapping Product

There are four primary types of strapping available in the industrial market - steel, polypropylene, polyester, and cord.  Each has its own strengths and applications.  The following information will help you determine what type of strapping will work best for your needs and help you understand the difference between them.

Steel Strap
Steel strapping is the strongest of all the strapping materials.  It is recommended where high strength is necessary, low elongation (stretch) is important, and where the product may be sharp or hot.  Steel strapping is sealed using mechanical seals and notch (sealless) type joints.  While it is still the preferred alternative in many industries, the market for steel is declining, largely because it can be dangerous to work with (presenting sharp edges) and is difficult to recycle.
Advantages -  High strength, low elongation
Disadvantages - Relatively expensive, sharp edges, difficult to recycle
Applications - Sharp or hot products, steel, rail car, heavy construction

Polypropylene Strapping
Polypropylene strapping is the most commonly used and least expensive of all strapping materials.  It is light, easy to apply, and easy to recycle.  It's primary characteristics are high elongation (stretch) and elongation recovery.  It has, however, a low retained tension.  Polypropylene strapping is available in hand grade and machine grade, and can be sealed with buckles, seals, heat seals, or friction welds.  Worth noting, machine grade strapping can be used with manual tools, but hand grade strapping should not be used in a machine application.  Polypropylene is used in all automatic strapping machines and almost all stand-alone arch strapping machines.
Advantages - Most cost effective, lightweight, easy to apply, easy to recycle, high elongation, high elongation recover
Disadvantages - Low retained tension, potential to split
Applications - Light duty palletizing, unitizing, carton closing, bundling

Polyester Strapping
Polyester (or PET) is the most rigid of the strapping options.  It has significantly less elongation than polypropylene and retains tension over a longer period of time.  Polyester strap is nick resistant and is sealed with seals, heat, or friction welds.

Polypropylene (L), Polyester (R)

Since polyester strapping offers the highest strength and greatest retained tension of all the plastic strapping, it is often used on heavy duty loads that need high initial tension along with high retained tension during handling and storage.  Additionally, competitive pricing and performance characteristics have motivated many steel strapping uses to switch to polyester.  Polyester strapping is available in both machine grade and hand grade and is easy to dispose of and recycle.
Advantages - Most rigid, long tension retention, high strength, nick resistant, easy to recycle
Disadvantages - Less elongation than polypropylene
Applications - Empty cans and bottles, lumber, heavy/rigid pallet loads, steel replacement

Discerning Polypropylene from Polyester Strapping
Plastic strapping, in general, is often referred to collectively as "poly strapping."  This can create much confusion when attempting to order or obtain quotes since poly strapping could be either polypropylene or polyester.  Polypropylene strap is typically embossed (per the graphic above) and feels more like plastic.  It is usually a more of a matte finish.  Polyester is a glossy, smooth strap.  Polyester strap does not resemble polyester fabric in any way.  Since polypropylene is the most common plastic strap option, "poly strapping" will generally refer to polypropylene.  Still, it is important to be able to differentiate between the two in order to be certain you or your customer procure the correct material.

Cord Strapping

Cord strapping is available in both polyester and rayon, and comes in two basic forms - uniline and cross woven.  Cord is used only in manual applications and is sealed using buckles, seals, or is tied.  Polyester cord offers excellent resistance to moisture and is frequently used in outdoor applications.  Heavy duty polyester cord is frequently replacing steel in lumber applications. 
Advantages - Can be manual applied with no tools, moisture resistant
Disadvantages - Poor elongation, difficult to recycle
Applications - Steel replacement, agricultural, boating

The chart below illustrates the advantages of each type of strapping and compares the relative performance of each.  It also indicates what types of applications will work with that material.  Definitions of these characteristics can be found below.

Strapping Tools and Options
Be careful when selecting any strapping tools.  Some tools can be used on any plastic strap, some can only be used on polyester or polypropylene, and some can only be used on one type of strap.  Most are also limited to a certain size range (width and/or thickness).  There are no tools that cover every strap size and/or type.  Tools for steel strapping are always exclusive to steel strap only.

