Packaging Advice

The Importance of Proper Packaging

It is important that care is taken to protect consignment contents and that all parcels are wrapped or boxed in accordance with our and our carrier's guidelines. Inadequate packaging may result in parcels being damaged or even lost in transit through the delivery network. In addition, parcel processing out of our carrier's hubs relies on the smooth and continuous operation of conveyor equipment. Poorly packaged items may slow down or stop conveyor belts altogether, cause damage to equipment and other parcels, or injury to personnel. In such cases delivery times or compensation claims may be affected.

As part of our carrier's security operations they will carry out rigorous checks on consignments. This may involve opening a parcel. If a parcel fails such checks then service may be suspended and compensation claims refused.

For Packaging Materials, Boxes, Bubble-wrap etc try one of the following:
The Packaging Store
Cartons Direct

These are only guidelines, please refer to an independent packaging advisor for specific advice. We regret that SendItQuick.com is unable to provide detailed advice on specific cases.

DO
DON’T !
Use expanded polystyrene chips, polyethylene foam, bubble plastic or shredded paper to cushion items.
 Never send an item wrapped in a bin bag or other thin material. We always recommend using a box or cardboard packaging with internal packaging also.
Put protective wrapping round each individual item. Allow fragile items inside the parcel to touch each other.
Seal cartons top and bottom with an 'H' seal using 38mm or 50mm wide plastic or re-inforced carton. Allow movement of contents.
Strap (with non-metallic tape if possible) and tape large or heavy items. Use an outer carton strong enough to withstand tensioned straps. Use domestic adhesive tape.
Check on any prohibitions or restrictions on goods. Use string around boxes (it can be used around other wrapping)
Include the sender's address on the outer carton/wrapper, as well as inside the parcel. Send dangerous goods or other prohibited items.
Use a strong outer container such as a corrugated fibreboard carton with a good quality kraft outer liner. Send consignments without a full address, the postcode or telephone number of the addressee.
Use sub-standard or damaged cartons.

Packaging guidelines for specific items

These are guidelines only, so please refer to an independent packaging advisor for specific packaging advice:

Books
Use corrugated book packs or padded envelopes. Pack with internal cushioning, particularly at the corners.

Electrical and hi-tech equipment
Use corrugated fibreboard boxes with internal cushioning to prevent movement and absorb shock. Always send in the original fitted packaging.

Metal castings or other heavy metal items.
Wrap in polythene to prevent leakage of oil or grease. Embed in wood wool, shredded paper etc. and pack in a sealed and strapped carton

Magnetic tapes, cassettes, videos, computer tapes etc.
To avoid damage by magnetic fields, use a minimum thickness of 50mm of soft packaging material around such items.

Maps, plans, drawings
Roll in strong cardboard or plastic tubes, sealed at both ends, or pack flat as for 'Paper Goods'

Suitcases
To keep in pristine condition, use double-wall fibreboard carton. If the suitcase is used as an outer cover, contents should be packed according to their nature.

Long items - umbrellas, fishing rods etc.
Because these items are particularly vulnerable use strong tubes or stiffeners (hardboard, plywood etc.). Stiffeners should be sealed to prevent escape of contents before wrapping in corrugated paper and kraft paper.
Musical instruments
Instrument cases do not usually provide sufficient protection. Treat as 'Fragile Articles', wrapping vulnerable parts separately within the carton.

Nuts, bolts, small machine parts
Use strong hessian or jute sacks, or for larger quantities pack tightly in a strong sealed and strapped carton.

Paper goods, leaflets
Use heavy duty envelopes, corrugated paper and kraft paper, or shrink wrapping. Pack tightly to prevent movement.

Mounted prints
Wrap in tissue etc. and secure between stiffeners, over-wrap in kraft paper and seal securely.

Tennis, squash racquets
Attach firmly to hardboard etc. that is slightly larger than racquet. Wrap in corrugated paper and kraft paper or use a specially designed fibreboard pack ensuring the strings of the racquet are protected.

Sharp instruments, tools etc.
All edges or points must be carefully protected to avoid injury to staff and agents or damage to other parcels. Ensure protective material cannot be dislodged in transit.
 

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