Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION - TM-746-100010

TM 746-10

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

substitution of packaging materials can be made only if

1-1. Purpose

the substitute materials provide equal or better

This technical manual is for use as a guide for the

protection than those prescribed by this manual (see

effective preservation and packing of serviceable and

app C for authorized substitutes).

unserviceable economically reparable materiel by

personnel of direct support units and general support

b. Packing. Guidance in the packing of materiel

units.

The packaging procedures and instructions

may be found in TM 38-230-2. The manual contains

provided will prevent damage to items in transit and will

detailed guidance on packing operations including

protect items from corrosion and deterioration for a

proper use of exterior shipping containers, assemblage

maximum of 180 days. The instructions apply to

of items or unit packs into the shipping container,

materiel processed as retrograde or recycled and

anchoring or blocking and bracing of materiel,

shipped by land, sea, or air.

cushioning of items or unit packs within the container,

and weatherproofing and strapping the exterior shipping

1-2. Scope

container. As prescribed by TM 38-230-2, the selection

This manual covers the general processes and

of exterior containers should be based upon the physical

procedures to be followed for the proper packaging of

characteristics of the item and the item's shipping

serviceable

retrograde

materiel,

unserviceable

destination, with emphasis placed on container weight

economically reparable retrograde materiel, serviceable

and dimensional limitations.

and unserviceable materiel to be repaired and recycled,

c. Repackaging. Packaged materiel will not be

and automatic return items (ARI). The term "packaging"

unpacked to satisfy the requirements of this manual

is used here in a general sense to refer to all the

when a sample inspection reveals that the protection is

operations of preservation, packing, and unitization, as

adequate for issue within a theater or movement out of

defined below, that protect materiel from damage and

a theater.

deterioration.

1-4. Packaging Terms

1-3. References

Definitions for preservation and packing terms, which

Throughout this manual, packing materials, equipment,

include materials, processes, and methods, may be

processes, and methods are often referred to by their

found in ASTM standard D996 and AR 700-15.

common names together with the applicable

Definitions of packaging terms used in this manual are

specification, standard, or other publication symbol. For

listed alphabetically as follows:

ease in referral, those publications referenced in this

manual are listed at the end of appendix A. Copies of

a. Consolidation. This general term, which is

specifications and other documents required by

closely related to unitization, refers to the actual bringing

activities of the Defense Logistics Agency, the

together (assembly) of like or unlike items for unitization

Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and the

and subsequent shipment.

Marine Corps may be obtained by writing to:

b. Containerization. Containerization includes the

Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4D, 700

use of a class of large, van-like transport containers to

Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094.

unitize cargo for transportation, supply, and storage. It

Specific references for packaging terms are-

is a basic method of unitization. Containers include the

military-owned demountable container (MILVAN)

a. Packaging and preservation references. The

commercial- or Government-owned (or leased) shipping

packaging and preservation instructions in this manual

container (SEAVAN), or the container express

refer to the designations, identifications, and symbols for

(CONEX). The definition of containerization may be

cleaning methods, drying procedures, preservatives,

expanded when referring to the placement of

and methods of preservation designated in TM 38-230-

commodities into paperboard, fiberboard, plywood, or

1. Some examples are cleaning processes C-1 and C-

wirebound plywood consolidation containers before

3, drying procedures D-1 and D-4, preservative

loading into transport containers.

applications P-9 and P-10, and methods of preservation

c. Exterior pack. A container, bundle, or assembly

III and IC. Accomplishment of these methods and use

which is sufficient by design and construction

of designations shall be per TM 38-230-1. If the

referenced preservatives, barrier materials, cushioning

materials, and tapes are not readily available,

1-1