International Marketing Practices

Figure 13. Pre-hung entrance doors on pallets ready for loading into an ocean shipping container. Photo credit: Paul Padilla.

Treating and marking wood pallets is critical, particularly when exporting, to comply with the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM 15) [77]. ISPM 15 requires that wood pallets be heat-treated (conventionally or with dielectric heating), with its entire cross section reaching 56°C for at least 30 minutes. Other treatments allowed are methyl bromide and sulphuryl fluoride. The standard also requires that pallets be manufactured with debarked wood [77]. ISPM 15 pallets are marked with a distinct symbol, country code, producer/treatment provider code, and treatment code (see Figure 5 in Chapter 2). Containers The use of containers has revolutionized logistics by cutting costs and transportation time [21]. Containers are used to transport goods in a safe, secure, and efficient way via truck, rail, or ocean shipment [173]. Ocean shipment accounts for approximately 90% of global trade by volume, making container shipment vital to efficient logistics practices [21, 174]. ISO shipping containers are built under international standards, making them interchangeable and universally accepted. They are commonly offered in 20- or 40-foot lengths and can be used for intermodal transportation (Table 17) [175]. Container size is often contingent on space and carrying needs, as well as cost considerations. It is customary for firms to rent containers for shipment, which can vary in price depending upon the volume and weight of the cargo. There are a number of online tools to estimate ocean shipping costs, such as Sea Rates (https://www.searates.com) or World Freight Rates (https://worldfreightrates.com/freight).

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