When you’re sending a package through the post or via a courier you need to know that it’s going to arrive at its destination in perfect condition. Your parcel may travel in different vehicles and visit more than one sorting hub on its journey that may cover many miles. So, it’s really important that your package is wrapped securely.
See how to prepare a package to send here…
How to wrap a package to send?
Choose a box or bag
Watertight mailing bags are best for clothes and padded envelopes are suitable for smaller items but otherwise, you should select a box that’s strong enough for the journey ahead. Make sure that the box closes easily and still retains its shape after any additional packing has been included.
Wrap the items
There are packaging options you can choose that best suit the item you’re wrapping such as bubble wrap and newspaper. Put the wrapped item into the box and then pack the empty space around it with more scrunched up newspaper, cardboard layers, or polystyrene chips. You can put your box inside another box to make it even more secure.
Tape your parcel
Before you secure the lid write your return of address label on a piece of paper and add the name and address of the destination just in case the outer label becomes detached. Put the paper inside and then fasten your parcel with tape. Use strong and durable tape to cover all of the openings, and tape the corners for extra defence.
Address your parcel
When you use a courier company they may have specific requirements which means you have to print off a label and attach it to the parcel alongside a bar code. Placing an extra copy on your parcel will ensure that the address remains clear with one of the labels placed in the middle of the box on the top. Secure the labels on all sides with good quality clear tape.
Special packaging
If you’re shipping fragile items use a strong new box and make sure that for maximum strength this box is double-walled and corrugated. The advantage of a box that hasn’t been used before is that it’s not compromised by wear and tear or humidity that can weaken it.
For items that are of an irregular shape such as posters or other paper goods use triangular tubes rather than cylinder tubes. Cylinder tubes have a tendency to roll off conveyor belts and are harder to handle during transportation whereas triangular tubes remain put.
Heavy items weighing over 25kg will need boxes that have stitched or stapled seams. You need to ensure that the size limit and gross weight limit of the box aren’t exceeded. This information will be found on the side of the bix.
When shipping any kind of liquid you must meet packaging requirements as specified by your courier. Solutions are available that use pre-moulded foam or moulded fibre trays that separate into compartments and make sure the bottles don’t touch the outer walls of the box. Empty compartments should be filled with extra packaging to prevent compromising strength.
International deliveries
When you send an international package you need to bear in mind that your parcel won’t be picked up and taken directly to its destination as it will be sent through a network of hubs and depots. Bear in mind that a courier network is similar to airport baggage handling!
Depending on where and what you’re shipping your parcel may be subject to shipping restrictions. You’ll need to check these with the postal service. Customs documents will be required with forms varying with the destination country, but details of the items being shipped and their value will be needed. These documents will need to be either placed inside your shipment or securely stuck to the outside.
Make sure that you have accurate recipient contact information to be able to keep in touch if there are any shipping issues. Then you’re ready to pack your shipment and send it. Choose a shipping courier that is cost-effective and can send a cheap international package or offer a more expensive option that includes tracking information and insurance against damage or loss.
If this all seems a little complicated you could always consider a custom broker to be a liaison between you and the authorities in the destination country. This is invaluable if you’re going to be shipping across borders on a regular basis, will ensure that you are abiding by all applicable regulations and laws, and will help you determine duty and any additional fees.
Looking for an international parcel shipping company?
DRG Solutions can help with any international courier services from Barcelona and are one of the most renowned courier companies in Barcelona. You’ll get every aspect of your shipping handled for you from start to finish with the best options chosen for your business needs. The most suitable transport solutions will be handpicked for you making your shipping experience as easy as it could possibly be.
