Cardboard tubes, while incredibly useful and versatile in many applications, do not travel well at sea. There are several reasons why this is the case, including the vulnerability of the tubes to moisture, the potential for crushing or denting during shipping, and the risk of damage during loading and unloading. In this article, we will explore each of these factors in more detail, and discuss why cardboard tubes are not the best choice for ocean transport.
Moisture Vulnerability
One of the primary reasons why cardboard tubes do not travel well at sea is their vulnerability to moisture. Cardboard is made from wood pulp, which is naturally absorbent and prone to swelling when exposed to water. This means that if cardboard tubes are exposed to even a small amount of moisture during transit, they can quickly become damaged or unusable.
When cardboard tubes are shipped by sea, they are typically packed in containers or on pallets, which are then loaded onto cargo ships. These containers and pallets are often exposed to moisture during loading and unloading, as well as during the journey itself, as the ship moves through humid ocean air. Even if the tubes are wrapped in plastic or other protective materials, there is still a risk that moisture will find its way in and cause damage.
Crushing and Denting
Another issue that can arise when shipping cardboard tubes by sea is the potential for crushing or denting. Cardboard tubes are not particularly strong, and they can easily be compressed or bent out of shape if they are subjected to pressure or impact during transit. This can be especially problematic when tubes are packed tightly together in a container or on a pallet, as any movement or shifting during the journey can cause them to become damaged.
In addition to the risk of crushing or denting during shipping, there is also a risk of damage during loading and unloading. When cargo ships are loaded and unloaded, containers and pallets are often stacked on top of each other or moved around using heavy machinery. This can result in tubes being dropped or bumped, which can cause them to become damaged or unusable.
Loading and Unloading Risks
Finally, there is the risk of damage to cardboard tubes during loading and unloading. When containers and pallets are loaded onto cargo ships, they are often subjected to rough handling and rough terrain. This can cause tubes to shift or become dislodged, which can lead to damage or even loss of the tubes.
Similarly, when containers and pallets are unloaded from cargo ships, they may be subjected to similar risks. If the tubes are not properly secured or protected during the unloading process, they may be dropped or bumped, which can result in damage or loss.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cardboard tubes do not travel well at sea for a variety of reasons. The vulnerability of the tubes to moisture, the potential for crushing or denting during shipping, and the risk of damage during loading and unloading all contribute to the difficulties of shipping these products. While cardboard tubes may be suitable for other types of transportation, such as land or air transport, they are not the best choice for ocean transport. If you need to transport cardboard tubes over long distances, it is important to take these factors into account and choose a transportation method that is better suited to the needs of your product.
