Category: Blog

Time for Camp at Complete Packaging

Posted on by teamA-GG

Complete Packaging Systems is dedicated to helping the childrenScreen Shot 2015-07-29 at 9.40.23 AM in our community and this summer we will be funding a child’s adventure to the great outdoors!

Last year Complete Packaging spent time volunteering at Camp Oochigeas and helped the camp get ready. Camp Oochigeas is a privately funded, volunteer-based organization that provides kids with and affected by cancer. This camp has unique opportunities for growth through challenging, fun, enriching and magical experiences.

Screen Shot 2015-07-29 at 9.39.59 AMThis year we have decided to show our support by sending a child to Camp Oochigeas for 1 full week! Campers will get to swim, canoe, kayak, waterski, rock climb, and other exciting summer sports. Campers also get to participate in drama classes and join in arts & crafts. This is an amazing chance for children to make new friends and great memories.

Camp Oochigeas succeeds at taking good care of their campers with multiple nurses and a doctor on staff to care of anyone who needs treatment. Campers will be able to receive chemo and blood transfusions if needed while visiting the camp. Their goal is to provide a safe and happy environment for all children who are looking to have some fun in the sun.

We can’t wait to give a camper this amazing opportunity and look forward to doing our part again in the years to come!

To learn more about Complete Packaging and how we can help you and your business,

Call Toll Free: 1-866-858-8800

 

Amendments to NSC Standard 10 Are Now Being Enforced!

Posted on by teamA-GG
In June of 2013, changes were proposed and implemented to the National Safety Code Standard 10, which governs over-the-road securement devices. In particular, we are focusing on the amendments to the WLL (Working Load Limit) of rubber friction mats.

Please note these important changes as per the National Safety Code Standard 10:

 

2. Devision 2 – General Performance Criteria: Friction Mats
 Current  Amendment
 Section 12 (9)

A friction mat which is not marked by the manufacturer with a working load limit is assumed to provide resistance to horizontal movement equal to 50% of the weight of the cargo resting on the mat.

  Section 12 (9)

To be considered part of a cargo securement system, a friction mat must be marked by its manufacturer with the maximum usable friction resistance (in g’s) the mat will provide in restraining cargo against horizontal and lateral movement.

Notes:

Eliminates default Working Load Limit for unmarked friction mats, as supported by CVSA Cargo Securement Public Forum and FMCSA

Assessment:

No major objections were received to this proposal.

 

The Canadian Trucking Alliance proposed that implementation of the requirement be introduced in January 2014 to allow the current inventory of unmarked friction mats to be consumed.

 

At the moment, these changes only effect Canadian shippers, although U.S shippers that are exporting to Canada must follow these regulations as well. We expect the U.S governing agencies will follow Canada’s lead, as it makes inferior products unusable and ultimately will lead to a more regulated industry.

 

If you would like to find out if your product is approved, contact us today!

 

Toll Free: 1-866-858-8800

 

 

U.S. Protective Packaging Market to Reach $6.8 Billion in 2018

Posted on by teamA-GG

Protective packaging, including cargo securement for safety and damage prevention, is highly valuable and necessary for organizations transporting goods via rail, truck, or boat.

A recent market research study of the U.S. protective packaging market by Freedonia forecasts that the U.S. demand for protective packaging will reach $6.8 billion by 2018.

This increase is based on the continuing recovery of the manufacturing sector after the recession, as well as an increased prevalence of Internet shopping.

Dunnage bags, in particular, are expected to see moderate growth as the industry improves.

What Does This Mean for You?

Certain industries in particular will experience greater demand, which will result in the need to ship more product. It may also mean an increase in the amount of rail, truck, and boat traffic as the economy continues to improve.

This is great for business and cause for optimism in the manufacturing and shipping industries! However, as traffic increases, more product is shipped, and deadlines draw near, we must ensure that safety is at the forefront.

When loads are properly secured, product will arrive undamaged and personnel will be able to do their jobs safely.

Work with your cargo securement supplier – like us – to ensure that they’re informed of any increased volumes of production. That way, your supplier will be sure to manage stock accordingly so you will always have the products you need, when you need them.

