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Baldwin (1981) suggests the extent of packing needed is closely related to the relative locations of a plywood factory and its main customers. Train boxcars give such good protection that plywood in large lots need scarcely be packaged at all. Of course, movement in the car must be prevented, corners must be protected and soiling especially of the top and bottom sheets must be avoided. Similar condition apply to transport by trucks, provided rain proof tarpaulins are effective. In addition panel edges must be protected against indentation from the hold-down ropes or cable.
Pre-finished plywood requires a much higher degree of protection. It is often shipped in strong paper board containers usually with a sheet of soft paper on each finished surface, such protection is essential for melamine overlaid panels. The paper may be self adherent or replaced by a skin like plastic membrane which is sprayed on and can easily be peeled off later.
For shipment involving much handing, such as sea transport, crating is still the most common form of packaging
Packaging of veneer is basically similar to that of panels, although the quality of protecting may have to increase with the value of the contents. Rotary cut veneers often pose problems of bulking up because sheets can be wavy and distorted. They then have to be compressed to give a compact package.