Pack Your Parcel
Packaging Guidelines
A handy guide to help you safely pack and send your parcels To help ensure your parcel gets to its destination safely it's important you follow these simple guidelines to protect your item against damage while it is being transported and delivered.
Your responsibility
As the sender, you are the only person who knows exactly what is inside your parcel. Therefore, it is your responsibility to ensure your item is packaged correctly and does not contain prohibited or hazardous goods.By accepting a parcel, Courier does not acknowledge the packaging is adequate or the contents are acceptable. That is up to you. To check if your item is prohibited or hazardous, see our Prohibited Items Guide.
Internal Packaging
Internal cushioning and strong external packaging protect your article against knocks and shocks. Cushioning material should be packed around all sides. Suggested packaging materials are:
Handi Bubble WrapPolychipsCorrugated cardboardShredded or rolled paperPolyethylene foam sheeting
Wrap the item enough times so that you can no longer feel the shape of the object. Items packed together in one container should be individually wrapped and separated from each other with more cushioning material.
If you are sending heavy items make sure they can't move within the parcel during delivery, as this could damage the outer packaging.
Note: Cartons must still meet the normal maximum dimension criteria of the service being used.
China, Crockery and Glassware
Wrap individual objects with sufficient cushioning material so you cannot feel the shape of the object through the wrapping. Items packed together in one container should be individually wrapped and separated with cushioning material. Pack in a strong, rigid outer carton of cardboard, wood or metal. To help prevent movement of the items during delivery, ensure all gaps are filled.
Pictures in Frames
Completely cover glass with adhesive tape that can be easily removed. This will help to prevent the picture from being scratched, should the glass break. Wrap the frame at least twice in bubble wrap or polyethylene foam sheeting, taking care to use sufficient padding to protect the edges. Protective cardboard corners should be placed over the bubble wrap or foam. Place the picture between two sheets of solid cardboard or heavy weight corrugated cardboard and wrap in strong paper, or alternatively, pack in a strong cardboard carton with sufficient inner packaging to prevent movement.
External Packaging
Cardboard cartons are generally strong enough to ship material of average weight and size. Obviously the strength of the carton required will depend on what you are sending. Wooden crates may be necessary for particularly heavy items.
Recommended Carton Grades
It is important that you choose a carton that's strong enough for your item. The strength of a cardboard carton is usually printed on it. Most cardboard cartons are single wall and are available in varying strengths. Heavy, large, or especially valuable items should be packed into heavy duty double wall board for extra protection.
Sealing Parcels
Seal your parcel with strong, self-adhesive tape. Choose a tape that's at least 38mm wide. It's best to use parcel tape rather than a standard household or stationery adhesive tape. Apply the tape along the lengths of the flaps and along the ends to seal the openings of the carton. Never use metal staples.
For large and/or heavy parcels we recommend you use plastic strapping or binding as well as tape. The strapping should be applied twice from end to end and twice from side to side. The binding should be tight enough to remain in position throughout delivery of the parcel, but should not cut into the edges of the carton. Strap your parcels individually, not together.