>> Complete Packaging Systems provides cost-effective, high quality cargo securement products to Canadian and U.S. organizations, such as pulp and paper companies. Contact us to order products.

We also offer professional load planning services. Talk to a securement specialist now!

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IBC Paper Training Offers Online Courses for Pulp and Paper Professionals

Posted on by teamA-GG

IBC Paper Training, a company that has organized training programs for the pulp and paper industry since 2006, offers online e-Learning courses.

IBC Paper Training’s e-Learning modules combine video, text, audio, animation, and images to ensure that clients have the best possible experience. Pulp and paper industry professionals can attend these sessions from their desks, making it easy for people from all around the world to attend.

You can attend Public Live e-Learning or Self Paced e-Learning through IBC Paper Training:

‘Public Live e-Learning’ Pulp and Paper Training

Public Live e-Learning sessions allow attendees listen to subject matter expert lecturers speak live as they follow along with the presentation slides.

Due to the real-time nature of these presentations, IBC Paper Training can frequently offer new sessions based on the latest problems and trends for the pulp and paper industry. Each session is valuable, featuring different experts and offering fresh solutions.

Their next course, “Recycled Fibers and Deposit Control” is coming up on June 23-26, 2014! Click here to get the full details.

This live e-Learning will focus on stickies, recycled fiber trends and savings, process technology and chemistry, and best practices for controlling and reducing deposits.

‘Self Paced e-Learning’ Pulp and Paper Training

IBC’s Self Paced e-Learning modules are the first of their kind in the industry. These provide the ultimate convenience – you can attend them at your own pace, during your own time (they are as flexible as you need them to be), at your own desk.

They offer:

  • 20 Modules in Papermaking
  • 10 Modules in Corrugating

We encourage you to check out IBC Paper Training and their online courses!

>> Complete Packaging Systems is happy to serve the pulp and paper industry. If you need cargo securement products or assistance with load planning, contact us right away!

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Are You Still Using Steel Banding? 5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Be.

Posted on by teamA-GG

Do you want to enhance workplace safety?

Do you want a cost-effective strapping solution?

Are you still using steel banding?

Traditional steel banding has long been the industry standard and is still in widespread use today. You may be using steel banding to secure your heavy-duty cargo because it’s what you are familiar with.

But steel banding is no longer the only choice.

Through technological advancements, synthetic cord strapping/lashing has become as strong and reliable as steel – but with fewer risks and costs. In my experience, synthetic strapping alleviates many of the common problems with steel strapping without any major drawbacks.

So ask yourself: why you would continue to use steel banding when a superior option is available?

I will explain the key reasons why you should switch from steel strapping to synthetic cord strapping based on an analysis of the benefits of synthetic strapping.

1. Synthetic Strapping is Less Expensive

Steel banding is more costly than synthetic cord strapping. Furthermore, steel banding can be difficult to budget for because the cost can change based on the price of the base metal.

Synthetic strapping is more cost-effective and the price remains stable, so you will always be able to factor it into your budget with confidence.

2. Synthetic Strapping is Safer

Even when smoothed and de-burred, steel banding can be a safety hazard. All it takes is a moment of carelessness, and even an experienced employee can be injured. When a tightened steel band is cut improperly, it releases with strength. Its sharp edges can cause deep gashes on the user, particularly on the face.

Synthetic cord strapping is made of polyester, addressing this safety hazard. Securing cargo with synthetic strapping and lashing reduces lost-time accidents and injuries. Not to mention, fewer injuries = fewer liability claims.

3. Synthetic Strapping is Ergonomically Friendly

On average, steel banding coils weigh about 100 pounds. Many users struggle with loading these heavy coils into the dispenser. The weight of the steel can cause an accident that leads to an injury, or create a built-up strain injury over time.

Synthetic strapping/lashing is lighter and easier to handle. Each coil weighs only 50 pounds on average, which is much more manageable for the user.

4. Synthetic Strapping Won’t Damage Your Cargo

Scratches. Tears. Rust. Stains. Steel banding can damage your cargo, particularly if you’re transporting anything with exposed paint, vulnerable surfaces, or tires.

