Packaging Advice

Consider Content Size and Packaging Options

• Under-filled boxes may collapse
• Overloaded boxes may burst
• Do not exceed the weight specification of the shipment container

Boxes

• Boxes are the most commonly used and suitable way to pack your shipment because of the range of sizes, shapes, materials and accessories to strengthen and secure them
• Wood containers are especially appropriate for shipping heavier items and are ready for machine handling
• Heavy-duty double-layered cardboard is a suitable and cheaper alternative to wood boxes

Envelopes

• Use cardboard envelopes for lightweight documents
• Use cushioned, padded or bubble envelopes to carry things like discs, tapes, keys and small electronic parts
• Waterproof and anti-static versions are also available
• Do not use envelopes made of fabric

Flyers

• - Small Flyers:  For flat documents and small binders with a maximum weight of 2 kg
  
• - Large Flyers:  For flat documents, ring binders and small boxes with a maximum weight of 3 kg
  
• Flyers should always be used when the shipment is smaller than an industry standard shipping label or waybill

Tubes

• Use triangular tubes instead of round tube-type cylinders for rolled items
• Round tubes roll – which makes them difficult to handle
• Round tubes cannot pass through the automated sorting equipment generally used in sorting facilities
• Triangular tubes are specially designed to ship maps, blueprints and any type of large flexible document

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Labels/Seals/Stickers

• Provide Shipper and Receiver addresses clearly and completely on labels and stickers
  
• An extra address label placed inside the package is a good precaution
• All packages must be sealed, but remember that they can be opened by Customs authorities for inspection
• Avoid using masking tape, rope, string or wrapping paper to seal your shipment
• Never use black colored stretch film to seal or protect your shipments

Tapes

• A good seal helps to strengthen your package such as:
  - Polypropylene tape
  - Vinyl adhesive tape
  - Fiber-reinforced paper

Wrapping Paper and Films

• The use of wrapping paper around boxes or non-contained objects is only recommended:
  - for textile item
  - to prevent damage by dust or oil based substances
• Remember to enclose wrapped objects in a box for further protection
• Heated shrink wrap and stretch films may be used to consolidate multiple boxes on a pallet for stability and protection
  - They are not suitable for all commodities because the high temperatures used in the heat-shrinking technology may damage the contents of your shipment
  - When using these films, affix labels to the boxes and not on films
  - Do not use black colored film

Strapping

• Strapping is an ideal way to strengthen your shipment when applied correctly
• Common types of strapping:
  - Polypropylene strapping is low cost and easy to handle, but its strength is not that high
  - Polyester strapping stretches less than polypropylene under high temperatures, is stronger and maintains its properties when wet. It can replace steel in many cases because of its lower cost
  - Metal strapping is best for extremely heavy loads, as it does not stretch. It is only recommended for use on wooden crates

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