The Right Carton
- Whenever possible, pack items in specific transit cartons that are double walled and robust.
- Packaging strength is needed because parcels may be stacked on top of each other in storage and in transit.
- Local packaging suppliers, stationers and post office shops are a good source of transit cartons and other packaging materials.
Size Matters
- Choose a box or carton that is a little larger that the items to be packed, to allow protective packaging to be used inside the box.
- Underfilled cartons may collapse.
- Overfilled cartons may burst.
Invest in Packaging
- Use good materials.
- It is a false economy to save pennies when protecting contents worth pounds.
Cushioning Counts
Use cushioning materials like.
- polystyrene beads,
- wood straw,
- bubble wrap,
- shredded paper
to cushion goods inside the box and stop contents moving during transit.
Delicate and Fragile
If you are shipping delicate or fragile items.
- Place them in the centre of the carton.
- Make sure they are not in contact with the outside walls at any point.
- Surround them with adequate cushioning materials.
- If there is more than one item - for example cups and saucers - place cushioning around each object, as well as around them all.
- 'Fragile' or 'Handle with Care' labels are for information only, and do not confer any magical protective powers!.
Liquid Precautions
If you are shipping liquids
- Make sure they are in strong leak-proof container.
- Seal with a double wrapping of plastic film.
- Package them as suggested for delicate and fragile items above.
- Leakage may spoil other items in the same package, so ship liquids in a dedicated carton.
Smelly, Greasy
If you are shipping semi-liquid substances like grease, or strong smelling goods.
- Wrap them in plastic film or grease-resistant paper.
- Seal them with adhesive tape.
- Package them as suggested for delicate and fragile items, above.
- Leakage or contamination may spoil other items in the same package, so ship them in a dedicated carton.
Powders
If you are shipping powders and grains.
- Package them in a dedicated container, or in strong plastic bags. Seal securely.
- Package them as suggested for delicate and fragile items, above.
- Leakage or contamination may spoil other items in the same package, so ship them in a dedicated carton.
This Way Up
- Use arrow-up adhesive labels if you are shipping liquids, semi-liquids, powders or grains.
- They can be bought at stationers, packaging suppliers and some post offices.
It's a Gift
- When sending pre-packaged or pre-wrapped gift items do not rely on the manufacturer's display or presentation packaging.
- Repack gifts in line with the advice on this page.
Large, Flat And Flexible
If you are sending large, flat, flexible items, like maps, plans, posters, etc,
- Pack them flat between two rigid boards (like hardboard).
- Or roll them and place them in postal tubes.
- Triangular tubes are less likely to be damaged than round tubes.
Sound and Vision
When shipping computer discs, CDs, DVDs, etc,
- Place each one in a protective sleeve.
- Package them tightly together
- Put them into a strong outer carton, with cushioning materials.
When shipping magnetic media like audio or video tapes.
- Consider transferring them onto optical media like DVD or CD ROMS.
- If this is not possible, package them in protective sleeves.
- Place then in the centre of a larger box.
Sharp Precautions
When shipping items like tools, knives and scissors.
- If possible pack them in manufacturer-supplied protective packaging.
- Or in a dedicated sheath that will protect edges and points.
- Or protect edges and points with heavy non-corrugated cardboard, taped securely in place so that it cannot be dislodged.
- Make sure the recipient knows what is in the package, to avoid the possibility of injury during unpacking.
Recycling
It is perfectly acceptable to reuse previous packaging material.
- Make sure it is undamaged and strength has not been compromised by impact or damp.
- Remove or completely obliterate all previous address, routeing or content information.
Close Firmly
- Seal boxes using STRONG parcel tape, or plastic strapping.
- Domestic adhesive tape is inadequate and can fail in damp or wet conditions.
Addressing
When using Global Logistic Solutions shipping services.
- In most instances a properly formatted address label can be printed on your computer printer.
- If you cannot do this, write the address and other information clearly on the outside of the package.
- Use large capital letters and black or dark blue ink to improve readability by shipping staff.
Some Do Nots
- Don't use fabric bags as shipping outers.
- Don't completely seal your package; customs officers may need to open it for inspection.
- Don't use rope or string to seal boxes. It can break, and it can catch on other packages and cause damage.
- Do not rely on "Fragile" and "Handle with care" labels as a substitute for careful packaging. They are only appropriate for information purposes.