subject: 10 Mistakes People Make When Packing A Courier Parcel [print this page] Ever sent a parcel that hasn't arrived as it was sent. While you could just be using the wrong courier service, it could also be because you're making one of a number of mistakes people commonly make when packing a parcel.
Here are 10 of the most frequently made mistakes...
1. Using a box that's too small. In doing so, your parcel could burst at the seams and start to fall apart.
2. Using a box that's too big. If you use an oversized box, then you risk it collapsing under any strain. As packages are often stacked on a van, plane or lorry, your item may have something resting on top.
3. Using a cheap box. If the contents are valuable, and possibly even if they aren't, why risk damage by putting them in a box that is flimsy and likely to crumble under pressure? Go with corrugated cardboard - it's a sure fire winner.
4. Not using any (or enough) cushioning. Foam, screwed-up paper or preferably bubble-wrap can all be used to protect breakable items from damage and you should use as much as you can without putting strain on the box.
5. Not reinforcing the box. When the item you are sending is particularly fragile, it may not be enough just to use cushioning. In these circumstances, it's better to reinforce the walls of the box by adding pieces of cardboard to its inner walls.
6. Not taping up the box. Sometimes boxes need a little extra support. If you've packed it tight, but you're still not convinced its as secure as it could be, then add strong tape or strapping over the edges of the box.
7. Not putting the fragile item in the centre of the box. Some people forget that the most vulnerable part of the package is near to the walls of it, as it is this bit that will come into contact with other things. As such, they risk damage by not putting the item in the middle of the box and packing round it.
8. Not writing 'This Way Up'. It seems simple, but people genuinely forget and the item gets turned and stacked in the wrong direction, risking damage.
9. Not securing liquid and powdered items. These items are often more vulnerable than any other, so it is important to make sure tops are on tight and that they are separated from other items as best as possible.
10. Not labelling the box up correctly. The address you need the package to go to needs to be clearly marked on the box or parcel. The courier may provide a sticker for this, which it is a good idea to use. After all, the drivers are used to looking for it.
Now you know the pitfalls to avoid, why not contact an international courier to see if they can deliver your parcel to USA, India or anywhere else in the world?
10 Mistakes People Make When Packing A Courier Parcel
