#transpakusa

By Leilani Arendell

There’s a rhythm to logistics that’s hard to explain. It doesn’t hum like a machine—it pulses. Quietly. With tension beneath the surface. And the person most attuned to that rhythm? It’s not always the director or the driver. It’s often the logistics coordinator—the one standing at the center, juggling moving parts, catching errors before they cascade, and somehow making sense of chaos that’s constantly in motion.

At TransPak—a global leader in crating, packaging, logistics & design based in the United States—our logistics coordinators don’t just “manage shipments.” They orchestrate outcomes. They’re the glue between engineering, warehouse teams, clients, and carriers. Without them, even the most beautiful crate wouldn’t make it out the door on time.

I spent a day shadowing one of our best. And let me tell you—it’s not a desk job. It’s a real-time problem-solving mission with coffee, calendars, and a dozen blinking notifications all competing for attention.

6:30 AM – Emails Before Sunrise

By the time most of us are starting our first cup of coffee, a logistics coordinator is already scanning inboxes for overnight updates.

“ETA update on the Houston freight forwarder.”

“Client wants to reschedule pickup.”

“Weather delay at port—what’s the backup?”

No drama. Just a quiet sort of urgency. These aren’t theoretical problems. They affect actual shipments, real deadlines, and people counting on something to arrive exactly when promised.

8:00 AM – Warehouse Walkthrough

Logistics isn’t abstract. It’s physical. Our coordinator walks through the warehouse, checking on that oversized transformer crate we’re prepping for rail shipment. It’s huge. And sensitive. Forklift paths are adjusted. Tie-downs double-checked.

“Did we get the custom bracing in for that one?” they ask.

It’s a small question, but the answer affects half a day’s planning. One delay now, and tomorrow’s loadout could slip, cascading across a half-dozen schedules.

10:00 AM – The First Fire

Something always goes sideways. Today it’s a labeling issue. A shipment bound for a client in Sweden was packed perfectly, but one digit in the export document was off. Customs red flag.

It would be easy to point fingers. But logistics doesn’t have time for that. Instead, the coordinator is already calling the freight agent, coordinating with the export compliance team, reissuing docs, and booking a second flight option just in case.

It’s not just about fixing problems. It’s about anticipating second-order impacts and solving before anyone else feels the ripple.

Noon – Client Call (with Curveballs)

A client wants to move up a shipment window—by two days. They’ve got a critical installation and they’re hoping we can “make it happen.”

And maybe we can. But not without recalculating timelines, rerouting a truck, and possibly overnighting some supplies. Our coordinator listens calmly, outlines what’s possible, and commits to confirming options by end of day.

Not a yes. Not a no. Just a maybe, let me check. That space—between kneejerk agreement and cautious delay—is where logistics coordinators live.

2:00 PM – Carrier Coordination

Phone. Laptop. Whiteboard. Air freight and ground carriers are synced up across three time zones. Packaging is being finalized for a massive semiconductor rig that can’t tilt more than 15 degrees during transit.

That sounds like a detail. It’s not. It changes everything—from crate design to how the unit is loaded onto the flatbed.

Our coordinator draws a crude sketch of the crate’s dimensions on a pad and walks it out to the floor team. Just to be sure everyone’s aligned.

Because misalignment doesn’t happen at the meeting table. It happens when someone assumes, instead of confirms.

4:30 PM – Final Checks

As the day wraps, the logistics coordinator returns to the same dashboard they started with—only now it’s updated, slightly less messy, but never quite “done.” One crate just cleared customs. Another is loaded for pickup. A new client inquiry waits in the inbox.

And tomorrow? It begins again. Same pulse. Same unpredictability. Same dance between control and surrender.

Bigger Picture

It’s easy to forget, amidst the spreadsheets and the urgent pings, that this work connects people. It moves critical parts to hospitals. It delivers infrastructure to remote projects. It brings art to galleries, tools to factories, equipment to the field.

That’s the heart of logistics. And it’s why TransPak is proud to be a nominee for the 2025 Go Global Awards, hosted by the International Trade Council this November in London. We don’t just build crates. We enable possibility. We make sure things happen—across continents, industries, and lives.

