Posts by: Momentum

Understanding Mil Spec Packaging Regulations & Codes

   |   By  |  0 Comments

mil spec packaging

Military packaging refers to the addition of materials to military items to preserve them during transportation. There are many factors to consider during the packaging process, including selecting the right container and properly bracing, weatherproofing, and marking packaging. Military specification, or mil spec, packaging codes can be challenging to follow. 

This article offers a brief overview of some of the most common mil spec packaging regulations, and why it’s important to stay compliant. 

Why Compliance Matters in Military Packaging

When packaging military materials, compliance is especially important. Durable packaging protects military goods against damage during transportation and while in storage. Additionally, military specs ensure that equipment meets and exceeds certain performance expectations. As a result, there are many different regulations to follow.

An Overview of Mil Spec Packaging Codes

The Department of Defense has specs for shipping, transporting, and storing goods which are important because they ensure that any military equipment is properly packaged for intact distribution and storage.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the most common mil spec packaging codes that exist.

Military Standard (MIL-STD) 1186

Firstly, MIL-STD stands for “military standard.” Number 1186 is the standard that covers cushioning, anchoring, bracing, blocking, and waterproofing. This includes all related appropriate test methods.

MIL Defense Detail Spec (DTL) 6060

MIL-DTL means “military detail spec.” This spec covers heat-sealable, water vapor-proof bags of complex construction for use in military preservation applications.

MIL C 104

The next type of military code you might see are MIL C codes. These are connector specifications. MIL C 104 offers an overview of how to package wooden crates and other lumber and plywood. This includes two types and classes of sheathed crates. Some of the MIL C 104 requirements include creates not exceeding 30,000 pounds and dimensions not exceeding nine feet in width. There are also specific requirements for material, nails, strapping, and more.

MIL P 16789

Next, any MIL-P codes are specifications for planned maintenance. MIL P 16789 covers the packaging of all pumps, including primer movers and support items. Support items include reciprocating, centrifugal, oxygen, hydraulic, prime movers, as well as other associated support items.

ASTM D5168

Another type of mil spec packaging regulation is ASTM 5168. This standard was developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials; it covers the packaging of new triple-wall corrugated fiberboard containers for domestic and overseas shipments.

MIL STD 129P

MIL STD 129P is a code that establishes uniformity in all markings for shipment and storage. Markings include numbers, letters, symbols, and colors. For example, any hazardous chemicals must be marked as such, and any hazardous labels must follow specific color schemes.

MIL STD 3010

MIL STD 3010 covers test procedures for packaging materials. Test procedures covered include water vapor transmission rate, seam strength, oil resistance, and puncture resistance.

MIL STD 2073 1D

MIL STD 2073 1D outlines standard processes for the development of military packaging, as distinct from commercial. These processes exist to protect any goods against corrosion, damage, and degradation.

MIL C 52950

MIL C 52950 covers specifications related to packaging wood shipping crates. This includes both open and covered wooden crates. It covers five types and two styles of open wood crates designed for net loads not exceeding 4,000 pounds.

ASTM D3951

ASTM D3951 establishes minimum requirements for packaging certain supplies and equipment, excluding ammunition, explosives, or hazardous materials.

PPP B 1672

PPP B 1672 governs the requirements for boxes. This includes boxes with reusable materials and cushioning.

MIL DTL 15011

This defense detail spec establishes the design, materials, fabrication requirements, and examination of 4-way entry, wood post construction pallets.

MIL STD 147

This standard outlines the methods used to form bonded palletized unit loads of military supplies. These methods are to be used with standard, general-purpose, 40 x 48-inch pallets. They can also be modified for use with other pallets.

MD00100452

MD00100452 covers the requirements for the palletization of Enterprise Business System (EBS) items of supply for handling, shipment, and storage. This code also includes any specialized requirements for medical materials, hazardous goods, and more.

ASTM D1974

ASTM D1974 covers the required methods for closing, sealing, and reinforcing fiberboard shipping boxes used for shipment. This includes solid and corrugated fiberboard boxes, but not triple walls.

MIL DTL 197

MIL DTL 197 highlights all of the requirements for all types and sizes of stock and production bearings and associated parts.

Military Performance (PRF) 131

This performance specification (PRF) code discusses the requirements of barrier materials, including waterproofing, greaseproofing, and heat sealing. You may also hear the term “MIL-PRF 131k.” This refers to any Class 1 through 3 water-vapor-proof barrier materials.

MIL STD 117

Lastly, MIL DTL 117 covers when an item must be shipped to the government in a bag. It includes requirements for sheets of material, side welding, and parallel seams.

How to Comply With Mil Spec Packaging Codes

It’s important to comply with mil spec packaging regulations. Error-free packaging should follow Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and United States Army Tank-Automotive & Armaments Command (TACOM) solicitations. Any packages should also follow Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation (DFAR) clauses, as well as standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

To stay compliant, you must turn to trusted mil spec packaging experts.

Get Mil Spec Packaging Assistance From Export Corporation

For over 70 years, Export Corporation has been a leader in military packaging services. We work closely with defense contractors, manufacturers, and government authorities to ensure all packaging guidelines and regulations are being met. When you turn to us, you can rest assured that we will save you time and resources by handling all your mil spec packaging needs. Click here to learn more about our military packaging services. To request a consultation, contact us at (810) 227-6153 or fill out our online form.

What Is Industrial Packaging?

   |   By  |  0 Comments

mil spec packaging

Whether you’re a manufacturer, government employee, or aerospace engineer, it’s important to ensure that your products arrive safely. By consulting with an industrial packaging expert, you’ll better understand how to safeguard your products during transportation. 

