How to load one container with acrylic, PVC board and roll media
A practical guide to consolidating sheets and rolls in one 20 ft or 40 ft container: weight limits, pallet layout, protection and paperwork.
Short answerLoad heavy sheet pallets along the floor first, keep the payload under about 20 tonnes, then fill the space above with lighter rolls of vinyl, flex and film. Use steel pallets and edge protectors for sheets, and list every SKU on one packing list so customs clears it as one shipment.
Most sign shops and distributors need several materials, not a full container of one. Consolidating them in a single container cuts freight per kilogram, reduces inventory risk and simplifies paperwork.
Plan around weight, then volume
Acrylic and rigid PVC are dense; rolls are light and bulky. A container filled only with sheet hits its weight limit with empty space overhead. Filling that space with rolls adds value without much weight.
A typical 40 ft layout
- Floor: acrylic and rigid PVC on steel pallets, heaviest at the centre of the container over the axles.
- Second layer: PVC foam board pallets, which are lighter and stack safely.
- Top and gaps: cartons of vinyl, PP paper, lamination film and flex rolls.
Protecting sheets on the water
- Steel pallets rather than wood: no chipped corners, no fumigation issues.
- PE film or kraft masking on every sheet, stretch-wrapped and strapped.
- Corner and edge protectors, plus desiccant bags against condensation.
Paperwork
One commercial invoice and packing list, with each product line, HS code, net and gross weight. We prepare certificates of origin and SGS reports on request.
Get a loading plan
Send your product list through our inquiry form. We return the price, the container fill and a loading sketch together.
Frequently asked questions
Is a mixed container more expensive to clear through customs?
Not usually. Each product line needs its own HS code on the invoice, but it is one bill of lading and one clearance.
What is the minimum per item in a mixed load?
For us: 2 tonnes for standard acrylic or PVC board, and around 50 rolls per roll-media item.
Tags: Logistics Buying guide
