How to Properly Pack and Ship Server Racks for Safe Delivery

What are the critical considerations when packing server racks for transportation?

Server rack shipping plays a large part in data centre relocation. Data centre relocation involves the movement of critical IT equipment that makes up a data centre from one location to another, sometimes even within the same building, and that equipment includes server racks. Because server racks are often the most expensive equipment in a data centre, both in terms of the cost of replacement and the cost of lost data in the event of damage or theft, safe delivery of server racks is critical to data centre relocation.

Server racks are sensitive electronic equipment. That means they need to be delivered without being exposed to excessive heat or cold, humidity, precipitation, or excessive dust. They may not be able to be safely tipped or tilted sideways past a certain point. Even small impacts during handling or transit can cause damage, so special care has to be taken to ensure server racks and the data they contain arrives intact.

Sometimes the best way to account for all the intangibles of server rack shipping is to hire an experienced company. An experienced company handles with care and secures server racks appropriately for transit, chooses the right packaging materials for the job rather than using a boilerplate solution, and delivers quickly to reduce downtime.

 

What types of packaging materials and techniques are best suited for protecting server racks during shipping?

There’s no right way to facilitate safe server rack transportation as not all packaging materials and techniques are created equal. Here are some packing and shipping tips that can help get your server racks where they need to go intact.

Since servers are all different sizes, shapes, and weights, the crates they’re shipped in should vary, too. Custom crates or crates that are designed specifically for your servers’ specs can help ensure the safe delivery of server racks.

Bubble wrap is one of the most popular cushioning materials for server rack packing, and it’s not just because it’s fun. This type of material uses pockets of air to help reduce the risk of damage to items being shipped. It’s easy to obtain, cost-effective, and flexible to fit any size or shape of rack, and because it works well, it’s commonly used to wrap racks before they’re placed inside well-fitted crates.

Shipping blankets may be utilised to wrap crates to reduce the force of impact taken in transit. They may even be used if the rack is crated to help reduce any impact that occurs during transit. Professional logistics companies that specialise in sensitive equipment. like server racks, oftentimes use custom shipping blankets to fit specific sizes of crates.

Edge protection is another important component in server rack shipping. Any time sensitive freight has hard, sharp corners, so protecting those corners can help reduce the risk of damage. Edge protection often comes in the form of simple cardboard corners that are either shrink-wrapped or strapped to the product.

 

Are there any special requirements or regulations for shipping server racks, particularly international shipments?

As is the case with any shipment from one place to another, it’s important to follow all local, national, and international shipping and import/export regulations to ensure the smooth and safe delivery of server racks. That may mean double-checking for regulations that specifically apply to IT equipment shipping.

While this isn’t a regulatory requirement involved in the actual logistics of server rack transportation, companies must consider the security of data when they’re shipping server racks. If the data contained on the server racks is sensitive in any way, or even more importantly, classified due to government contracts, security in transit is paramount.

 

What steps should be taken to ensure the safe delivery of server racks to their destination?

The first step companies should take in server rack packing is preparing and obtaining packaging materials. Server rack packing often occurs on-site, and if a 3PL is handling the move, they may wish to test packaging before the actual move is scheduled. This helps make sure the equipment will be safe in transit and reduce the chances of delays.

Just before the move, the equipment must be disconnected from the original data centre. Cables should also be carefully organised and packed for transit to, again, avoid any delays.

Next, the equipment should be packed carefully. Server rack protection often involves wrapping in cushioning material, crating, then incorporating additional protection to the crates for safer transit.

After the equipment is packed, it’s moved to the truck for transportation. Each individual rack should be carefully strapped to the sides of the trailer to avoid shifting and damage in transit. Relying on a full load to stop motion from occurring is not a great idea when you’re dealing with equipment as sensitive and expensive as server racks. Server racks are often packed on trucks with lift gates to ensure they aren’t jostled during docking.

Then, transit ensues. The truck driver should be well aware that they are carrying sensitive freight (both physically and in terms of timeliness) and should therefore take extra care. If it’s a long move, gated yards or other security measures may be recommended for layovers. Air freight services may also be suggested for longer trips to reduce downtime, which means more transfers where handlers must be extra careful with server racks.

Finally, the server racks arrive at their destination. Racks must be moved carefully and swiftly into their new data centre to avoid exposure to the elements or security risks. An experienced 3PL will ensure movers have pre-arranged access to the facility. Server racks can be uncrated, installed, and connected once they’ve arrived.

 

List of Steps for the Proper Shipping of Server Racks

By following these steps, you can ensure that your server racks are shipped safely and arrive at their destination in good condition.

1. Choose appropriate packaging materials: Select packaging materials that are strong enough to support the weight of the server racks and provide sufficient protection against damage during transportation. This may include foam padding, bubble wrap, and sturdy cardboard boxes.
   
   
2. Disassemble the server racks: Disassembling the server racks into smaller pieces, if possible, will make them easier to transport and reduce the risk of damage. Keep track of all the screws, bolts, and other small parts in labelled bags or containers.
   
   
3. Secure the loose components: Secure any loose components that cannot be disassembled, such as power supplies or fans, using foam padding or bubble wrap to prevent them from moving around during transit.
   
   
4. Label and document: Clearly label all parts of the server racks and document any special handling instructions or precautions that need to be taken.
   
   
5. Choose a reliable carrier: Select a reputable shipping carrier with experience handling fragile or valuable equipment. Consider using a specialised logistics company that has expertise in handling high-value and sensitive shipments.
   
   
6. Schedule pickup and delivery: Coordinate pickup and delivery times with the carrier or logistics company to ensure a smooth and timely transport of the server racks.
   
   
7. Monitor the shipment: Track the shipment throughout its journey to ensure it arrives at its destination on time and in good condition.
   
   
8. Inspect upon arrival: Inspect the server racks carefully upon arrival to confirm all components are present and undamaged. If there is any damage, document it thoroughly and file a claim with the carrier or logistics company.

 

How can a professional logistics company like SEKO Logistics help streamline the packing and shipping process for server racks?

Using their vast experience and specialised equipment, logistics companies like SEKO can help companies get server racks packed and shipped safely and efficiently to help reduce downtime. SEKO can customise services to meet your company’s needs, relying on our broad network of logistics partners across the globe to find the right formula for you. Contact our team to learn more about server rack transportation services.