Sourcing and Procurement · packing, containers, ISPM 15

Aluminium Profile Shipping: Packing, Container Loading and ISPM 15

Q: Who pays if the container is damaged at sea

Marine risk follows the Incoterm and insurance. Under FOB the buyer's insurance typically responds after the rail of the ship; under CIF the seller provides minimum cover and the buyer may top up. File against the carrier and insurer with photos, B/L and packing list. Factory packing defects found at unstuffing are a separate claim path from ocean perils.

Q: Can you private label the packaging

Yes. Agreed artwork can go on plywood cases, carton sleeves and bundle labels for dealer or OEM programmes. ISPM 15 timber still carries the mandatory IPPC treatment mark; private brands sit beside it, not instead of it. Lead time includes print proof approval before mass packing.

Q: Can i mix different profiles in one container

Yes. Mixed sections and finishes can share a 40HQ when each SKU is bundled and labelled separately and the packing list lines match. Put heavy cradles low and protect soft finishes from rubbing hardware cartons. Mixed loads slightly reduce theoretical metres versus a single-section fill.

Q: What quality documents come with each shipment

Standard set: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin and mill test certificate. Dimensional or anodising check sheets follow when the PO requires them. A formal PSI report is added only when inspection is booked.

Q: Do you supply ispm 15 timber for packing

Yes. Long-bar export cradles and solid-wood dunnage are ISPM 15 treated timber with a visible IPPC mark. Plywood cases for cuts under 3 m use engineered wood that is outside the solid-wood marking obligation.

Q: What does ispm 15 mean for my packing

ISPM 15 means any solid wood packaging (cradles, pallets, blocking over 6 mm) must be treated — commonly heat treatment to 56°C core for 30 minutes — and stamped with the IPPC mark. Without it, destination agriculture inspectors can order re-export, treatment or destruction. Specify ISPM 15 on the PO so untreated wood never enters the pack.

Door-to-door time is production weeks plus about 18 days sea freight from Shanghai or Ningbo, then inland. Packing is an ISPM 15 timber cradle with IPPC mark, or a plywood case for cut lengths under 3 m — that choice drives both damage risk and how many metres fit a 40HQ.

Sea adder: +18 days typical
Ports: Shanghai / Ningbo
Packing: ISPM 15 cradle; plywood <3 m
Read: 12 minutes

Short answer

Plan the calendar as factory time first, ocean second: existing-die mill finish often 12–20 days, anodised existing-die about 18–28 days, new-die anodised work 30–40 days, then add ~18 days sea on common lanes from Shanghai or Ningbo. Capacity context is about 600 t per month extrusion with in-house anodising. Export packing for long bars is an ISPM 15 heat-treated timber cradle stamped with the IPPC mark; cut lengths under 3 m usually ship in plywood cases (engineered wood, outside solid-wood ISPM 15 marking rules). Six-metre stock needs a 40 ft / 40HQ class box — a 20 ft box tops out near 5.8 m internal. Protect anodised and powder-coated faces with PE film and interleaving before strapping; request loading photos before seal. Documents travel with the cargo: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin and mill test certificate, plus any pre-shipment inspection report you ordered.

Film wrap, foam separators and ISPM 15 timber keep long profiles safe through container moves.

What documents come with a shipment of 2020

A 2020 (or any catalogue T-slot) sea shipment ships with a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin and mill test certificate — plus ISPM 15 / IPPC evidence on the timber pack itself.

The packing list must match bundle count, section, length, finish and gross/net weight exactly; mismatches are a common hold trigger on aluminium entries. If you buy under CIF, marine insurance documents join the set; under FOB you arrange insurance yourself. A pre-shipment inspection report is included only when you book PSI — it is not automatic on every lot. Quality attachments (dimensional check sheet, anodising thickness if specified) ride with the MTC when the PO calls for them.

