Railway spikes look simple, but their packaging has to solve three problems: weight, coating protection and handling. A 20-foot container of screw spikes can weigh more than twenty tonnes, the zinc coating is easily scratched by metal-to-metal contact, and a damaged coating means rust before the spikes ever reach the sleeper. Good packaging and storage planning protects the product and the schedule. This article sets out the packing methods, anti-corrosion measures, loading practice and storage rules used for spikes in export and domestic supply.
1. Why Spike Packaging Matters
Spikes fail prematurely when their protective coating is damaged during transport or storage. Scratched shanks rust quickly, especially in humid or salt-laden air, and a corroded shank weakens the spike at the sleeper line, its most stressed point. Packaging therefore has three jobs: prevent mechanical damage, prevent corrosion, and keep the cargo manageable for handling and customs inspection. Each decision, from crate type to strapping pattern, supports one of those jobs.
2. Standard Packing Methods
Wooden crates: heat-treated timber per ISPM 15 for export, typically holding 500-1000 kg of spikes, with internal divider or bagging to stop spikes rubbing together.
Heavy-duty woven sacks or pallet bags: for smaller orders, spikes are packed in 25-50 kg bags, palletized and stretch-wrapped to keep the load stable.
Bundling: spikes can be bundled or bagged in units of about 50 kg, a weight one person can handle safely, which speeds up site distribution.
Steel banding with edge protectors: keeps crates and pallets intact during lifting and stacking; banding tension must survive container movement without cutting into the timber.
3. Corrosion Protection During Transport
Before packing, spikes are typically oiled or coated so the metal surface is protected even where the primary coating is scratched. For long sea voyages, add vapour-phase corrosion protection: VCI paper or sachets release inhibitor vapour that settles on the steel and blocks oxidation in the closed package. The packer must balance VCI with the need for ventilation: spikes in sealed crates with VCI stay bright for months, while spikes exposed to open air in a humid container can develop surface rust within weeks. Desiccants are used in tropical and high-humidity routes, and all crates should be stowed off the container floor on dunnage to keep them clear of condensation.
4. Container Loading and Handling
Spike cargo is dense, so the loading plan is driven by weight, not volume. A standard 20-foot container loads around 25 tonnes of crated spikes; the load must be distributed evenly over the floor and blocked at the door to stop forward movement during braking. Cranes and forklifts should lift crates by their engineered lifting points, never by the strapping alone. At the receiving end, inspect for torn wrappers, dented crates and water stains before signing the delivery note, and photograph any damage for the claim file.
5. Storage Rules and Receiving Checks
Store indoors or under cover, off the ground on pallets or racks, in dry and ventilated conditions.
Keep spikes away from direct sunlight, heat sources, chemicals and oil or solvent vapours.
Do not store in areas where the package will be exposed to rain, snow or high humidity for long periods; unopened crates are the safest unit of storage.
Rotate stock: use the oldest delivery first so coating and lubrication do not degrade in storage.
In coastal or humid sites, add desiccants or re-oil opened packages and reseal them promptly.
On arrival, verify the quantity, grade markings and coating type against the packing list, and check a sample for coating damage and thread condition. Before installation, confirm that stored spikes have no rust that would reduce pull-out resistance or contaminate the sleeper hole. If surface rust appears during storage, it must be removed and the coating repaired before the spikes are driven, because a corroded spike shank has lower fatigue and pull-out performance than a sound one.
FAQ
Q1: What is the standard export packing for railway spikes?
The common standard is heat-treated (ISPM 15) wooden crates or palletized heavy-duty sacks, with spikes bagged or bundled in 25-50 kg units, steel-banded and marked with weight, quantity and grade. The exact method is confirmed against the order and destination requirements.
Q2: Why are spikes often oiled before packing?
Oiling adds a protective film that shields the steel where the coating is scratched and prevents contact corrosion between adjacent spikes. It is a low-cost layer of protection for long storage and sea transport.
Q3: How should spikes be stored on site?
Indoors or under cover, off the ground, in dry ventilated conditions, away from chemicals and heat. Never store open spike sacks directly on concrete or soil, where moisture migrates into the package.
Q4: Can spikes be stored in unheated warehouses in winter?
Yes, as long as the packages stay sealed and off the floor. Temperature swings cause condensation inside the package, so VCI protection and sealed packaging are recommended for winter or humid storage.
Q5: How much does a typical spike bundle weigh?
Handling units are commonly 25-50 kg so they can be moved manually without equipment. Crate weights are larger, typically 500-1000 kg, and require forklift or crane handling.
Q6: What should I do if spikes arrive with rust spots?
Document the condition, separate the affected units, and assess whether the rust is superficial or has pitted the steel. Surface rust can be cleaned and the coating repaired before use; pitting that reduces the shank section should be rejected.