This award isn’t just a celebration. It’s a gathering of the world’s best business minds—an invitation to share stories, forge connections, and shape what comes next. And we’re honored to be part of that conversation.

Final Thoughts

You don’t often hear “thank you” shouted across a warehouse to the logistics coordinator. But maybe you should.

By Leilani Arendell

There’s a quiet complexity in industrial packaging. It rarely makes headlines, and yet, without it—nothing moves. Or worse, things move wrong. Incorrect dimensions, insufficient support, poor weather protection... even a single oversight can lead to serious consequences. This is especially true when every client, every product, and every environment brings a new set of variables.

At TransPak, a global leader in crating, packaging, logistics & design based in the United States, we’ve come to understand that industrial packaging is never a copy-paste operation. Each client brings a different challenge—and frankly, we like it that way.

Because custom packaging isn’t just a service. It’s a mindset.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Let’s say you’re a manufacturer of industrial chillers, the kind used in massive data centers. You’re preparing to ship a few units overseas. Each unit is slightly different—one has a protruding control module, another uses heavier base plating.

What works for Unit A might fail spectacularly for Unit B.

We’ve seen it. Pallets buckling under misaligned weight distribution. Foam cushioning compressing unevenly. Tie-downs positioned too tight—or worse, too loose. It’s a domino effect. One miscalculation and suddenly, the product arrives damaged, claims are filed, projects are delayed.

That’s where customization comes in.

Starting With the Right Questions

Before we even cut wood or draft a design, we ask a lot of questions. Sometimes too many. What’s the part made of? How is it lifted? Does it need to be visible for inspection? Will it sit in a warehouse? For how long? Coastal humidity or desert sand?

That line of questioning might seem tedious. But buried inside those answers are the design specs that make all the difference.

For example, we once worked with a company shipping high-voltage switchgear to South America. The gear had to pass through several hands—first rail, then ocean freight, then local transport across rough roads. We designed a moisture-sealed crate with shock absorption, a corrosion-resistant lining, and modular access doors for inspection.

It wasn’t pretty. But it worked. Flawlessly.

The Marriage of Engineering and Experience

Custom industrial packaging lives at the intersection of math and instinct. You can run the stress tests, simulate the drop heights, analyze center of gravity—all essential. But sometimes, a seasoned packaging engineer will walk past a crate and just know something’s off.

Maybe the angle of the corner blocks feels wrong. Maybe the lifting zones are too close to the edge. These instincts aren’t random. They’re built from years of working with real-world variables—humidity, loading crews, unpredictable weather.

And honestly, that’s something AI hasn’t cracked. Not yet, anyway.

Industries We Serve (Without Shouting About It)

We’ve done custom industrial packaging for:

Energy infrastructure

Mining equipment

Aerospace tooling

Medical imaging devices

Semiconductor fabs

Automotive prototypes

Each sector comes with its own quirks. We’ve built crates taller than the loading dock. We’ve designed packages that had to float for water-based transit (yes, really). We’ve created packaging with embedded sensors to track jostling.

Every time, it comes down to listening well, designing smart, and building with care.

A Global Conversation

This November, we’re honored that TransPak has been nominated for the 2025 Go Global Awards, hosted by the International Trade Council in London. It’s not just an award ceremony—it’s a gathering of minds. A place to meet global peers, exchange insight, and build collaborations that last.

In our line of work, innovation doesn’t always scream. Sometimes, it hums quietly beneath the surface—like the way a crate absorbs shock in just the right way, or how a modular design cuts load time in half.

These are the stories we’re excited to share. And to hear others tell theirs.

Final Thoughts

Custom packaging doesn’t shout. It doesn’t trend. But it keeps the world running.

When you see an industrial crate, you’re not just looking at wood and nails. You’re looking at problem-solving. At foresight. At the quiet art of making sure nothing goes wrong in transit—even when everything else feels unpredictable.

By Leilani Arendell

Partnerships in business often get reduced to logos on a flyer, or a handshake photo at a press event. But every now and then, a partnership feels like more. Like roots. Like a reflection of shared values. That’s what our relationship with Cal Athletics has become over the years.