Document	What it proves	Who needs it	2020 note
Commercial invoice	Value, Incoterm, parties	Customs / bank	Line by section and finish
Packing list	Bundles, lengths, weights	Customs / warehouse	Must match physical count
Bill of lading	Title / carriage	Consignee / bank	FCL or LCL as booked
Certificate of origin	Manufacture country	Customs / preference	China origin typical
Mill test certificate	Alloy / temper / chemistry	QA / receiving	Usually 6063-T5 catalogue
ISPM 15 mark	Treated solid wood	Plant quarantine	On cradle / dunnage
PSI report (if booked)	Pre-ship findings	Buyer QA	Optional paid service

What is the packing method for 2020 profile export

Export 2020 stock bars pack in ISPM 15 timber cradles with IPPC mark; cut pieces under 3 m pack in plywood cases with PE film and foam interleaving on finished surfaces.

Mill-finish industrial bars can ride in strapped bundles inside the cradle; silver or colour anodised bars need low-tack PE film and separators so metal never rubs metal. Corner protectors sit under every strap. Label each bundle with section, length, finish, bundle ID and gross weight so the packing list can be audited at the door. Private-label cartons or branded sleeve wraps are available on agreed artwork for dealer programmes.

Length / finish	Outer pack	Inner protection	Marking
6 m mill 2020	ISPM 15 cradle	Strap + end caps	IPPC + bundle ID
6 m anodised 2020	ISPM 15 cradle	PE film + foam + corners	IPPC + finish code
Cut <3 m	Plywood case	Film + foam	Case ID (plywood exempt from ISPM mark)
Mixed hardware kit	Carton in case/cradle	Bagged fasteners	Kit BOM label
LCL long bars	Cradle or full crate	Extra bracing	Fragile / long cargo
Air sample <3 m	Plywood / carton	Film	Air waybill refs

Which port do you ship 2020 from

Standard FOB ports for T-slot and industrial profiles are Shanghai and Ningbo; both handle 40HQ loadings of 6 m bars.

Choose the port on the PO so freight quotes and document shipper details match. Inland haul from the Dalian production area to either port is part of the export plan on FOB. CIF, DAP and DDP can be priced to a named destination port or place once the FOB basis is clear. Do not assume Qingdao or Shenzhen as the default for this product line unless a specific lot is produced or consolidated there.

Port	Role	Typical cargo	Incoterm note
Shanghai	Primary FOB	40HQ 6 m profiles	FOB Shanghai common
Ningbo	Primary FOB alternate	Same	FOB Ningbo common
Named EU / US port	CIF / DAP place	After ocean	Buyer or seller clearance per term
Airport (PVG/NGB area)	Samples <3 m	Short bars only	Air, not 6 m stock
Buyer door	DAP / DDP	Full lot	State place on PO
Other China ports	By exception	Project lots	Confirm before booking

How do you pack 2020 for sea freight

For sea freight, film and separate finished faces, brace long bundles so they do not sag, then load into an ISPM 15 cradle (or plywood case if under 3 m) and block the 40HQ so crates cannot shift.

Cool and dry bars before sealing plastic — trapping warm moisture is a common white-rust path on long ocean legs. Support thin sections at regular intervals along the 6 m length; put edge protectors under straps. In the container, heavy cradles go low, lighter cases above, with dunnage or airbags in gaps and rear blocking so the load cannot slam the doors. Ask for loading photos before the seal number is applied. FCL reduces handling versus LCL for anodised lots.

Step	Action	Why
1. Dry & cool	No warm/damp seal	Avoid white rust
2. Film / foam	PE + interleaving on finishes	No metal rub
3. Brace & strap	Supports + corner protectors	No sag / strap bite
4. Outer pack	ISPM 15 cradle or plywood <3 m	Export compliance
5. Container	40HQ for 6 m; block & photo	Shift / claim control
6. Documents	List matches bundles	Clearance speed

What is the inspection process before shipment

Pre-shipment inspection follows a fixed gate: dimensional and visual check on the packed lot, document match to the PO, packing and mark verification, then release to load — with photos retained.

