Lately Pack Protocols has been frequently purchasing auto parts for their work vehicle. The late model truck has come in handy for packaging projects in the past. The truck has been paid off and is a vital part of Pack Protocols transportation until a new vehicle can be afforded (crossing fingers to be able to purchase an electric truck). That being said, Pack Protocols has been receiving additional auto parts via e-commerce. By doing so, it found the latest Packaging Busts culprit: Over-Packaging!
The most recent auto part purchased was for a hood latch release cable. The original release cable finally gave out! To save a few dollars from buying and avoiding the dealer, it was ordered through an e-commerce auto parts distributor.
When receiving the package for the hood latch release cable, we were perplexed because it showed up in a corrugated container. Most cables are relatively light and do not have extremely sharp features that would present a shipping dilemma. It was thought the cable would arrive in a padded mailing envelope. It did not!
Corrugated Shipping Container. Photo edited to remove company indicators
Instead what we encountered was the cable being placed in a thick poly-bag that was encapsulated by air bag dunnage/void fill, placed in a Kraft, SW C-Flute 32ECT Corrugated Container. This amount of packaging for a cable appeared to be extreme.
It is understood the company wanted to protect the part from distribution hazards, but for a cable it did not make sense. Furthermore; when the customer pays $10 to $20 in shipping for a part shipped via ground, the company has a little more leeway on what type of packaging to use as it may be making additional revenue from the logistics aspect.
Automotive Part – Unpacking, Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Packaging
Automotive Part – Primary Packaging
Maybe the company has a set standard of how to package certain items or certain packaging processes? In this instance; it is believed these should have been an exception to the rule. The use of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging for this cable is excessive and unwarranted. At most the item should have two levels (primary and secondary) when being shipped.
The amount of packaging material used for the product is not justified at all. There were at least two materials utilized (corrugated fiberboard, polyethylene plastic). One single material could have been used in this instance, making it much easier for recycling.
If a mailing envelope was used as either primary or secondary packaging, the overall amount of packaging material would have been reduced significantly, Furthermore; the overall shipping cost to ship the cable may have been reduced.
Imagine the potential cost savings for both the company and clients if all shipments of cables were shipped in the proposed manner. In addition, the new proposed packaging may even have increased environmental benefits. It is thought most people would be happy with the outcome.
If your company needs advice on how to properly package items for distribution and e-commerce, feel free to reach out to Pack Protocols LLC at [email protected] or 657-204-6093. We would love to make your packaging have a positive outcome.