Logistics Fact of the Week: Poor Packaging Causes More Cargo Damage Than Accidents

The most common cause of cargo damage is improper packaging - not traffic accidents.

Many companies assume that road incidents are the biggest risk in logistics. In reality, damage often occurs much earlier - during the preparation and packaging stage.

Improper packaging can lead to cargo shifting, crushed boxes, damaged fragile items, or even total loss during transit. This is particularly common with mixed shipments, palletized cargo, electronics, and fragile goods.

Typical causes include:

- insufficient pallet stabilization
- incorrect weight distribution
- weak or unsuitable packaging materials
- lack of cushioning protection
- poor stretch wrapping or securing

According to International Transport Forum (OECD) studies, a significant share of cargo damage in freight transport is linked to packaging and cargo preparation issues rather than transport accidents.
Research by TT Club, a leading transport and logistics insurer, identifies poor packing and cargo securing as one of the most frequent causes of insurance claims in global logistics.
Analysis by the International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA) also confirms that improper cargo preparation is a major contributor to freight damage.

For businesses, this highlights a key reality: cargo safety often depends more on packaging quality than on the transport itself.

At LOADSTAR, we help clients ensure cargo is properly prepared and secured before transport begins - reducing risk and protecting shipment value.

Sources:

- TT Club - -Cargo Integrity & Loss Prevention Reports-
- International Transport Forum (OECD) - -Freight Transport Risk Studies-
- International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA) - -Cargo Handling & Packaging Safety Guidelines-