At TransPak—a global leader in crating, packaging, logistics & design based in the United States—we don’t just talk about community; we actively find ways to participate in it. And for us, Cal isn’t just a neighbor. It’s part of our story. Our culture. Our growth.

Some things you do because they make good business sense. Others you do because they just feel right.

This is both.

More Than a Sponsorship

Let’s start with the obvious—yes, TransPak supports Cal Athletics. You’ll see our name in the right places. But what makes it special isn’t visibility. It’s alignment.

Cal student-athletes work hard. They play with intention. They train like their futures depend on it—because often, they do. And that spirit mirrors how we think about our own work.

At our core, logistics is about discipline. Precision. Consistency. And when you watch a runner lean into the last stretch of the 400m, or a rower push past exhaustion during training—it reminds you of that same energy. Quiet. Focused. Determined.

Shared Roots, Shared Purpose

We’re proud of our Bay Area heritage. We’re proud that our company’s roots are just down the road from one of the world’s leading public universities. And we’re especially proud that we’ve been able to give back—through internships, mentorships, and shared community efforts.

Over the years, we’ve welcomed Cal students into our design labs and logistics teams. Not just to observe, but to contribute. Some of our most innovative packaging tweaks came from interns with no industry background—just fresh eyes and smart questions.

They didn’t come in asking “How do we do it?” They asked “Why do we do it that way?” And sometimes, that’s where improvement begins.

Engagement Beyond the Game

Supporting Cal Athletics isn’t about the scoreboard. It’s about people. We attend games not just to cheer, but to connect. We invite team members into our spaces. We learn their stories. We ask them to teach us about resilience and teamwork, because those qualities matter on the field—and in our warehouses.

We’ve also collaborated on local service events—packaging donations, supporting food banks, volunteering at youth clinics. Because community isn’t a campaign. It’s a commitment.

A Story Worth Bringing to London

This November, TransPak is proud to be a nominee for the 2025 Go Global Awards, hosted by the International Trade Council in London. This isn’t just about global recognition. It’s about standing in a room with companies who believe, as we do, that logistics isn’t just about moving products—it’s about moving people forward.

Partnerships like ours with Cal Athletics aren’t just footnotes. They’re proof that business and community can grow together. That investment in young talent—whether through sports, academics, or opportunity—creates ripple effects far beyond the moment.

We’re not just attending the Go Global Awards. We’re showing up with stories like this. And we’re proud to tell them.

Final Thoughts

In a world of rapid change and high-stakes delivery, it’s easy to forget the simple things: cheering from the bleachers, mentoring a student, handing off a crate with care.

But those moments—that energy—that’s what makes business human. That’s what makes TransPak more than logistics.

And that’s why this partnership with Cal Athletics means so much to us.

By Leilani Arendell

When people hear that TransPak is family-run, they often picture something quaint. Maybe a small office, a couple of siblings managing operations, handwritten invoices passed across a kitchen table. But TransPak—a global leader in crating, packaging, logistics & design based in the United States—isn’t a small business anymore. Not by a long shot.

And yet, at its core, it still feels like one. That’s the paradox of family leadership. You grow. You globalize. You digitize. But the roots—those personal, sometimes messy, always meaningful connections—stay intact.

I’ve had the privilege of watching this dynamic play out up close. And I’ve come to believe that family in leadership doesn’t just shape a company’s story. It shapes its soul.

Generations at the Helm

Bert Inch Sr. started TransPak in 1952 with little more than grit and vision. But what he really left behind wasn’t just a business model—it was a philosophy: solve real problems, treat people right, stay humble.

That philosophy didn’t fade when the next generation stepped in. It deepened.

Today, the Inch family still guides TransPak forward. But it’s not a dynasty for the sake of legacy. It’s continuity with purpose. A recognition that some of the most enduring values in business—like trust, accountability, and people-first thinking—often begin at home.

Real Conversations in Real Time

I remember a moment during a team offsite. A mid-level manager asked a tough question about resource allocation. The conversation could have easily been deflected or “taken offline.” Instead, a member of the family leadership team leaned forward and said, “Let’s talk about it now. Everyone deserves clarity.”

