Packing parcels: 5 tips for secure packaging
Parcels and pallets are not handled with kid gloves during shipping. They are stacked, they are pushed, they can be crushed … Inadequate packaging can therefore lead to damage and financial losses, and possibly also damage your company’s image. Packing a parcel securely is very easy if you follow a few basic principles. We have summarised the five most important tips for you.
A clear overview: How to pack your parcel correctly
- Use sturdy, undamaged shipping packaging, at least double-walled, preferably triple-walled for heavy or sensitive goods.
- Double seal the consignment with high-quality, hard-wearing material, e.g. self-adhesive tape, at least 5 cm wide.
- Fill the interior completely with padding material and avoid contact between the goods. The heavier the goods, the less flexible the cushioning material should be.
- Leave at least 5 cm space on all sides between the goods and the packaging.
- Use special labels to indicate that the shipment should be handled with special care, e.g. for fragile goods or if it is important not to turn the parcel upside down or tip it over.
Choose the right cardboard
Choose packaging materials that are stable, robust and durable, e.g. high-quality corrugated cardboard or stable plastics. The cardboard should be at least double-walled if you have to pack a heavy parcel or particularly sensitive goods, preferably triple-walled. Also make sure that the boxes are the right size for your consignment and are not too big or too small.
Can I use a used cardboard box?
Reusing used cardboard boxes to pack a parcel can make economic and ecological sense. However, to ensure optimum protection for your parcel, you should use new cardboard boxes if in doubt. Why? Used cardboard boxes are no longer as stable as new ones and can be damaged more quickly if knocked. If a used box shows creases or other damage, it is not advisable to use it again.
Which adhesive tape is best for sealing parcels?
If you want to pack a parcel securely, make sure you choose the right adhesive tape. In any case, it should be at least 5 cm wide and double-sided. If you have to pack a heavy parcel or the goods are fragile, corners and edges can be additionally reinforced with adhesive tape.
Different adhesive tapes have different characteristics, depending on whether they are made of polypropylene, PVC or paper. The adhesive also plays a role. Roughly speaking, it can be said that
- PVC adhesive tapes are well suited for large and heavy packages due to their high tear resistance and durability
- PP adhesive tapes are cheaper than PVC adhesive tapes and also have a high tear resistance. However, it is not as elastic as PVC adhesive tape and is susceptible to high and low temperatures.
- Paper adhesive tape tears faster than PVC or PP adhesive tapes and is therefore best suited for light parcels and document dispatch.
Which upholstery material is the best?
Hollow spaces that could cause movement during transport should be avoided at all costs. Use bubble wrap, polystyrene, paper or similar to fill them. If you have to pack a parcel, the following principle applies: the heavier the goods to be shipped, the less flexible the cushioning material should be.
- Wrap each product individually to avoid direct contact between the products and prevent them from rubbing against each other or breaking.
- Fill the empty space in the boxes with packing material to secure the products and prevent them from moving during transport.
Avoid direct contact between the shipping goods and the cardboard box
Is your parcel securely packed and the cavities filled? Then your parcel is already very securely packed. However, a strong impact from the outside or careless opening can still cause damage. Therefore, make sure there is a safety buffer of around 5 cm between your goods and the shipping box, well padded with filling material.
Packing parcels with the correct labelling
Clear and precise labelling not only protects the goods during transport, but also makes it easier for the shipping company to handle them correctly. In addition to the shipping label with all relevant information about the recipient and sender, you should always use special labels or symbols if the contents require special handling during transport or at the distribution centre.
Please note, however, that you may also need to book a special service to ensure special handling of your consignment. This is not the case with ‘normal’ shipping services such as Standard or Express. In these cases, the labelling is for information purposes only, but does not constitute a claim to appropriate handling.
If you need to send something very fragile or delicate, it is best to contact our customer service team or your personal account manager directly and we will advise you without obligation.
LetMeShip – your unrivalled personal multi-carrier shipping platform
For over 20 years, we have been helping small and medium-sized companies to handle their business shipping cost-effectively and efficiently. ‘LetMeShip’ stands for: personalised advice and an in-house customer service that answers the phone itself and takes care of your shipping needs. And all this with the best price-performance ratio and no contractual obligations.
Excursus: Consider transport insurance
Appropriate packaging can be decisive in ensuring that you receive compensation for the value of the goods in the event of damage. This is because haulage and shipping companies can cite inadequate packaging as the cause of damage to the goods in order to refuse or reduce compensation. This may also apply if you have taken out additional transport insurance.
At LetMeShip, we can advise you personally so that you can choose the most suitable transport insurance for you and fully protect your goods. You can find out more about this in our blog article ‘Transport insurance in B2B shipping – when does additional cover make sense?’.
We look forward to your enquiry.
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