Hand Application 
No tools are required, only buckles that the strap is wound through.  The strap is hand-tightened.
Advantages - No tools required, most convenient
Disadvantages - Maximum working range of the strap is not achievable
Strap Type - Cord only

Manual Tools
Requires a tensioner, a sealer, and seals.  This is the most common way of applying strapping.
Advantages - Allows the achievement of the maximum, or near maximum, working range of the strap; secure
Disadvantages - Requires multiple tools and the appropriate seals
Strap Types - All: Polypropylene, polyester, cord, steel

Battery Operated Tools
Combines all the necessary operations in one tool - tensioning, sealing, and cutting.  Offered in varying strengths to accommodate the unique needs of the user.
Advantages - Consolidates all strapping functions in to one tool, portable, efficient, requires no seals, enables achievement of a specific amount of tension
Disadvantages - Can be lost or damaged due to their portability, least durable of the powered tools
Strap Types - Polypropylene, polyester

Pneumatic Tools

Combines all the necessary operations in one tool - tensioning, sealing, and cutting.  Offered in varying strengths to accommodate the unique needs of the user and the type of strapping.
Advantages - Consolidates all strapping functions in to one tool, efficient, powerful, requires no seals, enables the achievement of a specific amount of tension
Disadvantages - not portable (requires a compressed air source), heavier than battery tools
Strap Types - Polypropylene, polyester, steel

Machines

There are a variety of strapping machines depending upon your needs.  Low volume machines include semi-automatic arch and table-top machines.  They extend in to high-volume automatic machines custom made for your application.
Advantages - Consolidates all strapping functions, fast, efficient, automatic or semi-automatic, requires no seals, can integrate with an assembly line or conveyor system, allows achievement of a specific amount of tension
Disadvantages - The most expensive strapping option, relatively large footprint, require and power and/or pressurized air source, limited as to the size/weight of the box that they can strap
Strap Types - Polypropylene (smaller machines), polypropylene or polyester (larger machines)

Strapping Characteristics and Definitions
General Terms:
Elongation - The amount of stretch in the strap as tension is applied
Elongation Recovery - The strap's ability to return to its original state after tensioning
Hand Grade Strapping - Designed to be applied by hand with manual, electric or pneumatic tools.  Cannot be used in a semi-automatic or automatic strapping machine.

The following terms are necessary to understand when purchasing/selecting strapping:
Break Strength - The amount of force, in pounds, required to break the strap
Core Size - the diameter and depth of one coil of the strap. This must correspond to the dispenser or machine being used with the strapping.
Thickness - this is the physical thickness of the strap, measured in fractions of an inch, such as .020"
Width - the physical width of the strap, it must correspond with the tools or machine being used to apply the strap
Color - the color of the strap is completely subjective and has no impact on the performance of the strap
Embossing - the diamond-shaped textured pattern applied to most polypropylene strapping.  It enhances split resistance, improves stiffness characteristics, and increases joint efficiency.
AAR Approved - AAR is the American Association of Railroads and AAR approved strapping is strapping that has been approved by AAR and bears their seal for safely transporting bundled material on rail cars

Contact us with any additional questions you may have and we will be happy to assist you in determining the type of strap needed for your unique application.

Shipping in the Extreme Cold

With most of the United States experiencing the coldest winter in recent history, it’s important to take a look at how extreme cold can affect shipping and how you can accommodate these conditions.

 

Cold weather affects your carton sealing efforts primarily in two ways – it affects the adhesive on the tape, and it affects the surface of the box.  Bear in mind that, when shipping, your product will be exposed not only to the environment at your location, but at the destination and also everywhere in between (which, depending upon where it’s going and whether it is shipping ground or air, may not be a very direct route).

The Effect of Extreme Cold on Carton Sealing Tape

There are three types of pressure sensitive (as opposed to water activated) carton seal tape – acrylic, hot melt, and natural rubber.  Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses.  Regardless of the type of tape you choose, each of these must be applied in an environment where the temperature is at least above freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit, and 35 degrees or higher for hot melt tape).  Application in a temperature below these limits will not guarantee a good seal and could lead to problems as your package transits to its destination.

Once the tape has been applied, the different tapes have different temperature tolerances.  Acrylic and natural rubber tapes are rated to hold their adhesion in temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit.  Hot melt tape can hold its adhesion down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Almost anything has the potential to freeze, and the adhesive on your carton seal tape is no exception.  While it is very tolerant of the cold, none are immune to the effects of extreme cold.  Make sure you prepare accordingly when sealing your boxes and don’t forget to factor in both the destination of your shipment and the route it will likely follow.  Also keep in mind that the primary mode of transportation for ground parcel shipping and all LTL/freight shipping is in trailers (transiting via truck or rail) which are not climate controlled.  Even packages shipped via air will be in non-climate controlled environments for potentially extended periods of time.

The Effect of Extreme Cold on Boxes

Factoring in the variables noted above regarding carton seal tape, it’s also important to note how extreme cold can affect your boxes.  The biggest problem with extreme cold and boxes would be moisture.  This can happen before or after the tape is applied, particularly as the box makes its transit and passes from non-climate controlled environments to those that are climate controlled.  Such cases can produce moisture on the box either as frost or snow melts, or simply in the form of condensation resulting from temperature changes.