Unlike consumer packaging, industrial packaging both protects and promotes your products. There are many factors to consider during this process, which is why you need to turn to a professional.

Export Corporation has been helping clients in the automotive, military, commercial, and aerospace sectors for many years. Our custom services include design and engineering, kitting and assembly, and construction of wood packaging. 

Keep reading to learn more about our industrial packaging services, or call us today to request a quote.

Why Do You Need This Service?

There are countless situations where you might need industrial packaging. These situations include:

  1. Large amounts of materials that need to be transported from place to place.
  2. Equipment that needs to be stored in a warehouse.
  3. Fragile or hazardous materials and parts that need to be transported safely.
  4. Shipping heavy items
  5. If there are strict regulations that need to be followed during the transportation process.

Export Corporation is SAM-registered, ITAR-registered, and ISPM-15-certified. When you work with experts like us, you can rest assured that your shipment will be well protected and compliant. Call us today with any questions that you have, and we’ll be happy to answer them. 

Industrial Packaging Prevents Product Damage

Our primary goal is to help you prevent your products from being damaged. There are many hazards that can occur during the transportation process. These include:

  • Uneven Roads: Single bumps in the road cause your parts to move around, dislodging certain components.
  • Wrong Packaging Materials: From steel to cardboard to plastic, there are many materials you can use to package your products. If you don’t know which material is best for your shipment, it’s best to consult with an industrial packaging expert. 
  • Water & UV Damage: Exposure to the elements can also place your products at risk.
  • Infestation: This is particularly common when shipping food products. The right packaging ensures insects, animals, and other pests stay clear.

With the right packaging, you can avoid these hazards. At Export Corporation, we have the training and experience necessary to protect your products. Call us today to learn more about our industrial packaging services, or to request a quote.

Which Materials Can You Use?

There are several types of materials that are commonly used in industrial packaging, including wood, stainless steel, corrugated cardboard, and plastic. Usually, some of these materials are combined, but the materials that you need to use will depend on what you are transporting.

For example, if you are shipping hazardous materials, you will most likely want to use plastic, while standard food products may need steel or other metal materials. Working with a packaging engineer ensures the right materials and combination of materials are being used before transportation.

Still have questions? At Export Corporation, we specialize in wood packaging and offer custom solutions to our clients in the aerospace, automotive, military, and commercial industries. Reach out to us today to see which type of material is best for your situation.

Count on Export Corporation for Industrial Packaging Solutions

Finding the right industrial packaging service provider is essential; specialized packaging engineers can help you promote and protect your products, while ensuring that shipment meets regulatory requirements. 

Export Corporation has been a trusted name for over seven decades. We offer a wide array of services, including design, assembly, warehousing, and distribution. We customize all of our services to meet your unique needs. Click here to read more about our services, or contact us today to see how we can make a difference.

Proof of Customer: Cost Savings / Problem Solving / ROI

   |   By  |  0 Comments

Home / Case Studies / Proof of Customer: Cost Savings / Problem Solving / ROI

The Challenge:

A major OEM engine manufacturer had a large defense customer that was changing out models in a specialty military vehicle. The engine OEM needed 2,000 engines packaged during the week of a shutdown.

The Solution:

Export Corporation jumped in head first and set up a satellite facility to pack 2,000 engines in 4 days. This included scheduling and routing 13 truckloads a day, receiving engines on racks from the OEM facility, and shipping out the packaged product from our satellite facility. We designed the engine package with a convertible base to facilitate multiple engine contenting stages.

The Result:

The OEM engine manufacturer was able to get their engines to the customer in half the time time allowed during the shutdown. Serious problem solved.

Aerospace Case Study

   |   By  |  0 Comments

aerospace custom crate

The Challenge:

An aerospace engine supplier manufactures and assembles a jet engine part valued around $80,000. They were using a complicated wood box that was difficult to handle, required a lot of floor space, and was costly upfront and in shipping weight. Above all, it was made of low grade lumber that left shards of wood, dust and a mess in the end customers white facility where final jet engines are assembled.

The Solution:

We went onsite to review the problems, take dimensions of the part, and gather all information necessary to design a custom wood box. In under 2 days, our packaging engineer designed a custom wood box using higher quality and significantly less lumber than the previous solution.

The Result:

Not only does our wood box cost 40% less than the previous solution, both our customer and their end customer have significantly reduced the amount of handling and labor involved with the packaging. This also resulted in lower shipping costs, use of less floor space at both facilities and above all it is now a returnable container due to the overall quality of the wood box.

Export Corporation Company Video – Past, Present & Beyond

   |   By  |  0 Comments

Hello and Welcome,

Our first post to the Export Corporation news page, is our very FIRST piece of video content. For a company that has been around for over 70 years, our focus has always been on the customer: “What is the right thing to do? How can we make this order happen for them yesterday? What can we do better next time around?”

We are a company full of long time employees that share their knowledge with the hungry young employees that are eager to succeed. In a supply chain service business, success is at the hand of your customers happiness. We strive on a daily basis to tackle a wide variety of projects that have a unique set of challenges. Projects that require the utmost attention to detail and quality. This is why we are often referred to as our customer’s packaging division.

Some of the industrial packaging solutions we provide include: custom pallets, custom crating, Mil-Spec packaging, kitting and assembly and more. It is time to share with you what we do for our customers and what we can do for you…

Export Corporation – Complete Packaging Services from Export Corp. Packaging Services on Vimeo.