Steel structures are shipped as bundles, not as individual members. The packing has to keep connection faces, machined surfaces and coatings intact through handling, stacking, road transport, port storage and the sea voyage.
This guide covers the decisions that affect the site: bundle size and weight, separation, lashing, corrosion protection, marking and the documents that travel with the shipment.
What the packing has to survive
| Stage | What can go wrong | What the packing has to do |
|---|---|---|
| Yard storage | Rain, dust, rust and handling damage | Keep the steel off the ground, drained and protected |
| Road transport | Vibration, shifting and point loads | Keep bundles tight, protect edges and respect axle limits |
| Port and terminal | Repeated handling, salt air and rain | Lash the bundle and protect against water and salt |
| Sea voyage | Condensation, salt and vessel motion | Use corrosion protection and allow drainage or ventilation |
| Site unloading | Sling damage and dropped bundles | Mark lifting points and the unloading sequence |
Bundle design and separation
The bundle is the unit that is lifted, stacked and lashed. Its size and weight are set by the site crane, the road limits and the container or vessel, not only by what fits in the shop.
| Item | Typical approach | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Bundle weight | Size to the site crane and the road limit | An overweight bundle cannot be unloaded safely |
| Member separation | Wood or plastic spacers between members | Prevents coating damage and metal-to-metal rubbing |
| Connection faces | Protect with wood or plastic and keep them dry | Bolt holes and machined faces have to fit on site |
| Lifting points | Marked and accessible after stacking | Prevents sling damage and unsafe lifts |
| Marking | Bundle number, member list and weight | Matches the packing list and the erection sequence |
Corrosion protection during shipping
- The shop coating is the first layer of protection, but it is not designed for months of salt air and condensation.
- Hot-dip galvanizing gives a durable barrier, but it changes the handling and the thread condition of bolted connections.
- Zinc-rich primers and stripe coats protect edges, welds and areas that are hard to reach on site.
- Vapour-phase corrosion inhibitors (VCI) can protect enclosed bundles and machined surfaces.
- Desiccants absorb moisture inside a sealed package, but they have a limited capacity and need to be sized for the voyage.
- Shrink wrap and tarpaulins keep rain off, but they can also trap water if the bundle is not drained.
Marking, documents and the unloading plan
- Bundle marks and member marks that match the packing list and the shop drawings.
- The weight of each bundle and the total shipment weight, for the crane and the road permits.
- Loading photographs and the loading sequence, especially where the unloading order matters.
- The lifting plan, including lifting points and any spreader beam requirement.
- Copies of the packing list travel with the shipment, not only by email.
This guide describes general practice for steel structure projects. It is not a design, and it does not replace the specification or the engineer responsible for your project.