To accommodate for this, it’s important, once again, to look at the type of tape being used.  All of the standard pressure sensitive carton seal tapes – acrylic, hot melt, and natural rubber – have good resistance to moisture.  But of these, the tape with the greatest moisture resistance is natural rubber.  It also has the best adhesion to boxes with dusty or rough surfaces or those made of recycled materials.

The moisture and/or condensation that can affect the outside of your box can also affect the product inside.  In this case, it’s important to look at protecting the product itself, as well as the box in which it ships.  The best protection would typically be to enclose the product in a poly bag.  This will protect it from most moisture issues, including those where the box is exposed to snow or ice which later changes to water and could penetrate the box, exposing the contents to moisture or even weakening the box to the point of risking fall-out.

Recommendation: Natural Rubber Tape

To ensure the best adhesion in any temperature or environment, natural rubber carton sealing tape is the best selection for carton seal.  It is also, unfortunately, the most expensive.  If you can't justify the cost of natural rubber, acrylic tape or hot melt tape carton tape will generally be sufficient, but not as reliable in extreme cold as the natural rubber. 

 

Natural rubber will give you the best adhesion (keeping in mind that it must be applied at temperatures of at least 32 degrees Fahrenheit) in extreme cold and also hold its adhesion down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit while still retaining its hold in spite of any reasonable humidity or moisture.

Take a look at the natural rubber tapes that are available and contact us with any questions you may have.  We will be happy to assist you in ensuring your product gets where it needs to go as safely and reliably as possible.

How to Avoid Damages with UPS/FedEx

UPS delivers over 16 million packages in a day, and FedEx almost 4 million. Both companies estimate that of these many million packages, only approximately one percent are lost or damaged. Sounds good - unless your package is one of the over 150,000 packages lost or damaged in a day. And if you are, the first response you'll typically hear from the carrier is that it was your fault due to "insufficient packaging" or something similar. How can you minimize the chances of your package being damaged in transit with your parcel carrier?

How are Packages Damaged?

Many people suspect that most damages are caused by drivers or other package handlers.  This is not the case.  Most damages occur on the many systems of belts that are in the main hubs of the carriers.  This is also why both carriers have surcharges on items not encased in cardboard, oversize, and/or overweight.  All it takes is one package to create a jam and others pile up behind it, getting damaged by each other or the complex system of belts and conveyors in the hub.  Heavy packages can get pushed in to lighter packages, packages can get knocked off of the conveyors, they can get caught between different levels of belts, etc.

How to Avoid Damages
Both UPS and FedEx have very specific guidelines about what constitutes "insufficient packaging" (or "it's the shipper's fault") or other reasons that lead to a claim being denied.  The best way to prevent this is to follow their guidelines as closely as possible.  UPS, for example, provides very specific guidelines for avoiding damages and/or loss:

Sometimes it's not the carrier's fault

1. Use a box strong enough to support the weight of the contents
2. Ship cases in corrugated shipping containers
3. Securely seal contents at risk from leakage
4. Use at least two inches of appropriate cushioning material to protect items from each other and the corners, sides, top, and bottom of the box
5. Reinforce package edges to protect from bending
6. Securely seal package closures and seams with reinforced tape
7. Include complete address information and telephone numbers on the label
   http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/resources/service/claims/hlp/preventing.html 

Select the Right Box
Not all boxes are created equal, and size alone is not the only factor to consider.  Your box needs to be rated for the weight of the contents.  Most boxes will have a Box Maker's Certificate, typically printed on the bottom.  This will let you know the strength of the box (pounds per square inch) and the associated weight limit of the box (in pounds).  If your box strength is not in line with the contents of your box then your claim could easily be denied by your carrier.  The link below will let you know what UPS is looking for (FedEx should be comparable) when determining if your package was packed adequately or not.
http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/resources/ship/packaging/guidelines/how_to.html

Protect Your Product
Once it is determined that your box was of sufficient strength, the carrier will then look inside the box to make sure that the contents are adequately protected.  There are several means of protecting the contents of your box:

• Bubble Wrap
• Inflatable Packaging/Air Bags
• Peanuts/Loose Fill
• Crumpled Kraft Paper
• Corrugated Liners and Inserts
• Foam
• Engineered Enclosures

Whichever means you choose, keep these important criteria in mind:

• Each item in the box should be surrounded by at least 2" of cushioning - separating them from the sides of the box as well as any other products enclosed in that same box
• Contents should not move at all when the box is shaken or jostled
• Consider that there may be settling, particularly with loose fill and kraft paper, during the course of shipment and plan accordingly
• Improper (unaccepted) cushioning would be items such as clothing, blankets, towels, newspaper/newsprint, and pillows.

