Domestic maritime containerized cargo outer packaging: bundle packaging, bag packaging, and drum/can packaging

Bale packaging, bag packaging, and drum/can packaging

Among the outer packaging of containerized cargo, besides box packaging (corrugated cardboard boxes, wooden boxes), common forms also include bale packaging, bag packaging, and drum/can packaging. This article introduces the applicable cargo and characteristics of these packaging forms for shippers' reference.

1. Baled Packaging

Baled packaging is suitable for goods that will not be damaged even under a certain amount of compression. It is characterized by low packaging costs and convenient loading and handling. Common applicable goods include fiber products, wool, cotton, paper, etc. Fiber products are generally packed in hemp or cotton cloth; wool and cotton are packed in burlap; paper is clamped between wooden boards and then bound tightly with steel straps on the top and bottom.

2. Bag Packaging

Bag packaging is mainly used for powdery and granular dry goods, and some special paper bags can also be used for liquid cargo. Common bag types include:

• Paper bags: suitable for cement, rice and wheat, coarse grains, milk powder, fertilizer, chemicals, etc.
• Cotton bags: suitable for flour, sugar, fertilizer, etc.
• Jute bags: suitable for rice and wheat, coarse grains, etc.

Bag packaging has the disadvantage of thread unraveling at the sewing seams causing leakage, but packaging and loading/unloading are convenient, and loading efficiency is relatively high. Paper bag packaging is the most widely used among containerized cargo. Paper bags are divided by form into double-side sewn, single-side sewn, open-mouth, with flap, etc., and by bottom shape into flat-bottom bags, square-bottom bags, etc. Kraft paper bags have high strength and can be used as heavy-duty packaging for ceramics, building materials, agricultural and forestry products, chemical products, pharmaceutical supplies, etc.

III. Barrel and Can Packaging

Barrel packaging mainly refers to wooden barrel packaging, which can hold liquid, semi-liquid, and granular or powdered goods, and can also be used for heavy goods such as iron nails and bolts. Since wooden barrels containing liquid goods may leak due to breakage, except for liquid goods with special requirements, can packaging is now mostly used as a substitute.

Can packaging mainly refers to metal cans and drum-shaped cans. In addition to liquid, semi-liquid, and powdered goods, it can also be used for the airtight transport of volatile, dangerous, and corrosive items. Small and medium-sized steel cylindrical cans and tinplate cans can be used for goods such as paint, grease, and pharmaceuticals; drum-shaped cans are suitable for petroleum, grease, chemicals, and dangerous goods. In addition, there are cardboard drums made of hard paperboard, cylindrical in shape, used for goods such as pharmaceuticals, food, and electronic parts. During loading and unloading, care should be taken as the drum lids may easily come off.

4. Packaging Selection Recommendations

• For powdery or granular dry goods (cement, grain, feed, etc.), bag packaging is preferred for high loading efficiency.
• For liquids, chemicals, and dangerous goods, use tank packaging to ensure airtightness.
• For compressible fiber and paper goods, use bundle packaging for lower costs.
• For heavier goods or those requiring high-strength protection, refer to wooden crate or reinforced carton solutions.

Further reading: Selection and Standards for Sea Freight Packaging compares five packaging methods; Corrugated Cardboard Boxes and Wooden Crates cover box packaging; Packaging and Insurance Guide provides full requirements and insurance recommendations.

FAQs on Bundled, Bagged, and Drum/Can Packaging

Q: What goods are suitable for bag packaging?

A: Bag packaging is suitable for powdery or granular dry goods, such as cement, grain, fertilizer, milk powder, and chemicals. Kraft paper bags have high strength and can be used as heavy-duty packaging for ceramics, building materials, chemical products, etc.

Q: What packaging is used for liquid goods?

A: Liquids and chemicals are mostly packed in cans (metal cans, drum-shaped cans) to ensure airtightness. A few liquid goods with special requirements may use wooden barrels, but the risk of damage and leakage must be prevented.

Bofeng Logistics provides professional one-stop logistics services including domestic container shipping, international shipping (FCL/LCL), Hong Kong and Macau logistics dedicated lines, as well as trailer transport, customs declaration, and warehousing. Contact: 130-7567-8958 (Manager Huang). Call now for a personalized quote!

Disclaimer: This article was compiled by the Bofeng Logistics team and verified as of August 2026. Packaging requirements may change with destination country quarantine regulations, carrier policies and industry standards; always refer to the carrier's current requirements for your shipment.