Packaging Guidlines
We understand the importance of your shipment arriving safely and securely. Shipments are unavoidably subject to shocks during transportation. We strongly recommend the following guidelines should be considered before sending.
External Packaging
Generally, the most suitable form of packaging is a corrugated box, the more times the box is used the more its protective qualities are lost. So therefore, a previously used box may not adequately protect your shipment. If you are sending heavy goods, we recommend using new double walled corrugated cartons.
Should you decide to reuse a box, please use the following checklist?
- Is it rigid?
- Is it in excellent condition?
- Does it have any punctures, tears or corner damage?
- Are all the flaps intact?
- Are all the old markings removed?
Secure Your Package
Correct sealing of your box is essential for the safety and security of your consignment. To close box securely, do not use:
- Masking tape
- Cellophane tape
- Duct tape
- String
- Paper over-wrap
We advise using strong polypropylene or PVC "box sealing" tape, 5cm or more in width.
Internal Packaging
It is important that the contents of your package are cushioned properly. Ensure that each item is wrapped separately. Fragile items need both suitable separation from each other and clearance from the corners and sides of the box. We recommend leaving a space of at least 5cm between the outer container and the product inside. This space should be filled with internal protection of some type.
Listed below are the most common purpose-made internal packaging products:
| Polyethylene Bubble wrap | To be used in multiple wraps and layers to ensure that the item is completely protected, especially on corners and edges. |
| Polyethylene Foam | To be used when wrapping delicate items where soft, non abrasive and lightweight cushioning material is required. |
| Inflatable packaging (air bags) | To be used primarily as void-fill material for lightweight items but not recommended for items with sharp corners or edges. |
| Loose fill expanded polystyrene 'flow-pack' | For use as a void filling material for cases and containers or for lightweight items.Overfill the box, gently close the flaps and seal securely. Do not use the flat or narrow products that may move to the edge or bottom of the carton in transit. We recommend a minimum of three inches of cushioning to be used around the contents. |
| Engineered foam enclosures | This may include expanded polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene or co-polymers. Enclosures should be pre-engineered for specific products. |
| Foam-in-place | Foam-in-Place is foam sprayed into the box or mixed in packets. This is a chemical mixture that expands and forms a protective mould around the contents, supporting corners and protects edges. |
| Corrugated paper rolls and inserts | These may be added to increase strengh and improve package performance. |
| Crumpled and Kraft Wrapping or newspaper | For use primarily as a void-fill material for light to medium weight, non fragile items. Kraft wrapping paper must be tightly crumpled. Place at least 10cm of paper between the item and outer box. |
| Cushion Wrap | A single faced corrugated paper coated with cohesive, ideal for packing of books, CDs DVDs etc. |
Always make sure that you use enough cushioning material so that the contents do not move when you shake the container.
Fragile objects such as electronics, glass and ceramics, require special packaging with added cushioning and/or a double box for safe carriage.
Liquids
All liquid containers must be securely sealed in order to avoid leaks. Wrap the containers in an impermeable material and add sufficient absorbent material to absorb the liquid in case of breakage. Bottles should be separated using cushioning materials, such as foam or corrugated cardboard, to prevent them touching each other and sealed in a plastic bag to avoid damaging your other parcels if any.
Please note that liquids are not to be sent on the International Courier Service other than prior arrangement.
Pallets
When selecting a pallet to transport your goods, you must ensure its suitability for the product or commodity you are shipping. The pallet must be in good condition with no planks or blocks missing.
The goods must be stable and strapped firmly when placed on the pallet. They must be banded and shrink wrapped to the pallet. Please ensure that your shrink wrap goes around the pallet base as well as the goods, in order to secure your items to the pallet.
Please ensure the pallet is not "top heavy" as they will be free standing in trunk and delivery vehicles. If the pallet is top heavy it is likely to become unstable causing it to tip over and damage the contents.
The palletised goods should be reasonably protected using packing materials such as cardboard, bubble wrap, polystyrene etc. Do not allow your goods to overhang the pallet as this can also cause damage to contents.
Any motor parts containing or having contained oils or liquids must be fully drained before shipping then plugged and placed on the pallet with sufficient wrapping to catch any unwanted drips. Items found dripping onto the vehicles may be disposed of and no extended liability cover will be applicable to these shipments
Please note! We will not accept any liability for the packaging advice we provide. The customer remains responsible for ensuring packaging and labelling is adequate for transportation.