Protect with Poly Bags
It is also advisable to wrap your product and/or line your box with a plastic poly bag.  This will bring additional protection, specifically from water damage and fall-out.  This is particularly important in colder climates where a package can be exposed to snow which then melts and can weaken the box and/or seep in to the box to potentially damage the product.   It's also important if you choose to use loose fill (packing peanuts) for your cushioning.  With no poly bag lining the box, your loose fill could fall out if the side walls of the box are punctured or torn, significantly reducing the protection available for the contents of your package.  For help in selecting the right poly bag, please look at this previous post regarding how to select poly bags.

Securely Seal the Box
A previous post addressed how to choose the right carton seal tape.  If all of the previous criteria are met but an inappropriate tape is used, your product can still be lost (through fall-out) or damaged and your claim can still be denied.

Do not use the following tapes - they will hinder your claim and can result in your product falling-out or otherwise being damaged:

• Masking tape
• Duct tape
• Cellophane tape
• String/Twine
• Paper over-wrap

Both the top and the bottom of the package need to be adequately sealed.  Pay particular attention to this if you are re-using boxes.

Protect the Label
Last, make sure the label you prepare for the package is securely affixed to the box.  Before you affix the label ensure that the surface is clean and dry.  To be safe, you can use a label protection tape, which is simply a carton sealing tape that is wide enough to more than cover a standard UPS or FedEx label.  Use of label protection tape will ensure that your label does not come off during transit, which can result in a box being lost or, at the very least, delivery delayed.  Label protection tape comes in 4 inch wide and a 5.65 inch wide options.  It is technically also a carton seal tape and can be used to secure the package as well as secure the label.

Fragile Doesn't Matter

Marking your package as fragile certainly won't hurt, but there's no guarantee it will help.  The typical line for any carrier is that they treat all packages with the same degree of care.  To label a package as Fragile implies that the carrier has two standards of how they handle packages, and that is not the case.  It may help when loaders are packing the truck or when the driver is handling the package, but, as mentioned at the outset, most damage occurs in the package centers when the packages are on automated belt/conveyor systems.  Marking your packages for "This Side Up" or other similar directions is helpful, but none of these things absolve the shipper of ultimate responsibility that the product is packaged correctly and securely.

The Shipper is Responsible
Ultimately, the shipper is responsible for damages, so if Vendor A ships to Distributor B who ships to Buyer C, and the damage occurs between B and C, Distributor B is responsible even if they did not at all alter the package they received from Vendor A.  Similarly, if Buyer C returns the package, and damage occurs on the return shipment, Buyer C is still responsible as the shipper of that package.

Therefore, when in doubt, re-do it, even if it means repackaging the product in its entirety.

Delivery companies are package carriers.  While they take precautions to protect the products in their care, packages are exposed to many hazards on their way from your location to your customer - some within the carrier's control and some not.  Since the product belongs to the shipper until it is signed for by the consignee or receiver, it is up to the shipper to make sure that the package is protected as much as and as securely as possible.  Damage is always possible, so make sure you follow the above guidelines to maximize your chance of a successful claim.

Remember, it's acceptable if the packaging is damaged, as long as the contents are not (from the carrier's perspective).  The carrier can only take care of the package.  It is the sole responsibility of the shipper to make sure the contents are protected as securely as possible.

If you have any questions on what material to use - particularly when it comes to tape and poly bags - please contact our inside sales group and we will be more than happy to help you with this.

How to Select Stretch Wrap - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between stretch wrap and shrink wrap? 

• Shrink wrap is a poly plastic product that is applied with the use of a heat gun that heat shrinks the film so that it conforms securely around the product to which it is applied.  It's most common application is for storage and protection from the elements.  In short, shrink wrap is used to cover and protect product.
• Stretch wrap is a poly plastic product that is used most commonly to wrap pallets of boxes or other product.  It is stretchy with a strong elastic property and usually has a two-sided cling to is sticks to itself.  It does not need a heat gun or any other special equipment to be successfully applied.  In short, stretch wrap is used to contain product and hold them together.

 What is “gauge” and how do I know what gauge I need?