There was no fanfare. No hierarchy. Just eye contact, transparency, and a willingness to listen. That moment stuck with me.

Because in many family-led businesses, those kinds of conversations are normal. You don’t wait for quarterly reports or formal memos. You talk things through. Right there. Right then.

That approach—human, immediate, maybe even a little imperfect—is part of what makes TransPak feel different.

A Culture That Doesn’t Feel Manufactured

These days, “company culture” is a buzzword. But at TransPak, culture isn’t something you write in a handbook. It’s something you witness—when senior leaders remember warehouse birthdays, when project leads step onto the floor to help, when someone stays late because they want to get it right.

Those small gestures add up.

And while this culture didn’t start because of family leadership alone, it’s been nurtured by it. Protected, even. Especially during moments when outside pressures might have nudged the company toward colder, more corporate decisions.

The Messy Side (That’s Also the Real Side)

Of course, family leadership isn’t always smooth. Disagreements happen. Generational perspectives clash. Sometimes you’re navigating business growth and Thanksgiving dinners with the same people.

But those tensions can be productive, too. They bring perspective. History. A kind of emotional accountability that’s hard to manufacture any other way.

You’re not just answering to shareholders. You’re answering to people you’ve known since you were 12. People who remember when your first “business pitch” involved selling lemonade in the driveway.

That kind of accountability keeps you honest.

And Now—A Global Moment

In November 2025, TransPak will be in London as a nominee for the Go Global Awards, hosted by the International Trade Council. It’s a global gathering of business leaders, innovators, and changemakers from every continent.

For a company like ours—rooted in family, grown through grit, expanded with intention—it’s an opportunity to share not just what we do, but how we do it.

Because the awards aren’t just a celebration. They’re a crossroads. A chance to connect with peers, forge new collaborations, and imagine what’s next in a rapidly evolving world.

And I’d like to think that if Bert Inch Sr. could see it, he’d be proud. Not just of the company’s growth, but of how it’s stayed grounded in its values.

Final Thoughts

There’s a phrase we say around here: “Build it like it’s your own.” That could apply to crates. Or strategies. Or careers.

But when your company is led by family, that phrase takes on a deeper meaning. Because it is your own. And that spirit—of ownership, responsibility, and quiet pride—flows through every pallet, every shipment, every relationship.

By Leilani Arendell

When you think about crating, packaging, logistics, and design, the first things that come to mind are usually machinery, processes, and maybe a few buzzwords about supply chain optimization. What often gets left out? People. The human side of logistics—the ones building the crates, engineering the packaging, managing timelines, lifting, designing, solving, improving—every single day.

At TransPak, a global leader in crating, packaging, logistics & design based in the United States, we’ve always known that our people are the true differentiator. Sure, we’ve got the space, the systems, the tech—but without the hands, minds, and voices behind it all, those things don’t mean much.

That’s why being named a Great Place To Work isn’t just a badge. It’s a reflection of who we are and how we operate—on the floor, in the offices, on the docks, and out in the field. And when our employees speak, we listen.

What Our Team Members Are Saying

You’ll find their testimonials—real words, no fluff—shared through our Great Place To Work submissions and internal stories. And what they consistently highlight isn’t surprising: respect, belonging, pride, and shared purpose.

One team member from our packaging design unit said,

“I’ve worked in manufacturing for 20 years, and this is the first place where the leadership actually asks for our input—and does something with it.”

Another from the crating floor put it more simply:

“I know I matter here. That’s not something I’ve felt at every job.”

There’s honesty in that. And humility. And if we’re being real, not every day is perfect. Logistics can be intense. Crates don’t build themselves. Trucks don’t wait forever. But the culture we’ve built makes it easier to get through those tough days—and to celebrate the wins when they come.

Culture You Can Feel

What does a “great place to work” really mean in an industry like ours? It’s not bean bags and espresso machines. It’s practical. Real. Grounded.

Safety protocols that aren’t just posted—they’re practiced

Leadership that walks the floor

Celebrating milestones—birthdays, promotions, retirements

Mentorship between departments and across age groups

Language inclusivity and on-the-job learning support

Programs for skill development, not just efficiency metrics

That’s the heart of it. It’s not flashy. But it’s deeply felt.

