• How do I pack a package correctly?
Step 1: Use a corrugated cardboard box
If possible, always use a new cardboard box. With increasing frequency of use, a cardboard box loses its original protective qualities and may no longer provide suitable protection for your shipment.
Make sure the box is sturdy, in good condition, without punctures, tears or corner damage and that all flaps are intact. Remove all stickers and shipping labels from the box. Use a box with a thickness that is appropriate for the item you are shipping.
Step 2: Choose the right box and save space
Choose boxes that match the size of the contents. Boxes that are too large for small items need to be stabilised with a lot of filling material, which can lead to the contents being crushed.
Step 3: Take care of the inner padding
It is very important that you pad the contents of your parcel sufficiently.
Make sure that each item is packed individually. Fragile items must be kept away from each other and from the corners, sides, top and bottom of the box.
Each item should be provided with thick padding and packed at a certain distance from the sides of the box. This prevents damage caused by the items touching each other and protects the contents from shocks and vibrations that could be transmitted from the outside to the inside of the box.
Use suitable cushioning material in combination with a sturdy and strong cardboard box to protect your consignment all round. Make sure you use enough cushioning material to prevent the contents from moving when the box is shaken.
Unsuitable cushioning materials include clothing, blankets, towels, newspapers and pillows. Instead, use the materials listed below to cushion and protect your shipment:
Bubble wrap, used to protect and cushion lightweight items
Inflatable packaging (air-filled protective covers), primarily used as filling material for cavities in lightweight items
Polystyrene chips, primarily used as filling material for cavities in lightweight items - Moulded foam/foam pockets, foam that expands and forms a protective shape around the contents, is injected into the carton or mixed into the packages
Corrugated or ribbed liners and inserts, can be inserted into the package to increase the strength and stability of the carton
Crumpled kraft paper, primarily used as void fill material for non-fragile items of light to medium weight and items suitable for such packaging materials
Note: Fragile items such as electronics, glass, ceramics and artwork require special packaging for safe shipping. Packages containing these or similar items may require additional cushioning materials or a double box.
Step 4: Tape your box securely
Tightly sealing your shipping container is just as important to the security of your shipment as the padding.
To seal a box securely, do not use masking tape, cellophane tape (office tape), textile tape, string or wrapping paper. Instead, use strong adhesive tape - five centimetres or wider.
A safe method of taping is the so-called “H-shape”, where the package is taped at the top and bottom in the shape of an “H”.
Step 5: Ensure proper labelling
Attach the label to the parcel. Only affix one address label to the parcel to avoid confusion. All shipping documents or labels must be on one side of the box.
Do not place any shipping documents or labels over a seam, a seal or on the sealing tape.
Remove old stickers or markings on a carton that has already been used or mark them as invalid by crossing them out.
Note: If you are using an Express Tube (shipping tube), place the label horizontally with the ends of the label towards the ends of the tube so that the barcode can be read.
Below is a video with packaging tips from DHL: