Packaging optimisation for sea freight

Traditionally, sea freight shipments are transported in solid wooden crates, as these are weather-resistant, durable and easy to stack. At Liebherr-Logistics GmbH, too, sea freight has so far been packed almost exclusively in wood − but with high resource consumption and considerable space requirements. For this reason, the packaging logic was critically reviewed and an optimisation approach was developed.

New packaging with multiple advantages

A new packaging system for sea freight shipments was developed in a short period of time. Depending on the type of item to be shipped, either triple-wall corrugated cardboard boxes with strapping or stacked units wrapped in stretch film and banded are now used. The previously used wooden crates continue to be used for items that require this due to their physical properties and for proper load securing.

The new solution offers numerous advantages: it reduces the space required both in the warehouse and in the truck or container, thereby increasing transport efficiency. In addition, shrink-wrapping and the use of desiccants can often be dispensed with. Overall, this results in a significant reduction in labor and packaging costs.

Successful test and implementation phase

The new packaging was extensively tested during a six-month trial period. The results have been consistently positive. Immediately afterwards, successive implementation began in several recipient countries. Now that almost 75% of the total sea freight volume has been successfully converted, all sea freight will be shipped in the new packaging from 2026.

The solution also offers clear economic benefits: efficiency gains of 13% were achieved across the entire packaging sector. This increase was achieved across all modes of transport. The share of packaging costs for sea freight was reduced by over 30%. A seven-figure saving in packaging and transport costs is expected for 2026.