Packing, Labeling and Marking (PLM)

Packing, Labeling and Marking (PLM)

Packing:

Objective –

1) Prevent packages from mixing with other consignment.

2) Prevent loss in transit.

3) For easy handling

4) To put marking on packages.

Section 98 of Railway Act: - According to this section, goods should be properly packed. If packages are in defective condition remark should be obtained on the Forwarding Note. The same remark should be written on Railway Receipt. In such conditions Railway is not responsible for loss in transit, but Railway Administration will be responsible for loss due to misconduct or negligence on the part of Railway employees.

Packing Condition-

Packing conditions are given in the General Classification of Goods Book. Specific packing conditions are denoted with ‘P’. Specific Packing conditions are of six types. Also to ensure safety of goods in transit special packing conditions are prescribed. Special packing conditions are denoted with ‘S’ in General Classification of Goods. These are of three types. At the time of accepting goods for booking and carriage concerned Railway employees should examine the packing condition of goods. Non compliance of packing condition may result in damage of goods. If any defect is noticed at the time of acceptance of Goods. Such remark should be obtained on the forwarding Note and same should be written on Railway Receipt as well.

Packing conditions are divided into three categories:

1) General Packing Condition:-

a. The packing conditions prescribed are minimum desirable. Commodities offered with better                packing conditions shall be accepted.

b. Things such as Bags, Cases, Cartoons, Tins, Drums etc. used for packing should be of good                quality.

c. For dangerous goods, packing conditions given in Red Tariff must be strictly complied with.

2) Specific Packing Conditions:-

i. P1:- For Bagged consignment- Such as Cement, Chemical manures, Food grains and pulses, Flour, Groceries etc. These should be surely packed in gunny bags/paper bags/high density polythene bags/synthetic bags etc.

ii. P2:- For Loose / Bulk consignment-

a. For Coal, Coke, Gypsum, Lime stone, Dolomite, Pig-iron, Stones etc. No specific packing conditions are applicable.

b. Bamboos, Coir, Pipes, Fodder, and Sugarcane etc. should be securely tied in bundles.

iii. P3:- Cotton and other textiles, Handloom products etc. should be surely packed in bales, boxes etc.

iv. P4:- Soap , Machinery and machinery tools, Electrical appliances Milk products etc. should be packed in ply wood / wooden case / cardboard boxes / cartoons / baskets.

v. P5:- Liquid items such as Edible oil, Bitumen etc should be packed in leak proof Tins, Containers, and Drums etc.

vi. P6:- Applicable for Motor vehicles.

a. There should be no oil or gas in vehicles.

b. Detachable fittings should be separately packed.

3) Special Packing Conditions:-

a. S-1 :- For metal scrap- a certificate ‘free from explosives’ should be accompanied at the time of booking.

b. S-2:- For Food grains and pulses – Each door of wagon should be protected with dunnage (crushed Sugarcane, Paddy husk etc.) bags.

c. S-3:- For Salt (For Human consumption) – On the forwarding note a declaration should be given that the salt is not intended for industrial use.

Labeling:-

Objectives:-

i. To indicate the type of commodity loaded in the wagon/package

ii. To reach the consignment to correct destination.

Type of Labels:-

1. Instructional Labels: - On this label, instructions regarding handling of package are given through instructions.

2. Pictorial Labels: - On this label, directions regarding handling of packages are given through pictures.

3. Paste- on- Labels: - Booking particulars are written on this label and it is pasted on wagon door from inside. After unloading of goods at destination station, this label should be removed. With the help of this label, unconnected wagons can be connected.

4. Pocket Label: - Four pocket labels are prepared for each wagon. Out of which two are kept in the outside pockets of the wagon and remaining two in the inside pockets of the wagon.

5. Seal Cards: - Seal cards are tied on doors of covered wagons, on which seals are affixed. Complete booking particulars are written on seal cards and pocket labels.

Types of pocket labels and seal cards:-

1. For General goods

2. For Dangerous goods

3. For Perishable goods

4. For Coal

5. For crane consignments

6. For weighment on weighing machines en-route

7. Bradma labels

Marking:-

Objectives:-

i. To reach the consignment to correct destination.

ii. To connect packages with correct consignment.

iii. To prevent mixing of packages

iv. To connect the consignment with correct Railway Receipt.

Types of marking:-

1. Private Marking: - This marking should be done by consignor on all packages showing names and address of Consignor & Consignee, name of Forwarding & Destination station, Trademark, Number of packages etc.

2. Railway Marking :- This marking is done by railway employees in the following manner :-

a. Name of the Forwarding station in code.

b. Complete Railway receipt no.

c. Number of packages

d. Full name of Destination station and Zonal Railway.

e. Route / via

f. Date of booking.

In case of small consignment marking is done on all the packages. In case of wagon load consignments, at small station marking should be done on 20% package and at large station on 10% packages. Packages with marking should be kept near the doors of wagon. Old marking should be obliterated at the time of marking. If marking cannot be done on packages labels should be used.

Importance of Packing, Labeling, Marking:-

By complying with rules of PLM, packages or wagons can be dispatched to the correct destination at the earliest. Delivery can be granted to the correct person, thereby reducing claims on Railway and improving its financial condition.