subject: Considerations For Packaging Cross Border Shipments [print this page] It is important when shipping anything that you take the time to ensure that your goods are properly packed. Failure to do so can result in a wide range of consequences, which might include your shipment becoming damaged or Miami courier services even refusing to pick up your shipments because you have not properly adhered to their packing guidelines. Getting a copy of the actual packaging guidelines that your courier company enforces is always a great place to start when packaging a shipment, but when you're shipping across a border, there are a few other things that you might want to consider.
The first thing that you need to keep in the forefront of your mind is that when you're shipping across any type of international border, there is a very good chance that your package is going to be opened at the border. For security reasons, and to ensure that no smuggling is taking place, customs agents will quite frequently need to open and inspect a package before they can let it into their country. Keeping this in mind will help you to pack your shipment correctly.
You should make sure that if they do need to open your package that it's not going to be too difficult for them to repack it. Keep a few things in mind. First, make sure that the package is not packed too tightly, or it could be difficult to get it back together. You also want to make sure that the correct side of the package to open is clearly marked, especially if you're shipping something valuable. Otherwise, you could end up with a broken product.
You should also include an extra copy of the shipping label in the package. It's not uncommon for shipping labels on a package to get damaged when someone is trying to open the package. If you have a spare copy inside the box, they can reaffix it and make sure the package is delivered successfully.
A final consideration for cross border shipping isn't really about the packaging itself, but about the paperwork that is going with your shipment. When you're shipping something across a border, you're going to have to provide paperwork stating what you're shipping. Be sure this accurately reflects the contents of your package. Any discrepancy could cause you problems at the border, and that is something that you definitely don't want, as it could greatly delay your package's delivery.
