GlobalAutoIndustry.com: Insights into Reducing Heavy Product Packaging and International Logistics Costs

An article by Ghafari Senior Project Manager Brett English – who specializes in leading significant packaging programs for some of the automotive industry’s top manufacturers – recently appeared on GlobalAutoIndustry.com. In “Insights into Reducing Heavy Product Packaging and International Logistics Costs”, Brett describes how product- and process-specific packaging design can yield a greener, more efficient, and more cost-effective global logistics system.

As Brett observes, logistics costs are a significant expense for manufacturing companies, particularly those that make heavy products and ship them worldwide. Selection of the right container for the product and process can have a huge impact; something as seemingly simple as storage practices can result in costly product damage and / or wasted space. With this in mind, he encourages an iterative approach to reducing the costs related to shipping racks for a heavy product line and advocates a mindset that treats the launch of each new product as an opportunity to improve upon the previous design.

Brett then details some key elements that contribute to a successful container design, including: the application of finite element analysis, which helps to identify potential structural issues with a shipping rack virtually; the use of unorthodox materials or standard materials in creative ways; diligent engineering; and critical thinking. These tactics can drive tangible results, as was the case with a recent program he managed where an iterative design process reduced the overall weight of the shipping racks by 40-60% compared to the baseline while also cutting down on the amount of material and labor needed to build them.

Access the full article here.