Why it matters: A 200 kg natural stone slab is heavy, fragile, and expensive - one bad bump can crack it. Proper packaging is the difference between a slab arriving pristine or in pieces. Here is how we pack stone for safe worldwide shipping, and what the real risks and liabilities are.
1. A-Frame Wooden Crate Construction
Slabs always ship vertically, never flat. We build custom A-frame crates holding slabs at ~90 degrees, distributing weight evenly. Frames use kiln-dried timber that is ISPM-15 heat-treated (IPPC stamp required for most international shipments) with reinforced cross-beams.
2. Slab Protection Layers
- Polystyrene foam on all edges (corners chip easiest)
- Plastic film wrap to prevent surface scratches
- Rubber pads between bundled slabs
- Steel banding locking slabs to the A-frame
3. Container Loading - FCL vs LCL
| Method | Best for | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| FCL (full container, ~60 slabs) | Large orders | Lowest per-slab; one secure unit |
| LCL (consolidated, ~10-12 slabs) | Small orders | More handling = slightly higher risk |
For FCL, A-frames are bolted to the container floor and braced with timber so nothing moves in ocean transit. Ocean freight runs about $600-800 per container.
4. Cut-to-Size Packaging
For fabricated countertops and tiles: fumigated wooden boxes with foam dividers, each piece separated by styrofoam sheets, palletized for forklift handling, with a detailed packing list (piece counts + dimensions).
5. Insurance & Liability - Know Your Limit
We recommend all-risk marine insurance for high-value shipments. Be aware of the carrier's limit: under the Hague-Visby Rules, a sea carrier's liability is capped at about 666.67 SDR per package or 2 SDR per kg - often far below slab value, which is exactly why separate insurance matters. We provide full docs: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, and loading photos.
Want a shipping cost for your location? Get a quote with packaging included.