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Using Fibreboard Packing Cases in Export Shipments By Capt. Kristen Tvede ACKING of shipments for trans- portation has always been a problem and always will be, but it has never been more pressing than it is today when every economy counts. Ten years ago 20 per cent of the domestic shipments were packed in fibre containers, while today it is claimed that 80 per cent of domestic shipments are packed in fibre cases. Export shipments are packed al- most entirely in wooden crates or cases. A commodity for export is sel- dom packed in a fibreboard case, al- though the same commodity packed for a 2500-mile railroad haul, or a 2000-mile coastwise journey, or a 6000- mile intercoastal voyage, is almost certain to be in a fibreboard case. No doubt lack of suitable regula- tions covering the manufacture of fibreboard cases has retarded the de- velopment of their use, but with the recent organization of an association to standardize design and quality a steady widening of application is looked for. Its use offers new econ- omies necessary to the greater devel- opment of export markets, with con- sequent advantage to shipping lines. One of the largest steamship com- panies in the intercoastal trade, has reduced its freight claims to 89/100 of one per cent of the gross freight revenue. It is significant that at least 50 per cent of the general cargo carried by his company is packed in fibreboard cases. A properly made fibreboard case is not a frail container. Much scientific research is carried out before a first class fibreboard case is put on the market. The material used in mak- ing the fibreboard case is given a se- vere laboratory test and the finished case is put through a rigid trial be- fore a responsible manufacturer will recommend the case to the shipper. The handling and stowing of com- modities packed in fibreboard cases is not difficult and requires little ex- tra precaution. There are a few things to be considered when stowing cases, whether the cases are of fibre- board or of wood. A solid and even floor should bbe provided. Where dunnage is used it should be laid even and as close as practical. It is im- perative that the dunnage used be of even thickness and that the boards do not overlap. Cases should not touch stanchions, ventilators, nor the clips holding the cargo battens in place. The writer has seen canned goods from the Far Hast, packed in fibre- board cases, discharged in New York in perfect condition, although the shipment was stowed twelve feet high. The floor on which this shipment was stowed was an even solid floor. Without exception platform slings should be used in handling fibreboard cases. There are several types of plat- form sling, the chief difference from the standpoint of handling cases be- ing in the type of spreader used. The (Continued on Page 52) Model of slingload for studying the effect with spreaders of different type on side, ropes passing through side of platform. 2. 3 of le l End spreader of better design than the single piece type. A. Simple type of spreader on top of load. 6. form. 3. load. 5. MARINE REview-——June, 1931 s and location in reference to the load. 1. Spreaders : ide 7 +7) igh ends of plat- Ypreaders on side but with ropes passing through en a Simple type of spreader at ends of Simple type of spreader on side of load 49