# Packing and Shipping Granite Monuments: What to Plan

> Review a mixed-order loading example, crate requirements and the information buyers should confirm on the signed packing list.

Source: [Packing and Shipping Granite Monuments: What to Plan](https://www.cnmonuments.com/how-we-work/packaging-shipping/)

Language: en

Packing guide

Start with the sizes and weights of the pieces you want to ship. Then agree on the crates, protection, route and delivery point. The packing and loading plan needs to fit your order, so confirm it before booking freight.

## Short answer

Before booking freight, agree on how the pieces will be packed and labelled, which checks you want before shipment and how the crates will be loaded. Confirm delivery terms, the named port or address, the shipping documents and who will receive the goods.

## 1. Information needed before the packing plan

- [Approved drawing](https://www.cnmonuments.com/how-we-work/cad-design-capabilities/), material, finish and quantity for every piece.
- Actual dimensions and weight of the monument, base and accessories.
- Handling limits at the factory, ports, warehouse and final destination.
- Destination-country wood-packaging rules and any buyer or cemetery requirements.
- Agreed transport scope, named place and current carrier requirements.

## 2. What to check before the crates are closed

| Checkpoint | What to check together |
| --- | --- |
| Piece identification | Drawing number, material, dimensions and crate mark match the packing list. |
| Finished surfaces and edges | Protection method is selected for the actual profile, finish and contact points. |
| Crate and supports | Crate structure, internal blocking and lifting method are reviewed for the actual weight and handling route. |
| Marks and weights | Piece count, net weight, gross weight and handling marks are checked before dispatch. |
| Loading record | Photos or video show crate condition, placement, securing and container seal when applicable. |

## 3. Wood packaging and ISPM 15

The IPPC states that ISPM 15 covers phytosanitary measures for wood packaging material made from raw wood, including dunnage, while processed materials such as plywood may fall outside that scope. The applicable treatment, marking and entry requirements must be confirmed for the destination before packing. ISPM 15 addresses pest risk; it does not by itself prove that a crate is structurally suitable for a heavy stone product.

## 4. Incoterms® and the named place

ICC describes Incoterms® rules as definitions used in sales contracts to clarify the delivery tasks, costs and risks allocated between seller and buyer. The quotation and contract should state the selected rule and the precise named place or port. An Incoterms® rule does not replace product specifications, customs classification, insurance terms or a written damage procedure.

## 5. Work out the container load for your order

There is no universal number of monuments per container. The loading plan is calculated from actual pieces, crate dimensions, gross weights, weight distribution, lifting access, carrier limits and route requirements. The IMO/ILO/UNECE CTU Code provides non-mandatory guidance on packing and securing cargo transport units; current legal and carrier requirements still need to be checked for the shipment.

Large or mixed programs need form-specific inputs. Review [wholesale headstone blanks](https://www.cnmonuments.com/wholesale-monuments/north-american-style/monument-blanks/) for multi-form blank schedules and [granite grave ledgers](https://www.cnmonuments.com/wholesale-monuments/north-american-style/granite-grave-ledgers/) for full-length cover-stone handling details.

## 6. Photos and records for shipping and receiving

- Confirm the approved drawing and packing list against every marked piece.
- Record visible finished surfaces, edges, crate condition and loading arrangement.
- Confirm document responsibilities and timing before the carrier booking.
- At receipt, follow safe unloading procedures and record the seal, crates and any visible damage before disposal of evidence.
- If damage is suspected, notify the carrier, insurer and contractual parties within the applicable time and preserve supporting records.

## Questions from monument importers

### Does Boda Stone offer door-to-door delivery?

Transport scope and destination services are confirmed for each quotation and route. Door-to-door or DDP service is available only when it is included in the order-specific quotation.

### Which shipping documents are supplied?

The order-specific document list is confirmed before booking. It may include the commercial invoice, packing list and carrier transport document, plus any destination-specific documents that the responsible parties have agreed.

### How many monuments fit in one container?

There is no safe fixed number. Quantity is calculated from the approved pieces, crates, weights, load distribution and current transport limits.

