Anodised and powder-coated aluminium profiles are valued for their finish — and a single scratch can make them unusable for architectural projects. Packing for a long ocean voyage needs as much care as production.
Choosing the right equipment by length
| Profile length | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Up to ~5.9 m | 20' standard container |
| Up to ~12 m | 40' or 40' HC container |
| Over ~12 m or oversized crates | Open-top or flat-rack (out-of-gauge) — see OOG services |
Surface protection
- Protective film or interleaving paper on visible surfaces.
- Bundles wrapped in stretch film or kraft paper, with spacers so profiles do not rub.
- Corner and end protectors on bundles.
Bundling and crating
Bundle by length and profile type; use timber crates or skids (ISPM 15 treated) for fork-lift handling. Mark lifting points and do-not-stack instructions clearly.
Moisture and corrosion
Aluminium does not rust, but trapped moisture can cause white corrosion and staining, especially on mill-finish surfaces. Keep bundles dry before loading, use desiccants and avoid wet timber packaging.
Loading the container
- Load long bundles first, flat on timber bearers.
- Secure with lashing to prevent sliding during sailing.
- Photograph the load before sealing.
Related: shipping aluminium to the USA · export packing rules.