One of the most common concerns international buyers raise about factory-direct sandwich panel supply is transit damage. Panels shipped across oceans in 40HQ containers face moisture, vibration, and handling stress that can compromise surface finish, edge geometry, and joint integrity. This guide explains how professional sandwich panel factories prepare export orders for safe arrival at destination ports.
Why Export Packing Matters
A sandwich panel is not a bulk commodity. Each panel in a container arrives at the job site with a specific length, profile, and joint system. If even a few panels in a 40HQ container are damaged — dented faces, crushed edges, or warped joints — the contractor faces delays, reordering costs, and installation disruption.
For industrial projects where panels are delivered directly to the construction site, packing quality is part of the supply contract. LIAOHE’s packing protocol has been developed across thousands of container shipments to more than 30 countries.
Standard Export Packing Protocol
Step 1: Bundle Wrapping
Finished panels are stacked in bundles of consistent length and wrapped in protective polyethylene film. The film serves three purposes:
- Moisture barrier — prevents humidity absorption during the sea voyage
- Surface protection — prevents panel-to-panel scratching during transport
- Dust and dirt barrier — keeps panels clean for immediate installation at the site
Step 2: Wooden Pallet or Base Preparation
Each bundle rests on a wooden pallet or base frame. The base distributes the bundle weight for forklift handling and prevents direct contact between the bottom panel and the container floor. For long panels (10 m+), two or more base supports are used.
Step 3: Corner and Edge Protection
Every bundle receives edge protectors at all four corners and span intervals. These are typically:
- Plastic or metal angle protectors on bundle corners — the most vulnerable contact points during handling
- Inter-panel separators (thin foam or cardboard sheets) between individual panels to prevent face-to-face abrasion
- Steel strapping bands around the bundle with protective pads underneath to prevent strap marks on the panel surface
Step 4: Container Loading and Bracing
Loaded bundles are positioned inside 40HQ containers with careful load distribution. The loading process includes:
- Forklift placement: Bundles are placed to balance container weight distribution front-to-rear
- Wooden bracing frames: Custom-cut wooden frames lock bundles in position and prevent shifting during sea transport
- Tension straps: Heavy-duty ratchet straps anchor the load to container lashing points
- Void fillers: Any remaining space is filled to prevent bundle movement
Container Capacity Reference
| Panel Type | Thickness | Approx. Capacity per 40HQ |
|---|---|---|
| PU/PIR Wall Panel | 50 mm | 700 – 850 m² |
| PU/PIR Roof Panel | 50 mm | 650 – 800 m² |
| Rock Wool Wall Panel | 50 mm | 600 – 750 m² |
| Rock Wool Roof Panel | 50 mm | 550 – 700 m² |
| Cold Room Panel | 100 mm | 350 – 450 m² |
Actual capacity depends on panel length, bundle configuration, and container internal dimensions. These are reference figures for initial logistics planning.
Special Cases: Cold Room and Clean Room Panels
Cold room and clean room panels require additional packing precautions:
- Individual panel wrapping (not just bundle wrapping) to protect cam-lock mechanisms and edge seals
- Moisture-absorbing desiccant packets inside wrapped bundles for long sea voyages to humid destinations
- Reinforced corner protection because cam-lock edges are more geometrically complex than standard tongue-and-groove joints
What Buyers Should Ask About Packing
When evaluating a sandwich panel supplier’s export capability, ask for:
- Packing reference photos from recent shipments to your region
- Container loading plan showing how many bundles fit per container for your panel specification
- Packing material specification: film type, edge protector material, wooden base treatment (ISPM 15 for international shipping)
- Damage-rate history: What percentage of panels in recent shipments reached the destination without damage
LIAOHE Packing Support
LIAOHE provides packing reference photos, container loading plans, and ISPM 15-compliant wooden packaging for all export orders. Buyers can request packing photos and video of their specific order before container sealing.
Request export packing reference and quotation →
FAQ
How are sandwich panels protected during sea freight?
Panels are wrapped in protective film, stacked on wooden bases with corner protectors and inter-panel separators, then loaded into 40HQ containers with wooden bracing frames and tension straps to prevent movement during transit.
How many sandwich panels fit in a 40HQ container?
Depending on panel type and thickness, a 40HQ container can hold approximately 550–850 m² of sandwich panels. Rock wool panels are heavier and take up more volume; thinner PU panels allow higher area per container.
What is ISPM 15 and why does it matter for panel packing?
ISPM 15 is the international standard for wood packaging material used in international trade. It requires wooden pallets and bracing to be heat-treated or fumigated to prevent pest transfer. All LIAOHE wooden packing materials meet ISPM 15 requirements.
Can I see how my order is packed before shipping?
Yes. LIAOHE provides packing reference photos and can send container loading photos or video of your specific order before the container is sealed for departure.