As a leading Chinese manufacturer and exporter of granite memorials, we understand that producing a beautiful monument is only half the battle. The other half is ensuring it arrives at its overseas destination in perfect condition. Granite is heavy, but it is also brittle. Below are the international standards we follow for shipping granite headstones safely across oceans.
1. The Challenges of Transporting Heavy Stone
Granite monuments face two extreme risks during transit: impact shock and abrasion. A single 200kg headstone falling over inside a container can generate several tons of force, chipping edges or cracking the stone entirely. Additionally, moisture from sea humidity can cause rust stains if metal hardware is exposed. Proper memorial packaging must address deadweight inertia, water protection, and vibration dampening simultaneously.
2. Export Quality Wooden Crate Packaging
Standard cardboard or foam wrap is insufficient for international freight. We use heat-treated, fumigation-certified plywood crates that meet ISPM-15 export standards. Each crate is custom-built to the monument's dimensions, with zero internal movement space. Crates are reinforced with galvanized steel strapping at stress points ---- typically four bands per crate for stones under 300kg, and six bands for larger and heavier pieces, like the cover slab. Nail heads are countersunk and taped to prevent scratching adjacent stones during pallet stacking.
3. Securing Polished Surfaces
The polished face of a granite headstone is its most vulnerable area. In our memorial packaging process, we apply three layers of protection:
A.Non-printed, acid-free polyethylene foam sheet directly against the polished surface (printed plastic can transfer ink under pressure).
B.5mm thickness of wood wrapped by polyethylene foam between stone pcs and strip to avoid shaking and chipping when stone touch each pcs.
C.Clear plastic films are used to wrap around the painted carving part to protect it from losing colour. Then we use strong green plastic strips to bind the stones and stop them from moving inside the crate.
When we pack statues, we use soft white EVA foam to fill up the crate so there is no movement inside. All our crates are strong and stable and made of 2cm thickness wood plates.
4. Understanding Freight and Customs
When shipping granite headstones, container loading is as critical as the crate. We use "block and brace" methods: crates are loaded in alternating orientations (base-to-lid) to distribute weight, and inflated airbags are inserted between rows to fill gaps.
For customs, you must declare the harmonized code (HS Code 6802.23) correctly. Ensure the wooden crate heat treatment stamp is visible on all four sides of each package.
We have one colleague in the container yard to supervise the loading process for every container and take photos. Then our salesperson will send these photos to our customers.
