[RoadRunner]

I'm getting conflicting answers from shipping companies so I thought I'd ask fellow forum members for your expert advice! :yes

Is the shipping container completely air tight or does the container have vent holes? One shipping company said that of course the container has holes in it - this helps prevent condensation from building up. Another said that household goods are always shipped in air tight containers. Which is it?

And what's the story with bubble wrap? On some thread, people cautioned against using shrinkwrap (said it caused the items to be damp). Others said you could use the bubble wrap that has holes in it and you'd be okay?
I'm trying to self-pack a bunch of fragile items in advance. I'd like to individually wrap them in bubble wrap ahead of time but I can't find a bubble wrap product that has air holes. If such a thing exists, where do I buy it? One shipper said you could use regular bubble wrap because the paper in the box would absorb any moisture and the bubble-wrapped item would be okay? Is this true?

Can anyone help straighten this out?

Many thanks!
RoadRunner

[Miffy]

On the container front you can get both types.

The air tight ones are usually used for refridagtion and so the contents can be kept at an even temperature, this is mainly used for shipping food stuffs.

Regular containers are metal and although wont have any holes as such there may well be very small gaps where the metal parts joins.
They are generaly air tight as when containers fall overboard they float in the sea with the top of the container just under the water line (also you may have read about tragic stories of asslym seekers / illegal immigrants stowing away in containers and all dieing due to lack of clean air).

[RoadRunner]

Thanks, Miffy! :nice1

also you may have read about tragic stories of asslym seekers / illegal immigrants stowing away in containers and all dieing due to lack of clean air
:no I had totally forgotten about those stories. Very sad.

[leslie]

everything should be v dry before packed. last agent told us to go inside container, seal door and check for light leaks. any light means trouble. holes for condensation - what a moron

[Danpoll]

theres standard and reefers, standards are 1050sqcubic feet reefers because of the extra linings are 880sqcubft. reefers are cheaper due to being used less.

reefers would be air tight

teabags act as good moisture capturing devices,

Dan