Glass & Mirror Export Packaging: Crates, A-Frames and Securing Without Breakage

Flat glass and mirrors are the most unforgiving load in logistics: rigid, heavy, and catastrophic when they fail — one cracked panel can take out a whole stack. Shipping architectural glass, glazing units and mirrors for export is a specialist discipline built around one rule and a set of methods. Here is how it is done.

The one rule: glass travels on edge, never flat

Flat glass is strong on its edge and weak across its face. Laid flat, the weight of the panels and any vibration flexes the glass until it cracks. Glass and mirrors are shipped standing vertically, on edge, in crates or A-frames designed to hold them that way. Everything else follows from this.

Crates and A-frames

• Wooden A-frames and L-pallets with internal bracing and precise dimensions hold glazing units, tempered and laminated glass, and custom architectural glass stable at every handling point.
• Crates for export are stout, screwed construction (framed timber with plywood/OSB sheathing, exterior battens to prevent puncture) — solid enough to protect a delicate cargo through a sea voyage.
• For export, all wood must be ISPM-15 compliant (ISPM-15 explained).

Inside the crate

• Suspend the glass off the floor — blocking under the panels so the glass never rests directly on the wood; this acts as suspension and absorbs shock.
• Interleaving (paper or foam) between panels so they cannot rub or scratch each other.
• Edge protectors on the corners and edges — the most vulnerable points.
• Anti-slip bases so the load cannot slide.

Securing — band the crate, don't bend the glass

• Band/strap around the entire crate to lock the contents and limit movement.
• Straps must secure the glass vertically without bending the panels — tension that flexes the glass is worse than no strap at all.
• Apply consistent, controlled tension: firm enough to immobilise a heavy stack, never so much that it loads the glass face. A calibrated machine such as the ErgoPack 726X applies an exact, repeatable tension and routes the strap automatically; the GO and 700 automate routing with your own tools. Use edge protectors under every strap (edge protectors).

Mark, document, manage moisture

• Fragile, this-way-up and handling marks — clearly and on all sides.
• Moisture barriers and condensation management for the sea leg (container rain).
• Export documentation and ISPM-15 stamps left visible.

Glass / mirror export checklist

• Glass oriented vertically, on edge — never flat
• A-frame / L-pallet or stout ISPM-15 crate
• Glass suspended off the floor (blocking under panels)
• Interleaving between panels; edge protectors on corners
• Crate banded; straps hold without bending the glass
• Consistent controlled tension; edge protectors under straps
• Fragile/this-way-up marks; moisture managed; ISPM-15 visible

Crate and secure glass to this standard — on edge, suspended, interleaved and banded without bending — and a brittle, rigid, high-value load survives the forklift and the ocean intact.