A Quick Story That Stuck With Me

I remember chatting with a logistics coordinator during a team meeting. She started at TransPak as a temp eight years ago. Today, she’s managing key client accounts and mentoring new hires.

She told me, “It wasn’t just that I was given a chance—it was that people believed I’d figure it out, even when I didn’t believe it yet.”

That stayed with me. Because that kind of trust builds something stronger than a resume ever could. It builds ownership. Loyalty. Pride.

Why This Matters for Our Clients

You might ask—what does any of this have to do with the service our clients get?

Everything.

Clients feel it when employees care. When the crate is built with intention. When the packaging is double-checked. When the shipment is followed up—not because someone had to, but because someone wanted to.

It’s part of what makes our work resilient. Human. And accurate.

On a Global Stage

Perhaps this culture—this people-first approach—is also part of why TransPak has been nominated for the 2025 Go Global Awards, happening this November in London, hosted by the International Trade Council. The awards aren’t just about business metrics—they’re about ideas, values, and the people behind them.

Being part of that conversation, among peers from across the globe, is an honor. It’s a reminder that real innovation often comes from people working quietly, consistently, and with care.

Final Thoughts

There’s no packaging innovation without human creativity. No logistics execution without human precision. No progress without human voices.

At TransPak, we’ve built a company where those voices are heard. Where they lead. Where they teach the next generation how to do this work with pride.

By Leilani Arendell

For years, packaging was treated as an afterthought—something necessary, but not strategic. Just a box. Just a crate. Just bubble wrap. But things have changed. Today, more and more enterprise clients are looking at packaging through a new lens: as a measurable part of their ESG strategy.

At TransPak—a global leader in crating, packaging, logistics & design based in the United States—we’ve seen that shift firsthand. ESG—Environmental, Social, and Governance—isn’t just a reporting framework anymore. It’s a business imperative. And smart companies are starting to realize that how they move their products says as much about their values as what they make.

So, how does packaging fit into the ESG conversation? Well, it’s more connected than most people think.

E is for Environmental (and Efficiency)

The “E” in ESG is where packaging gets the most attention. Materials, waste, emissions—these are tangible areas for improvement.

We work with clients who need to ship globally but want to minimize the environmental toll. That might mean switching from single-use crates to reusable designs. It could mean reducing the size of packaging to decrease carbon output from transportation. It might involve selecting materials from sustainable sources—like FSC-certified lumber or recycled content foams.

Sometimes, the solution is deceptively simple. One client was shipping high-value electronics in oversized foam-filled boxes. We re-engineered their packaging with custom-fit cushioning, cutting the volume by 30%. The result? Fewer shipments. Lower freight cost. Fewer emissions.

Small design decisions add up.

S is for Social (and Supply Chain Respect)

Packaging also has a social footprint. How materials are sourced, how labor is treated in the supply chain, how communities are impacted by industrial practices—these are all increasingly relevant.

At TransPak, we look at this through a few lenses. First, where are our raw materials coming from? Are we supporting responsible forestry? Are our vendors transparent?

Second, how do we treat people—internally and externally? Our teams across facilities are trained in safe handling, ergonomics, and efficiency best practices. No one's lifting 150-lb crates without support systems or thoughtful layout. And for our clients, the same principles extend: packaging designed to be easy to unpack, to handle, to reuse. That’s not just logistics. That’s respect for the people using it.

G is for Governance (and Accountability)

Governance is about process, transparency, and responsibility. Packaging might seem like a stretch here, but when you look closely, it’s all connected.

We provide full chain-of-custody tracking for clients who need to demonstrate responsible sourcing. Our systems document packaging design changes over time, allowing clients to show continuous improvement. For clients in regulated industries—like aerospace or pharma—we provide audit trails for packaging compliance, sustainability certifications, and testing protocols.

This is especially important for companies under pressure to prove ESG performance to boards, regulators, and customers. A sustainable packaging program, with real metrics, becomes a concrete part of that story.

Case in Point

One of our enterprise clients—a multinational electronics firm—was preparing their annual ESG report. They needed data not just on operations and products, but on their packaging footprint.

