PACKAGING TIPS
CHECKLIST
•
Rigid carton with flaps intact
• Items wrapped separately
• Adequate cushioning material
• Strong tape designed for shipping
• No string or paper overwrap
• Single address label
• A clear, complete delivery address
• A clear, complete return address
• Duplicate label inside carton
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STEP-BY-STEP
PROCEDURES
1. Use a corrugated
box.
For best results, use a new box large enough to allow room for
adequate cushioning material on all sides of the contents. If
the box has already been used, remove old labels or other shipment
markings from the box. Never exceed the maximum gross weight for
the box, which is usually printed on the bottom flap.
2. Provide
internal protection.
To properly cushion the contents of your package, wrap each item
separately. Fragile articles need to be protected from each other
and separated from the corners and sides of the box to prevent
damage.
Various
materials can be used for cushioning and protection, including:
Air-encapsulated plastic (bubble wrap).
Expanded polystyrene "peanuts" (may not
be suitable for heavy products that can shift while in transport).
Foam-in-place (a foam sprayed into boxes to form
a protective mold around contents).
Corrugated dividers.
Paper (crumpled kraft paper or newspaper).
Use enough cushioning material to ensure that the contents won't
move easily when you shake the box.
Note: Fragile objects require special packaging
for safe shipment.
3. Close
it securely.
Proper closure is just as important as adequate cushioning. For
best results, use one of these types of tape:
Pressure-sensitive plastic or nylon-reinforced tape.
Water-activated paper tape. Use 27kg grade tape at least 75mm
wide. Apply three strips to both the top and bottom of the box.
Water-activated reinforced tape. Similar to plain paper tape,
except that reinforcing fibers have been added for strength. This
tape requires only two center seam strips, in contrast to the
six strips necessary for paper tape.
Do not use masking tape, cellophane tape, string, or paper overwrap.
The carrier's services are sold by a sales force it doesn't have
to train, motivate or compensate.
4. Use
proper labeling.
For fast and efficient delivery, keep these points in mind when
addressing your package:
Always include the receiver's postcode with the complete street
address. For international shipments, include a contact name,
telephone number, and postal code.
When addressing to a P.O. Box, provide the recipient's telephone
number on the label whenever possible.
Include the department or unit number, if applicable.
• Place the delivery label on the top of the box. To avoid
confusion, place only one address label on the box. If using a
packing slip, place it on the same surface of the box as the address
label.
Do not place the label over a seam or closure or on top of sealing
tape.
Remove or cross out old address labels or markings on a used box.
Always include your complete return address, including full street
address and postcode. For international shipments, include contact
name and phone number.
For added protection, place a duplicate label or other form of
identification inside the package.
HEAVY
PACKAGES CALL FOR HEAVY-GRADE PACKAGING
For
packages weighing over 30kg, it's important to evaluate your packaging
materials to ensure they're adequate for heavier package contents.
Boxes need to be of stronger construction, preferably
with seams that are stitched or stapled, not glued. Check the
box maker's certification for maximum weight. The higher the weight
certification, the better your box will protect its contents from
impact in sorting and over-the-road vibration
.
Use new boxes whose strength has not been compromised by humidity
or prior-use wear and tear.
Seal with heavy-duty tape, preferably reinforced.
Dense cushioning material is a must. Expanded polystyrene ("peanuts")
and crumpled paper are not acceptable because they crush and shift
under heavy loads. Customized corrugated or molded foam "framing"
is more suitable and reinforces the rigidity of the outer box.
Do not band packages together unless each individual package is
in a box designed to support the total "package" weight.
Example: If two 18kg boxes are combined into a 36kg unit, both
components should be in boxes with at least 36kg weight capacity.
That's because on end, all 36kg will be pressing on the bottom
layer of the corrugated box.
If you do band packages, use a minimum of two bands in each direction
and label the individual boxes. Only same-sized boxes may be banded
together.
