Bundling

Bundling is a common term in foreign trade packaging and transportation. It refers to the practice of securing multiple individual packages or bulk cargo into a single large unit using materials such as metal straps, plastic straps, or ropes, to facilitate loading, unloading, handling, and transportation. Use cases include: long-shaped goods such as steel, timber, and pipes; cartons and bagged goods that need to be unitized; and LCL cargo that needs to be secured to prevent loss. Precautions: Bundling must be secure to prevent loosening during transport, which could cause cargo damage or safety accidents; different modes of transport (e.g., sea freight, air freight) have different requirements for bundling materials—for example, air freight should avoid using rust-prone metal straps; the weight and dimensions after bundling may affect freight calculation, so this should be confirmed in advance. Difference from palletizing: Palletizing involves placing goods on a pallet and securing them, making it easier for forklift operations; bundling emphasizes directly binding goods with straps and does not necessarily use a pallet. Difference from containerization: A container is a large standardized carrier, whereas bundling is a cargo-level securing method.