Export & logistics guide
Exporting packaging: cartons, pallets and container loads
Empty packs ship in cartons, on pallets or floor-loaded, usually in 40 ft containers. How many fit depends on how deeply the pack nests: flat heat-seal punnets ship far more per container than tall clamshells. AVI's catalogue lists the carton count and container load for each pack.
- 250 g clamshell per 40 ft, palletised629,650
- Same, floor-loaded722,750
- A-30 / 45 per 40 ft, floor-loaded1,159,200
Pallets or floor-loaded
Floor-loading cartons without pallets fits roughly 15–25% more packs into a container, but takes longer to unload. Many buyers mix: pallets for fast-moving packs, floor-loaded for the rest.
Mixed containers
Most buyers take several pack types in one container. AVI's team plans the load from the carton data so the container is full and the cartons you need first come out first.
Sizes by market
The US buys in ounces and pounds (4.4 oz, 12 oz, 18 oz, 3 lb), Europe and India in grams. Order the size your retailer prints on the label.
Paperwork
Customs status (such as AEO), certificates of origin, and recycled-content and food-contact documents travel with the shipment. Ask for them with the order so the goods clear without delay.
Packing figures for common packs
| Pack | Type | Size (L × W × H) | Empty weight | Holds | Per carton | Enquiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PNG 250 / 75 | Hinged lid | 128 × 94 × 75 mm | 9 g | 250 g | 1,225 | |
| A-30 / 45 | Flat lid heat-sealed to base | 145 × 120 × 45 mm | 7 g | 250 g, 250 g heat-seal | 2,100 | |
| PNG 501 / 126 | Hinged lid | 190 × 115 × 126 mm | 31 g | 1 kg | 550 | |
| TBT 180 120 / 50 | Flat lid heat-sealed to base | 184 × 117.5 × 50 mm | 8.5 g | 450 g, 250 g heat-seal | 1,250 | |
| FLW 180 120 / 60 | Wrapped on a flow-wrapping line | 184 × 117 × 60 mm | 9 g | 500 g flowpack | 1,420 | |
| PNG 3000 / 126 | Hinged lid | 189 × 184 × 126 mm | 48 g | 3 lb | 366 |
All packs are rPET. Figures from AVI's catalogue; tolerances and fill depend on the product, so samples are the final check. See the full catalogue.
Plan a shipment
Terms in this guide
- AEO (Authorised Economic Operator)
- A customs status for traders that customs authorities trust, which can mean fewer checks and faster clearance at the border.
- Carton (export carton)
- The outer box empty packs are shipped in. Each pack has a fixed count per carton in AVI's packing data.
- Cartons per pallet
- How many export cartons are stacked on one pallet. Loading cartons without pallets fits more into a container.
- FCL (full container load)
- A shipping container booked by one shipper. Pack loads are usually quoted for a 40 ft container, with or without pallets.
- Nesting
- Stacking empty packs inside one another. Packs that nest deeply fit more to a carton and a container.