Because we had worked with them for years, we were able to quickly pull reports showing:

Total wood volume used and percentage FSC-certified

Average package size reduction over three years

Return rate of reusable crates

Transportation emissions reductions tied to packaging redesign

That data gave them more than just numbers. It gave them confidence.

And the Bigger Picture

TransPak’s own commitment to ESG is part of what led to our nomination for the 2025 Go Global Awards, to be held this November in London and hosted by the International Trade Council. This event brings together some of the most forward-thinking organizations across industries—not just to be recognized, but to exchange ideas on how business can shape the future.

It’s not just an awards ceremony. It’s a global stage for collaboration. For showing what packaging, logistics, and design can do when they’re aligned with something greater than bottom-line math.

We’re proud to be part of that conversation. And we think packaging—if done right—belongs there too.

Final Thoughts

Packaging might not be the first thing you think of when ESG comes up. But maybe it should be.

Because behind every box is a decision. Behind every crate, a footprint. And behind every package that arrives safely, sustainably, and responsibly—there’s a company that made it happen with intention.

By Leilani Arendell

When most people think of RFID, they imagine retail tags or anti-theft labels—something for tracking jeans or electronics in a store. But in the logistics and packaging world, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) plays a much bigger, often more invisible role. It’s become a quiet powerhouse in helping companies meet customs compliance standards, improve supply chain traceability, and ultimately, reduce costly delays.

At TransPak—a global leader in crating, packaging, logistics & design based in the United States—we’ve seen firsthand how integrating RFID into packaging operations can solve problems long before they arise. Especially in international shipping, where the smallest paperwork issue or tracking gap can bring a shipment grinding to a halt.

The technology itself isn’t new. But how—and where—it’s applied? That’s what makes the difference.

Customs Compliance: It’s Not Just About Labels

Every country has its own rules. What counts as “correctly declared” in one jurisdiction might be rejected in another. And while documentation is still king, customs agents increasingly want to see more than just invoices and barcodes. They want data—and RFID delivers.

For example, RFID tags can be embedded directly into crates or pallets, each carrying a unique ID linked to a database of contents, origin, certifications, and handling instructions. Customs scanners can pull this data without opening the packaging. It saves time, avoids unnecessary inspections, and builds trust in the integrity of the shipment.

We’ve had projects—particularly involving electronics or sensitive machinery—where RFID-tagged crates passed through multiple ports with minimal intervention. That’s not luck. That’s visibility.

Improving Traceability in a Crowded Chain

One of the biggest challenges in global shipping is knowing where things are—and proving where they’ve been. RFID brings that visibility. Unlike barcode systems, which require line-of-sight scanning, RFID works wirelessly, often at a distance and through materials. This means:

Faster, automated check-ins at every transit point

Reduced manual error from mislabeled or mis-scanned items

Real-time updates across connected logistics platforms

Improved recall accuracy if a component defect is discovered post-delivery

Imagine you’re moving 500 identical crates of semiconductors. Only 20 contain the latest generation chips. With RFID, you don’t need to open or scan each one. You just query the system—and locate them instantly.

It’s efficiency. But it’s also risk reduction.

An Example from the Field

A few years back, we worked with a client in the medical device sector shipping equipment to multiple hospitals across Southeast Asia. Each unit needed to arrive with exact calibration tools, documentation, and compliance tags—no mix-ups allowed.

We tagged every crate with RFID chips embedded in moisture-proof sleeves, encoded with serial numbers, lot codes, and device configurations. Customs officials at each stop were able to verify contents without unpacking.

More importantly, when one hospital later reported a firmware issue, we used the RFID logs to trace that specific device’s full shipping history—down to time and date stamps at each transfer point. That kind of traceability would’ve been impossible with paper logs alone.

RFID at TransPak: Not Just a Tech Add-On

At TransPak, RFID isn’t a one-size-fits-all tool. We use it strategically—where it makes sense, where it brings value, and where it helps our customers meet goals around speed, compliance, and insight.

That might mean embedding tags in crate panels, labeling pallets with RFID-enabled shipping forms, or integrating readers at outbound docks for instant verification.

