Packaging

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
Internal and External Packaging
Sealing and Labelling

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 Materials

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	Cushioning	Void Fill	Protection	Divider	Other Function	Function
Bubble Wrap						Cushioning Void Fill Protection
Small cell ½ inch Suitable for lightweight items					Interleaving	Interleaving
Large cell ½ inch Suitable for medium weight products					Blocking	Blocking
Foam Wrap						Cushioning Void Fill Protection
Foam peanuts/pellets						Cushioning Void Fill Divider
Air bags						Void Fill
Crumpled paper						Void Fill Protection
Corrugated inserts						Void Fill Protection Divider
Shredded cardboard					Shock absorption	Void Fill Protection Divider Shock absorption

External Packaging Materials

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.

Packing Methods and Techniques

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.

How To Pack?

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. Calculate your volumetric weight here.

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 :

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.