Most transit damage is preventable. These common mistakes cause many of the complaints we hear about, and each has a simple fix.
Choosing packaging on price alone
The cheapest container is not always the cheapest option once damage, returns and lost customers are counted.
Ignoring moisture
Shipping sensitive products without liners or in humid conditions leads to caking and spoilage.
Overfilling or underfilling
Overfilled drums stress closures; underfilled drums allow product movement and can collapse when stacked.
Weak load securing
Loose pallets shift in transit. Wrapping, strapping and good pallet patterns prevent damage.
Turning complaints into improvements
Every damage complaint is information. Record the product, route, season, type of damage and photos, then look for patterns. Repeated crushing points to stacking or wall strength; caking points to moisture; broken closures point to overfilling or handling. Share findings with your packaging supplier and agree specific changes. Over time, this simple feedback loop steadily reduces damage and costs.
Practical checklist
- Record every damage complaint with photos
- Note product, route and season
- Look for repeating patterns
- Agree specific packaging changes
- Review results after each change
Key takeaways
- Judge packaging on total cost
- Protect sensitive products from moisture
- Fill correctly and secure loads
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common cause of drum damage?
Poor stacking and load securing, followed by moisture exposure.
How can I reduce damage claims?
Specify packaging for the route, use liners where needed and secure loads properly.
How quickly should packaging problems be reported?
As soon as possible. Prompt reports with photos make it easier to identify causes and agree changes before more shipments are affected.
Need help choosing?
OM Packaging has manufactured fibre drums and paper cores in Sonipat, Haryana since 1999. See request a quote, industrial packaging, or get a quote and our team will recommend the right specification.
