ParcelDirect Local

Packaging / Weighing / Measuring

To ensure your parcel arrives safe and sound at its destination it is very important to use correct packaging. That's why we have created our packaging advice and handy list of do's and dont's for you below.

When you are weighing and measuring your parcel, please remember that when your parcel arrives at the courier depot, it will be measured and weighed to confirm the size and weight. If there is a difference to what you have entered there will be surcharges applied. If this happens, you'll be liable for the charge, so please be sensible with your estimations and use our handy advice below

 

The most common reason for insurance claims being declined is due to insufficient packaging and therefore getting it correct first time can save you time and expense later. The most important question to ask yourself when packing is “If this item was dropped from a 1m height would the contents get damaged”. If the answer is ‘yes’ or ‘maybe’ then your item is not sufficiently packed. Your package will be handled repeatedly throughout its journey by workers and machinery. Use of stickers such as “Fragile”, “This way up” and “Handle with care” are not guarantees, and are no substitutes for a correctly packaged item.

CHOOSING THE BEST MATERIALS

Choosing the wrong type of packaging could leave your contents at risk so think about what you are sending. Package all items in strong cardboard boxes which will keep everything safe and sound.

Remember space is the enemy of a packed box and under-filled boxes can collapse and items rattling about inside get damaged. Your contents should fit well inside your box with at least 5 cm of protection.

Choose tough boxes made of corrugated cardboard, and heavy-duty, double-layered boxes.

Wrap your items well as your parcel will be travelling a long way and it will probably be prone to shocks. You can protect your items by wrapping them in bubble wrap and ensuring fragile items are kept to the centre of the parcel.

Fragile and Delicate items, like glass, should not be packed in Jiffy Bags, Padded Envelopes or Bubblewrap alone, as they will be traveling with lots of other parcels which may be bigger and heavier. These should be boxed securely to the standards laid out in our packing advice section.

Do Not use bubble wrap, paper, old sheets or any type of fabric as your final packaging as these are not suitable protection for goods in transit

Use lots of cushioning around the walls of your box. Use at least 5cm of padding all around the box

When you are finished packing your parcel you need to make sure it’s all sealed up correctly. Seal your parcel with strong durable 5cm packing tape. Remember don't be mean and use lots of tape.

Do not tape multiple packages together as one package. They may become loose and get misplaced if the shipping lable remians on one package only. It is also easier for damage to occur.

If your parcel is heavy, please remember to mark the box with ‘Heavy’ and let the courier know about it.

To ensure your parcel arrives at its destination undamaged it is very important to use correct packaging. Below are a few handy do’s and dont’s which will help ensure your parcel arrives safe and sound

A few DO’s

  • DO use a double walled box that is large enough for you to use extra padding between your item and the wall of the box (At least 2 inches). For padding, you can use expanded foam chips, bubble-wrap, polystyrene foam, shredded paper or cardboard, or polystyrene sheets
  • DO wrap each individual item separately
  • DO use a strong outer container like a corrugated cardboard box which should be double walled as a minimum
  • DO ensure boxes are not over packed to push out the side walls
  • DO check the Prohibited Items section of this site as these items are sent entirely at your own risk and will not be covered for loss or damage even if extra insurance is purchased
  • DO bear in mind that your package will porbably be stacked during transit and may have bigger and heavier parcels on and around it.
  • DO seal all joints with a good quality packaging tape and not general domestic tape
  • DO remove all old labels
  • DO make sure that the delivery address and phone number is clearly marked
  • DO stick on your own labels.

 

A few DONT’S

  • DO NOT send your item without using a very strong double walled box
  • DO NOT use too little packaging that allows items to move around inside the box
  • DO NOT use bubble wrap, old sheets or any type of fabric as your final packaging as these are not suitable protection for goods in transit
  • DO NOT use old sheets or any type of fabric or cloth to pad out your boxes as these are not suitable as packaging materials for your goods
  • DO NOT use rope or string to seal boxes
  • DO NOT rely on the packaging you have received other goods in as this may not be suitable for further transit.
  • DO NOT tape multiple packages together as one shipment.
  • DO NOT depend on drivers to affix your labesl
  • DO NOT pack fragile and delicate items, like glass, in Jiffy Bags or Padded Envelopes or Bubblewrap alone.
  • DO NOT ignore the advice given on this site

 

Another few more tips

If you are sending particularly big or heavy items do not overload boxes – many carriers have a maximum weight per box of 25kg to avoid back injuries. Lower weight means less chance of goods being heavily handled (or dropped!)

It is a good idea to seal heavy boxes with a fabric tape rather than brown tape to improve strength.

Balance the weight within the box - an unevenly packed box is more likely to suffer damage due to instability.

Allow at least two inches of packing around breakable or fragile items. Don't rely on shredded or torn up newspaper – use polystyrene peanuts and bubble wrap.

Use a big enough box to allow space for internal packaging, which will better protect your items. As weight and/or value increase move from 'single-wall' to 'double-wall' cartons.

Pack your items securely within the box to prevent them from moving while in transit. This is the single biggest reason for damage to contents.

Ensure fragile and delicate items are boxed properly (Jiffy Bags and Padded Envelopes are not suitable for such items) as your shipment will probaly be stacked with big and heavy parcels on and around it.

If you are sending several items to the same address, spread out any valuable items amongst the packages, instead of putting all of them in the same carton.

Place some cardboard under the final seal of each box, to protect items in case a knife is used to open the package.

Seal the edges too – this adds stability and reduces the risk of snagging and tampering.

Write the address clearly on the box – labels are fine but can come unstuck. Protect any labels by using clear tape.

If the driver is bringin the shipping labels, please ensure you indicate clearly, which label is to go on which box. The driver have limited time, so mistakes can sometimes happen.

Include your own full address both on and inside the carton in case of returns.

 

For anyone choosing our great pallet service, we also have a few tips for selecting and packing your pallet

Selecting The Correct Pallet

Make sure that the pallet you intend to use is in good condition and fit for purpose. Pallets that are incomplete or damaged may be unstable and overturn, causing damage to your goods.

Standard Pallet: 120cm x 100cms. Euro Pallet: 80cm x 120cm

Building & Wrapping Your Pallet

Pack your goods on the pallet so they do not protrude beyond the pallet. Try and use the same size of cartons, as they are easier to stack. Light cartons containing fragile items should be stacked on the heavier cartons to prevent crushing.

Strap or tape your goods to the pallet. Wrap or tape all your goods together. Make sure your pallet is well sealed.

Address Your Pallet

Our great system means your printable shipping label will be ready at the end of your booking. Just print it off and stick it to you pallet securely, using a document pouch if possible.

Remember, as we mentioned already, your items will be weighed and measured once they arrive at the depot of whichever courier you choose. So please try and be as accurate as possible when weighing and measuring.

If you have a kitchen scale, that should do for smaller items up to 5kg, and a bathroom scales is great for larger items. If you don't have either of these then you can use items around the house to give you a good guide. Lots of food stuffs have the weight on them. So for smaller items this can be a handy way to estimate weights. Most larger items will also have the weight on them or their boxes.

A simple 12inch ruler is great for small packages and of course a measuring tape for bigger items. If you have a printer you can download a printable measuring tape easily.

But please remember, If In Doubt Be Generous.

As we mentioned earlier if the package is much heavier or bigger than estimated there will be surcharges applied.