We understand how important every parcel you send is to you and as such are committed to ensuring you parcel reaches its destination intact. We have created 10 top tips for packaging your parcel which will help ensure it arrives in the best possible condition.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT TOOLS FOR THE JOB
This may sound obvious but it is remarkable how many items are damaged as they are not packed with the right materials. Jiffy bags, corrugated cardboard boxes, strong parcel tape, parcel straps and triangular tubes for rolled paper are all essential pieced of equipment when you send a variety of parcels. Using the correct size box for the item and ensuring they are not under or over filled should keep your item protected.
DON’T LEAVE ANY EMPTY SPACES
Once you have chosen the best outer packaging it is vital that you also use inner packaging. Material such as bubble wrap, polystyrene chips, polyethylene foam or even shredded paper will cushion your items. This will prevent them from moving around and protect them from damage.
TIP: Put fragile goods in the centre of a package; ensuring they don't touch the sides. Your item should be well cushioned on all sides.
DO NOT PACKAGE IN DELICATE MATERIALS
Bags made from fabric and cloth can be easily damaged by sharp corners on other parcels and machinery within the sorting warehouses. Ensure packaging is sturdy to protect your goods.
BE CAREFUL IF REUSING OLD PACKAGING
Unfortunately, once a cardboard box is damaged it becomes weaker and so provides less protection for your parcel. You must be confident that the box is strong and your parcel will be protected. In addition to this, many couriers use automatic systems to read address labels so remove or cover all old labels to ensure that your parcel is sent to the right location. You would be surprised how many times this has happened!
LABEL CLEARLY
Whether you select a service which requires a printed label, or one that allows a handwritten address to be scribed on the package, ensure that it is positioned centrally, has no tape covering any part of the label, and can be easily understood. We also recommend inserting the delivery details and/or label inside the box just in case the label is damaged and/or falls off.
DO NOT RELY ON ADDITIONAL LABELLING
This includes labels such as fragile. While people are able to read these labels machines are not making them no substitute for strong and effective packaging. This is the case with a variety of labels such as “This way up” and “Heavy”.
COMPLETE ALL INFORMATION REQUIRED
It is important to correctly label the contents and estimated value of your item on our website. This information will be used in the event of a lost or damaged parcel claim. You must also ensure that no further information is required, particularly if you are sending your parcel overseas and will pass through customs.
DO NOT USE ATTRACTIVE PACKAGING
Unfortunately, parcels which have been wrapped as if they are a gift are more at risk for two reasons. Firstly, the paper and ribbon are easy to rip and can get caught by other parcels and machines. Secondly, as parcels can sometimes be left in convenient locations at delivery they are subject to risk from passers-by. Attractive wrapping increases their desirability to people who notice the parcel unattended.
CHECK PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED ITEMS LIST
Prohibited items cannot be sent via any couriers through My Parcel Delivery. These include aerosol cans/sprays, explosives including fireworks and Christmas crackers, Drugs and medicines (including prescription), perishable goods (including food) and many more. Restricted items can be sent but in the event of loss/damage, no compensation claim can be made. You can find a full list of prohibited and restricted items here.
CONSIDER TAKING COMPENSATION COVER
To coin an old saying, “prevention is better than cure” and you can prevent possible damage to parcel contents by using the correct type and quality of packaging. In the vast majority of cases, your parcel will arrive at its destination safe and sound. But please don’t be left trusting to hindsight if what’s in the parcel is too valuable to be travelling without compensation cover.
