How You Can Make Sure Your Parcel is Properly and Securely Wrapped for Shipping

The intricacies of shipping various items, especially internationally, can’t be denied, and if your business is involved in the shipping of different goods, you have to be extra careful about packing it and preparing it for shipment. But whilst it’s simple enough to pack an item and secure it, there are still some details which you may not know about, but which can affect your item once you ship it. For example, you have to make sure to include the postcode – postcodes are essential. There are other elements to bear in mind as well. Here, then, is how you can make sure your parcel is appropriately and securely wrapped for shipping.

The best advice for packaging and wrapping items for shipping

• It’s always best to make use of a padded envelope if you have an item with an odd shape or with sharp edges. This way, it won’t tear or cut through the package.
• If you use an outer container for your item, make sure it is strong enough so it can support the weight of the items inside.
• If you send items which are fragile or delicate, pack them individually in bubble wrap or another packing material (like packing paper) so they stay secure. Additionally, make sure the fragile item doesn’t touch the container’s sides, either.
• If the package or container is not filled, fill it with packing material like Styrofoam peanuts or bubble wrap. This way, the item doesn’t move around during transit.
• Always include a return address on any parcel you send out.
• You should also include a contact name, postal address, as well as telephone number on the inside of the parcel.
• Pack and secure the parcel with the use of vinyl tape; be sure to tape the container’s edges and any openings as well as you can.
• If the container has any sharp edges due to metal fasteners, staples, etc., then cover them as much as possible with strong vinyl tape.
• Last, but certainly not least, don’t forget to mark fragile items with ‘fragile’ externally; do this at the top and the sides of the container.

Take note of restricted or prohibited items

There will be items, of course, which are prohibited or restricted, so make sure your item isn’t included in the list of such items. In general, restricted or prohibited items include such items as aerosols, batteries, alcohol, electronic goods, matches and lighters; medication, paints and perfumes, nail varnish, and perishable things. And for some reason, crackers are prohibited or restricted as well. Before you send any item, check out the regulations for it and if you can ship it, be sure to follow the guides on how to send it in the proper way.

Pay attention to proper addressing

When you are addressing your parcel for shipping, you can write the name as well as address of the recipient on the container’s front and bottom leftmost corner. Make sure your handwriting is clear and legible if you are manually writing the address, and use ink which can be clearly seen against the parcel or envelope’s colour (it’s always better to use proper mailing boxes for your parcels, so you can benefit from the right security and extra protection for your items as well). The text should also be aligned to the left, and it’s best not to use commas. Leave a big margin around the recipient’s address so it is more visible and include the postage on the container’s right topmost portion.