Packaging for sea and air freight follows two entirely different approaches. This is because a container crossing the ocean over twenty days and a cargo plane hold – during a flight lasting just a few hours – subject the goods to distinctly different stresses.
When preparing marble slabs, crates of porcelain stoneware, and premium ceramic slabs for export, particular attention must be paid to securing these fragile and often bulky materials. Such products require protection tailored to the specific type of journey; otherwise, the risk of breakages, condensation, or customs delays increases alongside the value of the consignment.
In this guide, the team at Logistock Italia explains the regulatory requirements for wooden export packaging, the differences between sea and air freight, and the solutions we use to prepare marble and ceramics for any destination. We also handle documentation and communications with foreign counterparts in English and German.
Export regulations: packaging for air and sea freight
Before choosing a commercial transport method, exporters must comply with the international phytosanitary standard ISPM 15. This regulation governs all raw wood packaging materials intended to cross borders, including pallets, crates, cages, and dunnage.
Timber must undergo heat treatment, bringing its core to at least 56 °C for 30 minutes, or fumigation, in order to eradicate insects and pests. Plywood and processed wood panels, manufactured using processes that inherently neutralise pests, are exempt from this requirement.
What do customs check regarding the ISPM 15 mark?
Compliance is identified by a stamp applied to the wood, displaying the IPPC wheat symbol, the country code, the identifier of the company that performed the treatment, and the code for the method used. Customs inspections are rigorous, as the absence of this mark is the most frequent cause of packaging-related issues and can lead to goods being detained, returned to the sender, or even destroyed. This rule applies equally to both sea and air freight; therefore, the transport mode does not make the difference, but rather the correct preparation of the material.
Sea freight packaging: humidity, long transit times, and stowage
Sea freight packaging must withstand a slow journey and a harsh environment. During an ocean crossing, goods remain sealed for weeks, exposed to temperature fluctuations that cause condensation on the walls—known as “container rain”—as well as salt air and continuous vibrations. On a stone slab or block, moisture can leave watermarks and stains, while breakages are frequently caused by the crushing weight of stacked loads.
The solution is robust packaging designed specifically for stowage: wooden crates and cages built to withstand stacking, fragile materials secured vertically on A-frames or cradles, barrier foils, and desiccant bags to control internal humidity. Furthermore, the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of the container must be considered, as its declaration prior to loading is a legal requirement under the SOLAS convention. Certified weighing prevents disputes at the terminal and departure delays. For heavy and bulky goods like stone, the structural integrity of the packaging and correct load distribution are just as important as water protection.
Air freight packaging: weight, dimensions, and speed
Air freight applies a diametrically opposite logic: the journey lasts only a few hours and exposure to humidity is minimal, but the weight of the load is a critical factor not only for cost but also for the volume of material that can be transported. Indeed, every kilogram impacts export costs, and hold space is strictly limited. Consequently, the outer packaging must protect against handling impacts and fluctuations in altitude pressure and temperature, while remaining as lightweight as possible and complying with the dimensions permitted by cargo holds and Unit Load Devices (ULDs).
How is volumetric weight calculated for an air shipment?
In air transport, the freight rate factors in both the actual kilograms of the product in the hold and the volumetric weight, which translates the physical size into a billable value. The standard calculation multiplies the crate’s dimensions in centimetres and divides the result by 6000: a parcel measuring 100 x 80 x 60 cm equals 480,000 cm³, which, through this calculation, results in a volumetric weight of 80 kg. When this figure exceeds the actual mass, it dictates the price. In the stone and ceramic industry, where goods are inherently very dense, the objective is to design protective packaging without adding unnecessary bulk that would drive up costs.
How we package marble and ceramics for export at Logistock Italia
In our warehouses, we provide bespoke packaging for every shipment, carefully assessing the material’s characteristics, dimensions, weight, and fragility. We then construct bundles using fumigated wood compliant with ISPM 15, opting for standard configurations or adding dedicated protections such as long planks, double crossbars, and end caps, as well as side panels for the most delicate pieces. We handle ground logistics, securing the goods, and storing and moving blocks and slabs using purpose-built vehicles and calibrated equipment.
Our job is to prepare loads to withstand the journey to any destination, accommodating shipments in fully equipped warehouses. For exports, we utilise our Type C customs warehouse, which allows for the suspension of duties and VAT until the cargo leaves the territory. Upon request, we fit departing containers with impact and tilt indicators that record excessive inclination—acting as a deterrent against transit damage and providing useful evidence for determining liability in the event of a dispute. A distinct advantage that often sets us apart is our direct international operations: we liaise with clients and correspondents in English and German, ensuring that packing instructions, documentation, and communications with foreign operators proceed smoothly and without misunderstanding.
To find out how we can package and ship your consignments of marble and ceramics, please fill in the contact form.
Frequently asked questions
What packaging is needed to export marble and ceramics by sea?
Robust wooden crates and cages are required, specifically dimensioned for stacking, with the material secured vertically on A-frames or cradles. Barrier foils and desiccants must be added to combat container condensation, and the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) must be declared prior to loading.
Is it better to ship heavy goods by sea or by air?
For marble and ceramics—dense and bulky products—sea freight is almost always more cost-effective as the rates are better suited to heavy weights. Air freight is justified when transit times are critical or for exceptionally high-value consignments with a small footprint, keeping volumetric weight in mind.
How do goods travel in an export container shipment?
Goods can occupy a Full Container Load (FCL) or share space with other consignments in a Less than Container Load (LCL) or groupage. In either scenario, the outcome depends on how the cargo is packaged and secured: solid crates, well-distributed weight, and proper lashing prevent shifting during the journey. Ground preparation is the vital phase we manage before the carrier takes charge of the shipment.
Who handles documentation and communications with foreign operators?
At Logistock Italia, we manage the documentation for the logistics processes under our remit and communicate with foreign correspondents in English and German. This ensures that packing instructions, cargo tracking, and coordination with overseas operators remain perfectly aligned.