Typical checks cover section identity, cut length against tolerance, surface finish grade, bundle count, ISPM 15 / case integrity, and label accuracy. When anodising is specified, thickness or colour references are sampled to the PO. The gate is run by factory QA; a third-party inspector can attend when the buyer books SGS, BV or equivalent. Failed items are segregated and reworked or replaced before the container is booked. Capacity of about 600 t per month with in-house anodising means colour batches are planned into the same calendar as the press.

Gate	Check	Fail action
Identity	Section / alloy / finish vs PO	Hold lot
Dimensions	Length / critical slot sample	Rework or replace
Surface	Scratches, film, colour	Repack / remake
Packing	Cradle, IPPC, case integrity	Repack
Count / weight	Vs packing list	Correct list or cargo
Photos	Bundle + loading	Required before seal

Do you provide a pre shipment inspection report

Yes — a pre-shipment inspection report is issued when PSI is booked on the order; it is a paid, scheduled activity, not an automatic one-page afterthought.

The report typically lists inspector, date, PO reference, sampling plan, measured results, packing and mark findings, photo log and a pass/fail conclusion. Buyer-appointed third parties can write their own report in parallel. If you need the report before the B/L is released, say so on the PO so the shipping week includes the inspection slot. For repeat catalogue 2020 lots, many importers skip third-party PSI and rely on factory QA plus loading photos; for first articles and high cosmetic anodising, book PSI.

Report type	When	Contents	Lead impact
Factory QA sheet	Every lot	Dims / finish / count	In production calendar
Booked PSI report	On PO request	Full findings + photos	Add inspector slot
Third-party PSI	Buyer books SGS/BV/etc.	Independent report	Align visit week
Loading photo set	Every FCL	Container stuffing	Same day as load
MTC only	Standard	Chemistry / temper	No extra week
First-article pack	New die / new finish	Sample + PSI recommended	Before mass ship

How many metres of fit in a 40ft container (by size)

Metres per 40HQ are set by section bulk and packing — roughly 14,000 m for light 20×20 / 30×30 stock bars down to about 1,200 m for 100×100 class — always on 6.02 m stock in ISPM 15 cradles, plus the ~18-day sea adder after sail.

Figures are planning estimates for efficient FCL loading of 6 m bars; mixed lengths, heavy dunnage or over-crating reduce fill. Weight limits can cap heavy sections before volume is full. Use the table to size PO quantities against one container rather than guessing CBM from scrap paper.

Section	Stock lengths	Packing	Qty per 40HQ	Lead time
100×100	6.02 m stock (5.8 / 6.0 m on request)	ISPM 15 timber cradle, IPPC mark	~1,200 m	12–20 d mill / 18–28 d anodised existing die; +18 d sea
160×80	6.02 m stock (5.8 / 6.0 m on request)	ISPM 15 timber cradle, IPPC mark	~1,200 m	12–20 d mill / 18–28 d anodised existing die; +18 d sea
20×20	6.02 m stock (5.8 / 6.0 m on request)	ISPM 15 timber cradle, IPPC mark	~14,000 m	12–20 d mill / 18–28 d anodised existing die; +18 d sea
30×30	6.02 m stock (5.8 / 6.0 m on request)	ISPM 15 timber cradle, IPPC mark	~14,000 m	12–20 d mill / 18–28 d anodised existing die; +18 d sea
40×40	6.02 m stock (5.8 / 6.0 m on request)	ISPM 15 timber cradle, IPPC mark	~7,000 m	12–20 d mill / 18–28 d anodised existing die; +18 d sea
40×80	6.02 m stock (5.8 / 6.0 m on request)	ISPM 15 timber cradle, IPPC mark	~4,500 m	12–20 d mill / 18–28 d anodised existing die; +18 d sea
45×45	6.02 m stock (5.8 / 6.0 m on request)	ISPM 15 timber cradle, IPPC mark	~7,000 m	12–20 d mill / 18–28 d anodised existing die; +18 d sea
45×90	6.02 m stock (5.8 / 6.0 m on request)	ISPM 15 timber cradle, IPPC mark	~2,800 m	12–20 d mill / 18–28 d anodised existing die; +18 d sea
50×50	6.02 m stock (5.8 / 6.0 m on request)	ISPM 15 timber cradle, IPPC mark	~4,500 m	12–20 d mill / 18–28 d anodised existing die; +18 d sea
80×80	6.02 m stock (5.8 / 6.0 m on request)	ISPM 15 timber cradle, IPPC mark	~1,800 m	12–20 d mill / 18–28 d anodised existing die; +18 d sea
90×90	6.02 m stock (5.8 / 6.0 m on request)	ISPM 15 timber cradle, IPPC mark	~1,800 m	12–20 d mill / 18–28 d anodised existing die; +18 d sea