### Does an ISPM 15 mark guarantee safe stone packing?

No. ISPM 15 concerns phytosanitary risk for covered raw-wood packaging. Structural packing, blocking, handling and securing must be designed and checked separately for the actual cargo.

## Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-08-01. Requirements can change; confirm the current rule and carrier instruction for the actual shipment.

- [International Plant Protection Convention — ISPM 15](https://www.ippc.int/en/publications/640/)
- [International Chamber of Commerce — Incoterms® rules](https://iccwbo.org/business-solutions/incoterms-rules/)
- [International Maritime Organization — CTU Code](https://www.imo.org/en/ourwork/safety/pages/ctu-code.aspx)

**Technically reviewed by [William Jiang](https://www.cnmonuments.com/about-boda-stone/william-jiang/), General Manager of Boda Stone.**

More than 20 years of experience in granite materials, monument production, carving, finished-product inspection and customer requirements. [LinkedIn profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jiang-william-464a0035/).

## Discuss an order-specific packing plan

Send the approved drawing, material, quantity, piece dimensions, finish, destination and requested trade term for review.

 [Contact Boda Stone](https://www.cnmonuments.com/contact-us/)

Mixed shipments

## Mixed-order packing: buyer checks

Prepare the product schedule first, then confirm the crates, weights and loading arrangement required for your order.

### Can different monument products travel in the same container?

**Yes. A mixed order can be reviewed using the dimensions, quantities and packing requirements of every product.**

The mix may include headstones, bases or kerbs, stone benches, columbarium components, carvings and related pieces. It must be checked for crate size, gross weight, fragile projections, handling access, support, securing and the destination route.

[Prepare a mixed-order inquiry →](https://www.cnmonuments.com/buyer-guides/monument-inquiry-pack/#inquiry-form)

### How are mixed stone products packed?

**Use order-specific wooden crates or timber frames with protection and supports suited to each component.**

Finished surfaces need suitable separation. Heavy bases, slender slabs and projecting carving details need different support arrangements. Keep matching components traceable through piece marks and the crate list. Stacking is allowed only where the crates and cargo are suitable for the loads.

### 20-foot mixed-order loading example

This example illustrates how different monument products can be organized for a 20-foot container. Final quantities, crate dimensions, gross weight, load distribution and shipment identifiers must be confirmed on the signed packing list and loading record for each order.

### What can the mixed-order example show?

**It shows how several product types can be considered together during a 20-foot container loading review.**

Use the example to discuss product mix and crate layout. The signed packing list and loading record must confirm the final pieces, crate details, gross weights and shipment identifiers for the actual order.

| Check | Order record |
| --- | --- |
| Products and quantities | Piece-level packing list |
| Crate identification | Crate IDs and contents |
| Packed dimensions | External length, width and height |
| Weight | Net and gross weight per crate |
| Loading plan | Position, support, restraint and handling sequence |

### Does unused container space mean more stone can be loaded?

**No. A dense stone shipment can reach weight or handling limits before the container volume is full.**

Available space alone does not establish safe loading capacity. Confirm packed external dimensions, gross weights, weight distribution, floor and stacking limits, door clearance and route requirements. Every item must be identified on the final packing list.

### What dimensions should I use for a 20-foot container?

**Use the dimensions and weight limits for the actual container and booking, including the door opening.**

As a reference, Hapag-Lloyd lists one standard example with internal dimensions of 5,900 × 2,352 × 2,395 mm and a 2,340 × 2,292 mm door opening. The carrier notes that equipment varies. Internal height is not the same as door clearance.

[Check the carrier’s equipment reference →](https://www.hapag-lloyd.com/en/services-information/cargo-fleet/container/20-standard.html)

### What should the final packing and loading record show?

**It should connect each piece and crate to the packing list and show how the actual shipment was prepared.**

Agree crate IDs, contents, external dimensions, net and gross weights, handling marks, packing photos and the loading sequence. The signed packing list and loading record should confirm the final container and seal details for the shipment.

Updated September 18, 2026 · Boda Stone buyer resources

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