Chennaibest.com spoke to S Dhanasekharan, Vivekananda Packers and Movers, who have been in the business of packaging goods (both shipping and air cargo) for leading Movers in Chennai for the past 15-18 years.

We cater to both these segments. Approximately 30% of business is from the household segment and the rest, 70% is industrial.

Cottage Industries. And some of the furniture firms in Spencer Plaza. As far as the air cargo segment is concerned we get some offers from IATA-approved agents.

Most often we use wood. Most of the wood that is used for packing is imported wood. We buy it from dealers and stock it in bulk. It all depends on the type of goods that are transported. For fragile items also, it varies with the mode of transportation. For Air cargo we make lightweight wooden boxes. Machinery and heavy equipment do not need to be packed air-tight. So crates are used for this. Certain type of material need air-tight packaging. Apart from wood, we need polythene sheets, nails, plastic strapping and steel strapping.

How do you ensure that the package is waterproof?

We use polythene sheets, as an inner lining. Sometimes thermocol is used. Air bubbles are used for packing lens and other equipment.

Yes. They have to be handled with care. For pets, we make cages. They are fed through the cage. For smaller creatures like parrots, we have baskets.

It depends on the rates for the air cargo and shipping. For air cargo, it is based on the weight of the goods that needs to be transported. It is calculated in kilograms. Also, the rates differ for various countries. As far as shipping is concerned, it is calculated in units of cubic metres. It all depends on the amount of floor space that a particular box occupies.

What are the profit margins in this industry?

Since we undertake assignments for some of the major Movers and Packers, it works out to 25% of the total profits. As far as this particular segment (Packaging) is concerned, it is extremely competitive. Atleast in Chennai.

I can see a particular pattern emerging for the household sector. Most of it is in March-April. Most of them shift their residences at that time.

Address: Vivekananda Packers and Movers, 12, St. Marys Road, Mandaveli, Chennai
Phone: 494 1127

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