Can you cut to my length and ship it (by size)

Yes — every listed section can be cut to your length list and shipped; pieces under 3 m normally go in plywood cases, while long cut bars still use ISPM 15 cradle logic, on the same die calendars plus ~18 days sea.

Send a cut list with quantities per length. Cutting adds fabrication time inside the production window but removes site saw work and can improve container cube when short pieces nest in cases. Air freight remains realistic only for short samples, not for full 6 m substitutes. New-die sections still wait on the 7–12 day tooling gate before any cut bar exists.

Section	Stock lengths	Packing	Qty per 40HQ	Lead time
100×100	6.02 m stock (5.8 / 6.0 m on request)	ISPM 15 timber cradle, IPPC mark	~1,200 m	Cut-to-length OK; plywood case if <3 m; production as existing/new die; +18 d sea
160×80	6.02 m stock (5.8 / 6.0 m on request)	ISPM 15 timber cradle, IPPC mark	~1,200 m	Cut-to-length OK; plywood case if <3 m; production as existing/new die; +18 d sea
20×20	6.02 m stock (5.8 / 6.0 m on request)	ISPM 15 timber cradle, IPPC mark	~14,000 m	Cut-to-length OK; plywood case if <3 m; production as existing/new die; +18 d sea
30×30	6.02 m stock (5.8 / 6.0 m on request)	ISPM 15 timber cradle, IPPC mark	~14,000 m	Cut-to-length OK; plywood case if <3 m; production as existing/new die; +18 d sea
40×40	6.02 m stock (5.8 / 6.0 m on request)	ISPM 15 timber cradle, IPPC mark	~7,000 m	Cut-to-length OK; plywood case if <3 m; production as existing/new die; +18 d sea
40×80	6.02 m stock (5.8 / 6.0 m on request)	ISPM 15 timber cradle, IPPC mark	~4,500 m	Cut-to-length OK; plywood case if <3 m; production as existing/new die; +18 d sea
45×45	6.02 m stock (5.8 / 6.0 m on request)	ISPM 15 timber cradle, IPPC mark	~7,000 m	Cut-to-length OK; plywood case if <3 m; production as existing/new die; +18 d sea
45×90	6.02 m stock (5.8 / 6.0 m on request)	ISPM 15 timber cradle, IPPC mark	~2,800 m	Cut-to-length OK; plywood case if <3 m; production as existing/new die; +18 d sea
50×50	6.02 m stock (5.8 / 6.0 m on request)	ISPM 15 timber cradle, IPPC mark	~4,500 m	Cut-to-length OK; plywood case if <3 m; production as existing/new die; +18 d sea
80×80	6.02 m stock (5.8 / 6.0 m on request)	ISPM 15 timber cradle, IPPC mark	~1,800 m	Cut-to-length OK; plywood case if <3 m; production as existing/new die; +18 d sea
90×90	6.02 m stock (5.8 / 6.0 m on request)	ISPM 15 timber cradle, IPPC mark	~1,800 m	Cut-to-length OK; plywood case if <3 m; production as existing/new die; +18 d sea

RFQ checklist — shipping and packing

Lengths — 6.02 m stock or cut list (flag pieces <3 m).
Finish — mill vs anodised (drives film and claim risk).
Port / Incoterm — FOB Shanghai or Ningbo, or CIF/DAP/DDP place.
Packing — ISPM 15 cradle default; plywood for short cuts.
PSI — factory only, booked PSI, or third-party.
Container plan — target metres vs 40HQ fill in the tables above.