Synthetic strapping has rounded edges that don’t scratch paint or damage loads. It won’t rust or stain your cargo, either.

5. Synthetic Strapping Conforms to Settling Loads

Once applied, steel banding does not stretch. If your load settles while in transit, your steel banding will no longer be wrapped tightly around it. This leads to shifting loads, potential damage, and safety hazards. I have often seen pallets with loosely hanging steel-banding after the load has settled.

As you may expect, synthetic strapping stretches. If your load settles, synthetic cord strapping will simply conform to the new load perimeter and continue to hold tightly.

The Bottom Line

Steel banding is rapidly becoming an outdated form of cargo securement. Synthetic cord strapping/lashing is superior, while maintaining the strength necessary for heavy loads.

>> Get Tex-Steel synthetic cord strapping/lashing from Complete Packaging Systems – it’s as strong as steel and suitable for railcar, truck, or ocean containers! Contact us today.

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3 Factors that Impact the Air Pressure in Your Dunnage Bags

Posted on by teamA-GG

In this blog, I will discuss the 3 main factors that will impact the air pressure in your air dunnage bags. These potential issues apply to not only our dunnage bags at Complete Packing Systems, but to dunnage bags industry-wide.

Luckily, performing simple air pressure checks will prevent excessive movement, damage, and injury. This is one thing you don’t want to rush.

A lot of the time, people are busy and may cut corners to save a few minutes. For example, many people know of the “30 minute rule” – but they may neglect it. After your initial inflation, you must always check the pressure again after 30 minutes. If the pressure is low, you must top up your bags.

1. Stretching

Although you may think the loss of pressure would be caused by a hole, this is often not the case.

Dunnage bags are made from a woven synthetic outer shell and a thick plastic inner bladder. When filled to the recommended PSI, the air pressure will stretch the bladder after 30 minutes and cause a pressure drop. This is when you should top up your bags back to the original PSI.

2. Weather

Weather, in many cases, plays a large role in how dunnage air bags perform. Cold weather will reduce air pressure, much like in your car tires. In hot weather, the bags could expand past their recommended PSI.

Shippers must be aware of the weather their shipments will be experiencing and adjust accordingly.

3. Altitude

Finally, I must mention altitude. Recently, I drove from Las Vegas, NV to the Grand Canyon. This was an increase of nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. A bag of chips that I hadn’t opened yet was lying on the floor of my car. When I arrived at the Grand Canyon, the bag of chips looked as if it would burst at any moment.

This story is a good reminder: if you are shipping from a lower area to a high altitude or vice versa, you must ensure you take altitude into account when assessing your dunnage bags.

Summary

Dunnage bags are most effective when they are filled to the recommended PSI. You can save your shipments from moving around and becoming damaged by watching out for these simple factors that affect your bags’ air pressure.

>> Complete Packaging Systems can help you with your shipments. Our goal has always been to ensure our customers’ products arrive safely and damage free. Just give us a call at 1-800-858-8800!

 

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Why You Should Use Rubber Friction Mats to Secure Your Shipments

Posted on by teamA-GG

I would like to start out this blog by addressing a problem: the many terms to describe rubber friction mats, such as “anti-skid mats”, “rubber transportation mats”, and various brand names. Our industry refers to them as rubber friction mats. I encourage you to do the same.

If you had the choice between using wood bracing or rubber friction mats to secure your shipment, which would you choose?

Many who have had the pleasure of using friction mats would say it’s no contest; they would choose friction mats for their anti-skid needs.

It is important for companies to abide by the railroads’ methods of securing loads. However, we are here to tell you that wood bracing is not always the answer and can be replaced in many situations. This would save your company the cost of wood, nails, energy, and time, along with providing a better, safer workplace for your employees.

By using our Load-Secure™ Friction Mats, you can easily secure your loads and keep them from shifting during transit – with no need for nailing, gluing, or constructing dunnage. Simply lay down the suggested mats underneath your shipment and let the product do its job.

