Scratches, broken legs, crushed cartons and mould are the most common reasons for furniture claims and returns from US customers. Most of them start in the packing room, not on the ship.
The three enemies of furniture in transit
| Risk | Cause | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Impact damage | Drops, forklifts, parcel sorting | Corner blocks, foam, double-wall cartons |
| Compression | Stacking in containers and warehouses | Stronger cartons, internal supports, stacking limits printed on boxes |
| Moisture & mould | Temperature swings at sea ("container rain") | Kiln-dried wood (MC around 8–12%), desiccants, breathable wrapping |
Packing by delivery channel
- Retail / warehouse delivery: palletised, strapped and wrapped; label every pallet.
- Parcel networks and e-commerce: each carton must survive drop tests — many retailers require ISTA-type testing.
- White-glove home delivery: easy-open packaging; include assembly hardware and instructions in a fixed position.
Moisture: the hidden risk
Wood that is not properly dried before packing will release moisture inside the sealed container, causing mould and warping. Measure moisture content before packing and avoid loading on rainy days without cover.
Document the condition
Photograph cartons and loading. If a claim happens, photos of packed goods and the container before sealing are the strongest evidence for insurers.
Planning a new furniture line for the US? Check our container loading guide and general export packing rules, or ask us about cargo insurance.