We also work closely with our clients’ own systems to ensure compatibility. Because RFID is most powerful when it becomes part of a larger data ecosystem.

A Global Stage for Smart Logistics

It’s innovations like these—quiet, behind-the-scenes upgrades that change outcomes—that contribute to why TransPak is honored to be nominated for the 2025 Go Global Awards, hosted by the International Trade Council this November in London.

These awards are more than a spotlight. They’re a stage where global logistics leaders exchange ideas that push industries forward. Where a conversation about something as “invisible” as RFID can turn into a competitive edge.

We’re proud to be part of that conversation.

Final Thoughts

RFID doesn’t shout. It whispers.

But in the right hands—and the right supply chain—it tells the whole story. Of where something came from. Where it’s going. What it’s worth. And how to get it there without the usual noise and friction.

By Leilani Arendell

Let’s be honest—no one wakes up excited about packaging certifications. But if you’ve ever been on the receiving end of a damaged shipment, you quickly learn why those acronyms matter. One of the most important ones in our world? ISTA—the International Safe Transit Association.

At TransPak, a global leader in crating, packaging, logistics & design based in the United States, we deal with ISTA standards every day. We don’t treat them as a formality or a checkbox. We treat them as what they are: a system built to simulate the unpredictable, often unforgiving reality of global transit. A system that, when applied correctly, drastically reduces the risk of loss, delays, and damage claims.

And in an industry where speed and precision often matter more than second chances—there isn’t much room for error.

What is ISTA Certification?

ISTA-certified packaging has passed a series of rigorous, lab-based tests that simulate real-world shipping conditions. This includes:

Shock (like accidental drops)

Vibration (think long-haul trucking or rail movement)

Compression (stacked freight, tight containers)

Temperature and humidity fluctuations

Repetitive handling

There are different levels and test types depending on the product, weight, fragility, and transport mode. But at its core, ISTA testing answers a simple question: Will this packaging hold up in transit?

Because if it won’t—well, better to find out in a lab than in customs clearance 8,000 miles away.

Real-World Stakes

We once had a client shipping a batch of industrial control units overseas. The original packaging was “tough-looking”—lots of tape, heavy cardboard, and foam. But it wasn’t ISTA-tested.

On the first batch, 3 out of 20 units arrived with internal impact damage. Not catastrophic—but enough to delay the project. The client turned to us, and we re-engineered the packaging to pass ISTA-2A testing for their shipping class.

Since then? Zero failures. And more importantly, zero lost time.

It’s not magic. It’s process.

Why It Matters to Businesses

Every damage claim has ripple effects:

Wasted time on returns and replacements

Reputational damage with your end customer

Internal paperwork headaches and insurance negotiations

And often—tight margins getting tighter

ISTA certification helps avoid all that. It also helps prove due diligence—so if something does go wrong, you have a data-backed defense showing your packaging met best practices.

It’s not just about protection. It’s about trust.

TransPak’s ISTA Lab

What sets TransPak apart is that we don’t just use ISTA standards—we test for them in-house. Our dedicated ISTA-certified lab replicates transit conditions with specialized equipment, from vibration tables to drop testers.

This means we can rapidly prototype and validate packaging for even the most sensitive or high-value items. It also means our clients don’t have to ship samples out for third-party testing, wait weeks, and cross fingers.

We’ve helped aerospace firms, electronics manufacturers, and medical device companies lock in packaging that passed tests on the first try—because we ran those simulations side by side with design.

From Theory to Go Global

So yes, it’s just packaging. But behind every successful shipment is an unseen network of tests, protocols, and preventative thinking.

That kind of work is exactly why TransPak is a nominee for the 2025 Go Global Awards, happening in London this November and hosted by the International Trade Council. This event isn’t just about success stories—it’s about the systems that quietly power global trade.

ISTA certification might not grab headlines, but in our experience, it’s one of those rare details that separates good logistics from great logistics.

We’re proud to be part of that global conversation.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes the best outcome in packaging is nothing at all. No claims. No callbacks. No issues.

That’s the invisible power of ISTA-certified packaging. It’s not about what goes wrong. It’s about what doesn’t.

