Client: A European HVAC manufacturer purchasing 2,000 pcs of 6-meter copper pipes (OD 22mm, 1mm thickness) for refrigeration systems.
Objective: Safely pack and ship the copper pipes to prevent damage during transit while optimizing container space.
Step-by-Step Packing & Shipping Process
1. Pre-Packing Preparation
Material Check: Verify pipe dimensions, surface quality (no scratches/dents), and quantity (2,000 pcs).
Packing Materials:
Wooden crates (120cm × 60cm × 60cm, fumigation-treated, ISPM 15 compliant)
Anti-corrosion VCI paper (wrapped around pipes)
Foam end caps (to protect pipe edges)
Steel strapping (for crate reinforcement)
Waterproof plastic sheeting (for moisture protection)
2. Packing Process
Pipe Bundling:
Group 20 pipes per bundle, secured with plastic straps.
Wrap each bundle with VCI paper to prevent oxidation.
Add foam end caps to both ends.
Wooden Crate Assembly:
Base: Lay a plastic sheet inside the crate for moisture resistance.
Loading: Place 5 bundles (100 pipes) per crate, separated by foam spacers.
Top Cover: Seal with another plastic sheet before nailing the wooden lid.
Reinforcement: Secure crates with steel strapping for heavy-duty transport.
Labeling:
Mark each crate with:
"FRAGILE – HANDLE WITH CARE"
Gross Weight (e.g., 250 kg)
Customer PO & Item No.
3. Container Loading (40ft HQ Container)
Max Capacity: 20 crates (2,000 pipes total).
Loading Steps:
Floor Protection: Lay corrugated cardboard sheets to prevent slipping.
Stacking: Place crates in 2 layers (10 crates per layer) with forklift.
Securing: Use container lock rods & airbags to prevent movement.
Moisture Control: Add desiccant bags (5 units) inside the container.
4. Documentation & Shipping
Packing List (itemizing crate contents)
Bill of Lading (with HS Code: 7411.2100 for copper pipes)
Fumigation Certificate (for wooden packaging)
Third-Party Inspection Report (optional, per client request)
Shipping Details:
Port of Loading: Shanghai
Destination: Hamburg
Transit Time: 28 days
Insurance: All-risk coverage (0.3% of cargo value)
Key Takeaways for the Client
✅ Damage Prevention: Wooden crates + foam protection ensure safe transit.✅ Efficient Space Use: Optimized loading fits 2,000 pipes in one 40ft HQ container.✅ Compliance: ISPM 15, IMO, and EU customs standards met.
Client Feedback:"The packing method eliminated pipe deformation issues we faced with previous suppliers. The detailed loading photos helped verify quality before shipment."
Client Background:A multinational electronics manufacturer seeking reliable electrolytic copper suppliers for PCB component production. Annual demand: 15,000 metric tons.
Visit Objectives:
Demonstrate production capabilities and quality control
Establish trust through transparent operations
Negotiate long-term supply agreements
Factory Tour Script:
1. Welcome Briefing (Conference Room)"Welcome to Copper Works. As a Tier-1 supplier with ISO 9001:2015 certification, we specialize in 99.99% electrolytic copper cathodes. Today's tour will cover our complete production chain from raw materials to finished products."
2. Smelting WorkshopDemonstration:
Point to flash smelting furnace: "Operating at 1250°C with oxygen enrichment technology reduces energy consumption by 18% versus traditional methods"
Highlight: "SO₂ capture rate exceeds 99.2%, meeting EU environmental standards"
3. Electrolytic Refining AreaTechnical Explanation:
"Our 856 electrolytic cells maintain 310A/m² current density producing LME Grade A copper"
Show cathode samples: "Surface irregularities < 0.5mm per 100cm²"
5. Quality Control LabInteractive Session:
Demonstrate ICP-OES testing: "This unit detects impurities at 0.0001% level"
Present recent assay reports: "Consistent Cu+Ag ≥ 99.9935% over past 12 months"
6. Loading Dock & LogisticsLogistics Capabilities:
"Our bonded warehouse maintains 3,000MT buffer stock"
"Standard 20ft container loads 25MT with moisture-proof packaging"
Key Differentiators Emphasized:
"Dual-source raw material procurement ensures supply chain stability"
"Automated thickness monitoring (±0.05mm tolerance)"
"Direct port access enables 14-day delivery to Rotterdam"
Post-Tour Negotiation Highlights:
Addressed client's concern about quarterly price fluctuations by proposing LME-linked pricing with 3% cap
Agreed to trial shipment with third-party SGS inspection
Discussed VMI program to reduce client inventory costs
Outcome:Signed 2-year contract for 8,000MT/year with 15% premium for thickness customization (0.5mm-3mm range).
Client Testimonial:"SLAST's technical expertise and transparent operations exceeded our due diligence requirements. Their ability to provide mill test reports with traceable batch numbers was decisive." - [Client's Procurement Director]
Included Technical Specifications:
Dimensions: 915×915×5mm to 1000×1000×12mm
Electrical conductivity: 101% IACS
Tensile strength: 220-260 N/mm²