How To Pack Your Parcel

Parcels can travel many thousands of miles and proper packaging can help ensure your shipment to arrive safely. Here’re some tips for good packaging :

Understand Packaging Needs

Understand your packing needs is an essential step to determine what kind of quality packaging will be needed to protect your items during delivery. Here are some influencing factors :

Weight, shape and size

The box or packaging should be strong enough to hold the weight of the items being shipped. Odd-shaped or rounded packaging may need extra attention.

Value of contents

Extra cushioning and protection may be required for high value goods. You may need to get your parcel fully insured as well.

Fragility

Special handling label such as “fragile” and extra cushioning may be required for fragile items.

Regulations

Some regulated items may require special packaging to be eligible for delivery. However, items that are classified as prohibited or restricted will not be allowed for delivery via EasyParcel. Refer here.

Internal And External Packaging

Having a proper and quality packaging is critical when it comes to delivery. All Items must conform to the packaging requirements of courier. Items that are not correctly packaged or containing dangerous or prohibited materials may be refused and returned to the customer.

Internal packaging will be used as cushioning to :

  • Prevent any damage from shock, vibrations, impacts and pressure during transit
  • Prevent items within a parcel from touching
  • Eliminate any internal movement of a parcel content
  • Provide clearance from the item and the external packaging

Bubble wrap, airbags, cardboard and foam peanuts/pellets are all commonly used as packaging material. Use them to secure your items as every layer of padding is an extra layer of protection. Following the below table will help you decide what material is suitable for your needs.

Packaging Function
Type of Material
Bubble Wrap
Small cell ½ inch
Suitable for lightweight items
Large cell ½ inch
Suitable for medium weight products
Foam Wrap
Foam peanuts/pellets
Air bags
Crumpled paper
Corrugated inserts
Shredded cardboard
Always use strong outer packaging

High quality corrugated cardboard boxes are always recommended as used/recycled boxes offer less protection to your items. For fragile or heavy items, double-wall or tri-wall constructions are recommended. If you’re sending light weight items, you may consider to use packaging flyers as well.

Where to get flyers?
You may purchase flyers at EasyParcel Store at a lower price by using EP credits.

Choose the right size

Under-filled boxes may collapse and over-filled boxes may burst. Prevent this by choosing a box that fit to your items being shipped. Ensure it allows adequate clearance for sufficient internal packaging to be used on the items being shipped.

Here are some basic principles you should take note before packing :

Leave No Empty Space

Always ensure to fill empty space completely with void filling materials such as foam peanuts or air bag within the box to avoid items moving during transit.

6 cm Distance

Always place items in the center of the box with at least 6cm of separation from any external walls or corners.

Wrap Items Individually and Use Dividers

When shipping multiple items in a single package, always wrap each item individually and separate with corrugated inserts or other divider materials to avoid damage. For odd- or irregular-shaped items, always wrap and tape all sharp edges or protrusions.

Do not strap multiple boxes together

Place all items in one large outer carton or send them in separate parcels. No compensation for loss will be given on parcels that are strapped together.

Single-Box Method
  • Suitable for non-fragile items.
  • Prepare a new and high quality single or double wall box.
  • Wrap the item with cushioning material, container or strong plastic bag for better protection. If shipping multiple items within a single box, ensure each one is wrapped individually and well separated from one another.
  • Place your items centrally in the box with at least 6cm of separation from any external walls or corners.
  • Fill up the empty space with void filling materials such as bubble wrap, form peanuts/pellets, airbags etc to prevent movement during shipping.
Box-in-box Method
  • Suitable for fragile items.
  • Prepare a outer and inner box. You can either use the original manufacturer’s packaging as the inner box or pack it using the single-box method above.
  • Use the outer box that is at least 14cm longer, wider, and deeper than the inner box.
  • Place your inner box centrally in the outer box with at least 6cm of separation from any external walls or corners.
  • Before sealing the outer box, fill up the empty space with void filling materials such as bubble wrap, form peanuts/pellets, airbags etc to prevent any movement of the inner box.
Don’t forget to weigh and measure your parcel after it’s fully packaged. If your parcel is heavier and bigger than stated on your booking, you could face extra charges. 

Sealing and Labelling

Sealing

Choosing an appropriate adhesive tapes and sealing method can help in protecting your shipment from being exposed or fall open. These are some of the recommended tapes :

  • Polypropylene tape (brown plastic tape)
  • Vinyl adhesive tape (electrical tape)
  • Fiber-reinforced paper tape (duct tape)

Avoid using any of these tapes as it does not offer better strength and durability to hold the parcel :

  • Kraft paper tape
  • Cellophane tape
  • Masking tape
  • String

H-Taping method

  • Apply 1 strip of tape along the center seam
  • Apply 2 strips of tape across both edges of your parcel
  • Apply multiple times for heavier shipments
Labelling

Air waybill/consignment note
Always use clear and accurate air waybill with completed details to ensure your shipment moves swiftly throughout the delivery process. Here are some tips to take note :

Make sure your air waybill is printed in A4 paper.

Place the air waybill or any other documents in plastic adhesive pouch and attach it on top of the box.

Write the collection and delivery details on the box using marker pen just in case the air waybills falls off during transit.

Do not apply tape over the air waybill to avoid scanning issue.

Remove all outdated address labels on the outer box if any.

To avoid any delay in transit always make sure that all necessary documentation is fully and accurately completed before sending. Failure to correctly declare the contents of an international parcel can lead to delay in delivery and excess charges.

Special Handling Label

Attach special handling label to your parcel can help to notify courier riders on how it should be handled and taken care of. Get the label here.

Fragile, Handle With Care

The parcel contains fragile items and must be handled carefully.

This Way Up

The upward arrows show the preferred orientation of the parcel and protect it against incorrect transportation or wrong storage.

Keep Dry

The parcel must be protected from excessive humidity and be stored in dry condition.

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