5 Simple Tips to Prepare Your Delicate Shipments Like a Pro

August 4, 2015

You’ve got the goods. Now you want them shipped. If you have ever stood in line at the post office during the holiday season and seen someone thrust what looks like a football wrapped in twine at the postal worker, you already know how not to pack your goods for shipment. Yet, if what you are sending is fragile or delicate in any way?  What is the best way to have it arrive in one piece?

Your first step is to use a courier service as opposed to regular mail. That way, instead of being handled by multiple workers and tossed around different warehouses, your parcel will be carefully taken care of by just one professional in direct transport. But you still have to package it correctly.

Follow these simple steps below, and your package will be properly prepared and delivered.

Tip #1:  Use a corrugated cardboard box.

Your box should be:

  • New, or in excellent condition
  • Unmarked. Remove any old shipping labels and strike out other markings
  • Strong enough to hold what you are shipping

Tip #2:  Protect the contents.

It is important to cushion the contents of your package properly.

  • Wrap each item within the box separately
  • Pad the corners, sides, top and bottom of the box with at least 5 cm of cushioning to prevent shock and vibration
  • Use enough cushioning to trap the items so they don’t move around when the box is shaken
  • Use the right protective materials.

Packing Materials

Now is not the time or the place to recycle newspaper or old clothes; protect your delicate shipment by using:

  • Layers of bubble wrap
  • Inflatable air bag packaging (as long as the contents have no sharp edges)
  • Polystyrene peanuts layered at least 5 cm deep on the bottom of the box, separated from your items with a layer of corrugated cardboard, then fill the remainder of the box with peanuts. Not for use with electronic items due to the static electricity they can generate.
  • Foam enclosures that are pre-engineered to conform to the shape of the goods being shipped
  • Spray foam in the appropriate density, which will harden to form a protective mould
  • Tightly crumpled Kraft paper
  • Double box (good for extra fragile items such as glass, ceramics, and electronics)

Step 3. Secure your container properly.

Don’t reach for the duct tape.

  • Use proper packing tape, 2”-3” in width
  • Secure the box flaps with a minimum of three strips of tape

Step 4. Label your package correctly.

After all the care put into packing, don’t wreck things with improper labelling!

  • Include the postal code
  • When shipping internationally or to a PO Box, include a contact phone number
  • Don’t forget the suite number
  • Put the packing slip on the top of the box. Avoid placing it over seams and tape
  • Include your full return address and phone number
  • Place a duplicate shipping label inside the box

Ready to Ship Your Package?

Once your package is wrapped up and ready to go, you need to trust that it’s going to be handled with care and delivered accurately and promptly.  At Power Link Expedite, we know that the items we deliver hold great importance and/or value, and we strive to reach our customers’ expectations.  Whether you’re shipping within the Greater Toronto Area , or to elsewhere in Canada or the US , Power Link Expedite will get the job done through state-of-the-art technology, experienced drivers, and high quality customer service.

Contact us today to learn more about our services, or to request a quote, and deliver your package right the first time!

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