Ask whether the quoted week already includes the ~18-day sea adder. Factory ready-to-load and door-to-door are different clocks.

Four ways a profile shipment goes wrong

6 m forced into 20 ftInternal length near 5.8 m will not take 6.02 m stock. Book 40 ft / 40HQ or cut shorter.

Anodised bare-strappedNo film and no separators mean rub marks that cannot be polished out at destination.

Untreated solid woodMissing IPPC / ISPM 15 marks stop the cargo at plant quarantine. Use marked cradles or exempt plywood cases.

Packing list mismatchBundle count or weight that disagrees with the invoice invites holds on aluminium entries.

Related on this site

how die cost amortises per meter — cost side before you fill a 40HQ
minimum order with a new die — metres gates vs container fill
die making adds 7–12 days — production clock before sea
who owns the die — repeat orders on the same tool

Terms used in this article

ISPM 15: International rule requiring treatment and IPPC marking of solid wood packaging in trade.
IPPC mark: Stamp on treated wood showing country, facility and treatment (e.g. HT).
40HQ: 40-foot high-cube container used for 6 m profile cradles.
PSI: Pre-shipment inspection with a written report before the container sails.
MTC: Mill test certificate for alloy, temper and chemistry.
FCL / LCL: Full vs less-than container load; FCL reduces handling for finished profiles.

Questions buyers ask

Who pays if the container is damaged at sea

Marine risk follows the Incoterm and insurance. Under FOB the buyer’s insurance typically responds after the rail of the ship; under CIF the seller provides minimum cover and the buyer may top up. File against the carrier and insurer with photos, B/L and packing list. Factory packing defects found at unstuffing are a separate claim path from ocean perils.

Can you private label the packaging

Yes. Agreed artwork can go on plywood cases, carton sleeves and bundle labels for dealer or OEM programmes. ISPM 15 timber still carries the mandatory IPPC treatment mark; private brands sit beside it, not instead of it. Lead time includes print proof approval before mass packing.

Can i mix different profiles in one container

Yes. Mixed sections and finishes can share a 40HQ when each SKU is bundled and labelled separately and the packing list lines match. Put heavy cradles low and protect soft finishes from rubbing hardware cartons. Mixed loads slightly reduce theoretical metres versus a single-section fill.

What quality documents come with each shipment

Standard set: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin and mill test certificate. Dimensional or anodising check sheets follow when the PO requires them. A formal PSI report is added only when inspection is booked.

Do you supply ispm 15 timber for packing

Yes. Long-bar export cradles and solid-wood dunnage are ISPM 15 treated timber with a visible IPPC mark. Plywood cases for cuts under 3 m use engineered wood that is outside the solid-wood marking obligation.

What does ispm 15 mean for my packing

ISPM 15 means any solid wood packaging (cradles, pallets, blocking over 6 mm) must be treated — commonly heat treatment to 56°C core for 30 minutes — and stamped with the IPPC mark. Without it, destination agriculture inspectors can order re-export, treatment or destruction. Specify ISPM 15 on the PO so untreated wood never enters the pack.

Also searched as: aluminium profile shipping packing, ISPM 15 aluminium extrusion, how many metres 2020 in 40ft container, Shanghai Ningbo FOB T-slot, plywood case cut length profiles, pre shipment inspection aluminium, private label aluminium packing.

Send lengths, finish and destination port

Tell us stock vs cut list, mill vs anodised, target metres and FOB Shanghai/Ningbo or CIF/DAP place. We return packing method, 40HQ fill estimate and a production week plus the ~18-day sea adder.

Request a packing and freight plan