• Gauge is the most common measure of the thickness of stretch film (sometimes also measured in microns)
  100 gauge = 25.4 microns = .0254mm = .001in
• The higher the number, the thicker the film (100ga > 80ga > 60ga, etc)
• 80 gauge is the most common film, the “average” or “standard”
• Heavier gauge films are typically required for:

• Heavy loads, such as fasteners, machine parts, bags of mortar or mulch, etc.
• Uneven loads with more corners and angles (also known as B- or C-loads)
• Greater puncture potential
• Lighter gauge films are typically required for:
• Lighter loads, such as foam products, or light food products (snack foods like chips, etc)
• Even, square loads (also known as A-loads)
• Little to no puncture potential
• Film is typically available in gauges ranging from 40ga - 150ga
• Ultimately, the thickness needed is subjective.  Samples film, when available, is ideal to determine what works best for your needs.

What is the difference between bundling film, hand wrap and machine film?

• Bundling film has a smaller width (2”, 3” or 5”) and is hand applied
  
  
• Applications
• Securing long lengths of product, such as extruded metal, wood molding, PVC lengths, pipe, rebar, etc
• Bundling together multiple small boxes so they ship as a single unit
• Advantages
• Small width
• Similar application as tape but with no sticky residue
• Easy to apply and clean to remove
• Means of Application
• Standard Bundler – the most common bundling film, it comes on a 3” core and often ships with one plastic plug-in handle per case
• Extended Core– Comes on a 1” core which extends almost 5” beyond the film, creating a built-in handle for each roll.  Some ship with a rubber grip to fit over the extended core.
• QuikWrap – The most efficient and most ergonomic option, ships on a 1¾” core and with one black plug-in handle per case.  The handle end features a black rubber grip that rotates freely around a core, allowing for easy application and a secure fit into the core of the stretch wrap.

• Hand Wrap comes in 12”, 15”, 18”, 20” and 30” widths and is hand applied
• Applications
• Wrapping small pallets of average weight and evenly stacked product
• Large pallet wrapping, but not in large quantities per day
• Advantages
• Can wrap a full pallet without the large capital investment required by a stretch wrap machine
• Portable and can be used anywhere
• Means of Application
• Standard Hand Wrap – ships on a 3” core and is applied by hand or with hand dispenser such as the Nelson Better Wrapper  (12”, 15” and 18” widths)
• Extended Core Hand Wrap – ships on a 1” extended core (looks like a rolling pin) and is applied by hand (20” and 30” widths)

• Machine Stretch Film or Pallet Wrap most frequently comes in 20” or 30” widths, but is also available in 40”, 50” and 60” widths
• Applications
• Standard size skids but of heavy-weight product which require a high degree of stretch
• Environments that require multiple skids to be wrapped per hour throughout the day
• Semi-automated environments
• Advantages

• Machine wrap can obtain a stretch of over 250%, depending upon the film and the machine
• Saves time
• Greater efficiency and safety
• Saves money on stretch wrap by getting more stretch out of each roll
• Means of Application
• Semi-AutomaticStretch Wrap Machines range in price from $3900 and upward and offer a variety of options to best fit your production and budget needs
• Stretch Wrap Machines are generally not mobile and are restricted to a specific location within your warehouse

What is the difference between cast and blown film?

• Cast Film
• By far, the most commonly used film, particularly with stretch wrap machines and bundling film
• Easy, quiet release
• High Clarity
• Tear resistant
• Limited puncture resistance
• Best for even loads of average, near-average, or below average weight
• Blown Film
• Most often used with hand wraps
• Noisy unwind
• Hazy, low clarity
• High puncture resistance and toughness
• Best used for heavy, uneven loads, or those with high puncture potential

What other options are available with stretch film?
The most common non-stock options are:

• UVI – for long term outdoor storage
• One-Side Cling – Good for loads that deliver on flatbed trucks (such as mulch) so that the skids of product do not stick together and risk being torn
• Color – Stretch film can be made in various primary colors, both in tint and opaque

What is “gauge equivalent” or “replacement gauge” film?

• Up until a decade or two ago, the only real measure for stretch film was its gauge, or thickness.  As a result, certain gauges became associated with certain strengths and performance characteristics
• More recently, with the advances in technology, we are able to make thinner films that have the equivalent strength of thicker (higher gauge) films.  This enables us to provide you with a high quality film at a lower price because less material is used in the production of the film.  Our Extreme films are an example of this type of film.
• Gauge equivalent or replacement gauge films are best suited for even loads of average or below average weight.
• Despite the advances in production technology, the most common way of referring to film strength and performance is still the gauge.  80ga, however, now, may not necessarily refer to the actual thickness of the film, but to the relative performance – it will perform comparably to an actual 80ga film.