International logistics isn’t just about speed and scalability, but also about certainty. How products are packaged plays a bigger role than often thought. Packaging not only determines how goods arrive but also how efficiently they can be transported, stored, and processed. In this article, we explain the role of packaging in international logistics and why it’s a crucial factor in a successful supply chain.

Why is Packaging Important in International Logistics?

In cross-border transport, goods are often in transit for longer periods, through multiple links and transport modes. Smart packaging not only protects the contents but also prevents unnecessary delays, damage claims, or dissatisfied customers.

Packaging plays a role in:

• Protection against damage and external influences
  From humidity to impacts during handling: international shipments endure quite a lot. Good packaging prevents damage and ensures reliable delivery.
  
• Efficient space utilization and stackability
  Packaging that’s aligned with pallet or container dimensions contributes to efficient loading. This reduces transport costs per unit and minimizes the ecological footprint.
  
• Time savings in storage and processing
  Smart labels, barcode positions, and uniform dimensions ensure faster warehouse processing. Especially in automated environments like Van der Helm’s, standardized packaging is highly valuable.
  
• Customs formalities and compliance
  Some products are subject to packaging regulations, for example regarding materials, marking, or safety. Incorrect or incomplete packaging can lead to customs delays or fines.
  

Packaging as Part of your Supply Chain Strategy

Packaging is therefore much more than just a box for your product. It’s an essential component of your supply chain strategy. By designing packaging intelligently and aligning it with your logistics process, you can reduce costs, minimize error margins, and increase customer satisfaction.

At Van der Helm, we actively contribute to this thinking. Together with our customers, we develop packaging solutions that suit the product, volume, and type of transport — whether it’s e-commerce orders within Europe or large-scale shipments outside the EU.

Van Der Helm as a Partner in Fulfillment and Packaging

Thanks to our integrated fulfillment approach, we can align the entire packaging process with your needs and those of your end customer. From selecting the right packaging materials to optimizing pick pack and returns processing: we ensure that packaging isn’t a bottleneck but an accelerator of your international growth.

Curious about how we combine packaging and fulfillment for a smooth international process?

Read more about our e-fulfillment solutions or get in touch with our team for a free consultation.