As part of an effective load plan, rubber friction mats almost always eliminate the need for wood bracing. These products have been tested and approved by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) for use, but not all rail carriers are ready to change. In certain situations, wood bracing is still used but we urge you to ask why.

Why use wood bracing when something more cost-effective and efficient is available? Load-Secure products eliminate a potentially dangerous work environment. There is no loss of time due to injury from hammers, nails, or saws.

Rubber friction mats meet the North American Cargo Securement Standard. Friction mats don’t damage the rail carrier’s floors, and they save your company from the frustrations of wood bracing.

Many industries can benefit from replacing wood bracing with friction mats. Manufacturers working to produce varied commodities including metals, forest products, roll paper, glass, pharmaceutical, and even the food industry use Load-Secure™ products.

Free yourself from the old ways of load securement. You’ll be glad you did.

>> Need help with your cargo securement plan? Want to order our Load-Secure™ products? Contact us today!

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Cyclone™ Dunnage Air Bags: Inflation Technology

Posted on by teamA-GG

In our industry, bringing new and exciting technology to market is a daunting task. Many people in purchasing roles and at dock level like their old technology because it works for them. Unfortunately, most inflation systems that we see out in the market are bulky, heavy, and not designed for the human hand. This ergonomic issue, combined with long fill times, puts an unnecessary strain on the user.

People need education about the cheaper, more reliable, and faster ways to fill dunnage air bags. And weÂ’re taking the challenge head on through innovation, ergonomics, and speed. To that end, our new inflators are lightweight and designed with the end user in mind.

Speed is a large factor at the dock level. We aim to cut the time filling air bags by nearly 2/3. We have performed tests with industry-leading bags (all of them the same size and volume,) and our inflation system was 66% faster.

Along with being the fastest tool on the market, it is also very accurate. Each tool comes with a digital PSI gauge. Once again, this saves time by not having to disconnect the inflator to use a secondary measuring tool.

Using old, outdated inflation technology out of habit only makes filling dunnage bags more difficult and time-consuming. With new technology available, there is no need to put the extra strain on users and waste valuable time. Start improving your processes now with our line of ergonomic, speedy inflators.

Benefits

  • Lightweight and durable
  • Accurate PSI reading
  • Ergonomic grip
  • 66% faster than traditional air dunnage inflators
  • No unnecessary strain on the user
  • Easy-click button
  • Cheaper than conventional systems

>> For more information about our Cyclone™ inflation technology, please contact us today!

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What are the Most Common Types of Damage to Paper Rolls in Railcar Transit?

Posted on by teamA-GG

The damage prevention load plans used in transporting paper rolls on rail have changed drastically over the years. Metal strapping and wood bracing were once the norm but recommendations have changed as more effective and safe solutions were created: including air dunnage bags, honeycomb products, and synthetic cord strapping.

Not only do these changes bring increased safety to the users of these products on the docks and shipping yards, but they also improve damage prevention.

The size of paper rolls, as well as the railcars that house them, have changed in the past 30 years. The total weight these railcars can hold has nearly tripled in the last 3 decades.

You know the saying, “the bigger the tree, the harder it falls”. That may not be written in stone, but the premise holds true. Larger and heavier loads are subject to immense forces while in transit. The forces exerted on these paper rolls via shunts, turns, and other movement causes damage in many forms.

The most common types of damage that occurs to paper rolls in a boxcar are:

  • Wet Damage
  • Gouges / Foreign Object
  • Splits / Cuts
  • Chafing / Abrasion
  • Crushed Core / Flat Spots
  • Edge Wrinkles / Transit Burst

Many of these can be prevented by either implementing pre-load checks or injecting damage prevention products into key areas of the load plan.

As an example, use a rail carrier or AAR approved load plan and bracing method to avoid flat spots and crushed cores. Ensuring you are compliant with the AAR and other governing bodies will not only protect you from potential fines and law suits, but will ensure that your product arrives safely and without damage.

>> If you would like more information on this topic or need help with developing an AAR approved load plan, please feel free contact us by email or by calling our toll free number – 1-866-858-8800. Thank you for reading!

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