subject: Did You Pack Your Shipment Correctly? [print this page] As a shipper, its your responsibility to make sure you pack your shipment properly. If you pack a small package shipment with reckless abandon, theres a pretty good chance that the contents of the package will get damaged along the way. It doesnt matter how careful your shipping company is when handling and transporting your package; there will be bumps and shifts during the journey, so you have to be absolutely positive that you packed up your shipment carefully enough to protect it.
Of course, this leads to the important question-How can you make sure you pack your shipment carefully? Here are some tips from small package shipping experts.
Choose an appropriately-sized box-Size matters when choosing a box for your shipment. You dont want to put your goods in just any old box. You have to find a box thats the right size for the contents being shipped.
Generally, youll want to make sure the box you choose will comfortably fit the items while providing 2-3 inches of extra space on each side of the contents. This extra space will need to be filled with padding, to give your goods a strong layer of protection.
Use the correct amount of inner-packaging-This just might be the most important tip on the list. You have to make sure you pack the inside of your box with enough padding to protect your shipment. The contents of the package should have 2-3 inches of inner-packing materials on each side of them. That way, they are totally insulated on all sides, so they can handle any bumps along the way.
Make sure you use enough inner-packaging so that the contents of the package are held firmly in place. When shaking the package, you shouldnt be able to hear the contents moving around inside. They should be held tightly by the padding surrounding them.
Seal the box carefully-Once you have the inside of the box all packed up nice and tight, its time to seal the package. Make sure you use box tape (packing tape) for this job. Dont use duct tape, masking tape, scotch tape, or any other type of tape. Box tape was designed specifically for sealing up cardboard boxes.
Use the tape along all seams, and ensure that all flaps are closed and wont burst open during shipping.
Make sure everything is labeled correctly-The final step is to make sure your package is labeled correctly and all documentation is completed properly. Why is this important? Because its necessary for the small package shipping company and all package handlers to know the type of goods that are inside the package so they will handle them accordingly. This ensures your package gets the level of care it deserves in order to ensure safe handling and delivery.
Take your time when packing your shipment so that you can be sure its done right. And dont forget to make the small investment in cargo shipping insurance so you can fully protect your financial interest!
