Good packaging means safe arrival. Make sure you get the full package.
- Think in the box – use proper packaging.
- Always use good quality, new packaging strong enough to support the contents and withstand stacking. You can't go wrong with a rigid, corrugated carton with intact flaps and box certification markings appropriate for the contents.
- Ensure that the box is large enough to allow for 5 cm of space on all sides for the addition of protective cushioning.
- Avoid re-using cartons which may have been weakened during previous use.
- Keep your goods snug – cushion them adequately to prevent them from moving.
- Wrap fragile and sensitive items individually and protect them with firm cushioning on all sides.
- Fill loose spaces with tightly rolled wads of newspaper – they cushion the object better than foam chips which tend to settle during transit.
- Stuff all interiors of objects if they are hollow.
- Place 5-7 cm of cushioning material at the bottom of the carton.
- If placing a few items within a box, wrap each separately with bubble wrap.
- Keep it closed – seal it well.
- Seal your package securely with strong tape designed for shipping – preferably around 5 cm in width.
- Use pressure-sensitive plastic tape. If that's not available, water-activated paper tape (both ordinary and reinforced) is just as good.
- Avoid using masking or cellophane tape as they do not provide enough strength or durability.
- Steer clear of strings or cords around your package as they can get tangled in automatic sorting equipment and conveyor belts.
- Make sure it gets to the right person – label your carton in the right places.
- Place your address and shipping labels on the top surface of box ("top" being largest flat surface area).
- Place another label inside the carton as an extra guarantee.
- Use a UPS shipping solution to create accurate shipping labels and documentation that are easy to read. These are printable from your printer.
- Never put labels on seams, closures or on the sealing tape.
- Should you need any advice on suitable packaging, UPS has package testing and development facilities for customers shipping large volumes of products requiring extra packaging protection. We can advise on adequate packaging through simulation tests and analysis.
- Alternatively, refer to UPS.com for detailed packaging instructions.