At TransPak, we believe in investing in those invisible wins. Because when cargo arrives exactly as it should—on time, intact, unquestioned—that’s where real logistics happens.

#TransPakUSA #ISTACertified #PackagingThatProtects #DamageFreeShipping #LogisticsExcellence #ProductIntegrity #TestedInTransit #GlobalTradeSupport #GoGlobalAwards2025 #InternationalTradeCouncil #ZeroClaimsLogistics

Warehouse tour: how 300k+ sq ft of efficiency looks in action

By Leilani Arendell

Warehouses. The term might conjure up images of towering racks, forklifts zipping around, and boxes—lots of boxes. But if you’ve ever worked in or even just visited a truly optimized warehouse, you’ll know it’s something more than just square footage and shelving. It’s movement. It’s systems working in sync. It’s where timing and precision quietly shape the success of everything that follows.

At TransPak, a global leader in crating, packaging, logistics & design based in the United States, our facilities span more than 300,000 square feet across key hubs. That sounds impressive—and sure, scale matters—but what really sets us apart is how we use the space. Because space without strategy is just...space.

If you walked through one of our warehouses, you might not notice every detail at first glance. That’s the point. True operational excellence often feels invisible when it’s working.

Step Inside the Flow

The first thing you’d probably notice is the sense of flow. Materials arrive. Products move through workstations. Custom crates get built. Packages are staged. Shipments go out.

But none of it feels rushed. Or messy. That’s not an accident.

We’ve spent years refining layout, tooling, and processes so every inch serves a purpose. Forklift routes are calculated to avoid congestion. Kitting areas are placed near dispatch. High-turnover items live closer to entry points. There’s even designated space for special projects that require isolation or extra handling protocols.

A warehouse isn’t just storage. It’s a living system.

Custom Zones, Real Work

You’ll see more than just pallet racks and plywood stacks. Our warehouses are designed to handle everything from high-volume packaging runs to delicate prototypes.

Here’s a glimpse:

Kitting Zones – Teams assemble client-specific kits with every tool and component needed, all in one go.

Crating Bays – Custom wood crates are built onsite, tailored to the dimensions and specs of the cargo.

Test Areas – For clients needing drop testing, vibration analysis, or environmental protection simulations.

Staging Lanes – Finalized shipments are queued here for fast dispatch, often with real-time scanning and GPS tracking.

Climate-Controlled Zones – Some components need more than just protection—they need exact temperatures.

Each of these areas operates semi-independently, but all under one roof. That’s where flexibility comes in. Some days we’re crating aircraft parts. Others, we’re staging entire data center deployments. The warehouse adapts to the work, not the other way around.

Example in Motion

A few months back, we handled a project involving dozens of medical-grade cooling units destined for overseas clinics. The equipment was sensitive—not just to impact, but to temperature and humidity. We used our climate-controlled bays to stabilize each unit before packaging. We then created moisture-protected crates with shock indicators and specific labels for customs clearance.

The entire process, from intake to outbound shipping, was managed inside one warehouse—without ever needing to shift locations. That kind of control is what allows us to guarantee timelines and reduce risk.

Space Enables Scale

Why does this matter? Because when supply chains are strained and customers want faster delivery with zero error, you can’t improvise your way through it. You need real capacity—physical and operational.

With more than 300,000 square feet at our disposal, we’re not just reacting to orders. We’re anticipating them. Storing materials for recurring clients. Pre-building crates in standard specs. Planning seasonal inventory movement before it spikes.

That’s the kind of readiness global clients expect—and it’s part of why TransPak is honored to be a nominee for the 2025 Go Global Awards. Hosted by the International Trade Council this November in London, it’s not just about prestige. It’s a moment to join peers around the world who understand that innovation sometimes looks like software—and sometimes looks like 300,000 square feet of clarity, discipline, and well-placed forklifts.

Final Thoughts

A warehouse, done right, isn’t chaotic. It’s almost quiet. Not because nothing’s happening—but because everything’s working.

At TransPak, our warehouses are more than storage—they’re where promise meets practice. Where what’s planned on paper becomes something solid, well-packed, and on the move.