Introduction
Packing heavy brake drums for international transit is a critical part of TBP Auto’s process to ensure products arrive safe and intact. A single commercial brake drum can weigh up to 60 kilograms and is made of cast iron that must be protected from impact and corrosion during weeks at sea. TBP Auto’s export packing methods are designed to safeguard product quality, comply with shipping regulations, and meet the expectations of demanding customers. For aftermarket distributors, OEM procurement teams, and fleet owners alike, proper packaging means receiving brake drums that are ready for use with no surprises on delivery.
Step-by-Step Packaging Process
At TBP Auto, preparing brake drums for overseas shipment is an integral service included with every order. Under common Incoterms like FOB or CIF, TBP Auto handles all export packaging as part of the seller’s obligations. In the following sections, we take a step-by-step look at how our team packs brake drums for export, highlighting the materials and techniques used and the practical benefits each provides.
>>> Read more: Understanding FOB, CIF, and DAP Shipping Incoterms for Brake Drum Buyers
1. Robust Pallets
TBP uses strong, fumigated wooden pallets that comply with international standards. Each one is built to handle at least 1 ton. So let’s do a quick calculation: we pack around 20 brake drums per pallet (depending on each model’s size and weight, the number can be different), and each drum weighs around 50 kilograms. That equals roughly 1,000 kilograms per pallet, well within the safe range. We never overpack and always leave breathing room, because with heavy loads, stability matters.
At TBP Auto, all wooden pallets are fumigated with approved chemicals or heat treatment and certified to ISPM 15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures). Every single pallet is stamped to prove they’ve been treated to eliminate pests. This prevents customs delays or quarantines related to untreated wood, ensuring the shipment moves smoothly across borders.
2. Even Layering and Cushioning
On the pallet, the brake drums are stacked in even tiers. Our stacking configuration is optimized both for density (to fit as many drums per pallet or container as possible while not overloading) and for stability.
And, depending on the customer’s requirements, we can also add separators to minimize metal-to-metal contact. In this case, the drum layers are separated with cardboard sheet inserts, which help protect the drum surfaces. No drum directly touches another – there’s always a buffer that absorbs shocks and prevents abrasion.
3. Clear Labeling
Next, each package is clearly labeled and documented before shipment. TBP Auto affixes identifying labels to pallets, including details like part numbers, quantities, gross weight, and instructions.
Every export pallet also carries the required “Made in Vietnam” country-of-origin markings and any applicable shipping marks so that customs and the buyer can instantly recognize the cargo.
Pallet labels are your shipment’s passport. If it’s missing, unreadable, or scratched, the whole cargo can get held up at customs. So, instead of sticking the label on the outside where it can get wet or damaged, we place the unit labels inside, directly on the surface of the brake drums.
- Unit labels: placed directly on the surface of the brake drums.
- Master pallet label: placed in between the stretch film layers to avoid external impact.
Plus, all of the labels are turned outward for optimal visibility.
*Due to customer privacy policies, we are censoring certain details in this example.
4. Secure Strapping and Wrapping
Once the drums are stacked, the entire palletized load is secured into a single tight package. TBP Auto uses heavy-duty poly strapping around the pallet load to clamp the drums and any top cover firmly together. These are heavy-duty elastic bands with a ridged outer surface.
Finally, the pallet is wrapped in industrial stretch film, encircling all drums and the pallet base. This plastic stretch wrap keeps dust and moisture out and further binds the load by preventing any drums from shifting individually. The result is a securely wrapped, banded pallet that can be safely lifted by a forklift as one solid unit.
The elasticity of the bands helps absorb small movements during shipping, reducing the chance of drums bumping into each other. And the ridged surface helps create extra grip between the straps and the outer stretch film wrap, so everything stays locked in place.
Delivering Quality and Value to Customers
Investing in proper packaging is not just about avoiding damage – it’s about delivering value and peace of mind to our customers. TBP Auto’s strict packing process offers several concrete benefits for the different stakeholders who receive our brake drums:
- Aftermarket Distributors: Part distributors get intact, sellable inventory delivered ready-to-stock, with no repacking or rework needed on arrival.
- OEMs and Assembly Plants: TBP Auto’s packaging ensures that brake drums maintain their as-manufactured quality during transport. Additionally, the detailed packing lists and proper documents we provide streamline the receiving process for OEMs’ logistics departments – they have full transparency on each inbound pallet’s contents, aiding quick intake and inventory management.
- Fleet Owners and Maintenance Teams: Commercial fleet operators who order replacement brake drums in bulk (often to support their maintenance garages) benefit greatly from our protective packing. Heavy-duty drums arrive ready to install, without dents or corrosion, which means fleet maintenance crews can immediately put them on vehicles without extra prep work.
From the factory floor in Vietnam to the customer’s door, TBP Auto’s packaging process is designed to protect our product and support our customers’ operation: minimizing damages, fewer delays, and a smoother supply chain for all parties involved.
>>> Read more: Import Guidelines for Brake Drums to the USA
Conclusion
From an operations standpoint, TBP Auto’s packaging system is built as a set of safeguards against common risks in overseas transport. Preventive wraps protect against moisture and salt air, while ISPM 15-treated pallets ensure compliance and avoid customs issues. Drums are stacked in balanced layers, secured with straps, and wrapped in film to prevent movement and exposure.
Administrative details are just as important. Each pallet carries clear labels for identification and origin, and every shipment includes complete documentation for customs. Together, these measures reduce both physical damage and bureaucratic delays, resulting in more predictable deliveries and smoother transitions from our production floor to your destination.
If your team is reviewing suppliers or planning imports, explore TBP Auto’s brake drum range or contact us today for more information.
