Size – make sure this is appropriate to the content: overloaded boxes may burst; under-filled boxes are likely to collapse
Strength – choose boxes strong enough to hold the weight of your consignment, made of corrugated cardboard and. Use heavy-duty, double-layered cardboard for valuable items. Check the weight specification of the package, and do not exceed this limit where applicable
Quality – always use high quality materials. If reusing old boxes, ensure they are in a good enough condition to withstand the transit and be sure to remove all old labels.
REMEMBER! Never use boxes that have hazardous labels or symbols on them: parcels with these symbols will be stopped by the courier and may incur fines.

• Please do not strap boxes together: each box should have its own label.
• All contents must be packaged in some way, and packaging made of fabric is not suitable.

Inside the Box

Cushioning – use materials such as bubble wrap, kraft paper, and loose fill polystyrene to protect your items from moving or breaking. For fragile items, there should be at least 5cm of cushioning between each item, and between the items and the carton wall. Materials such as towels and blankets are not suitable for cushioning.
Positioning – Place fragile goods in the centre of a package; ensuring they do not touch the sides. Use cardboard dividers when sending flat, fragile material such as vinyl records.
REMEMBER! You should fill all remaining space in the box with additional cushioning material to minimise the impact of transit on your items. Packages should be able to withstand a drop from waist height onto a solid floor.

Sealing and Labelling

• Seal your items with a quality adhesive parcel tape, not sellotape or other materials such as rope or ribbon.
• Customs may need to inspect the contents of your package: seal it securely, but do not overseal it!
• Ensure your shipping label (also termed air waybill) is securely attached to the flat, topside of your parcel. The barcode and shipping address should be clearly visible and not obscured in any way.

Distinctive Items

Sharp items – such as scissors should be fully protected with securely fixed heavy cardboard at edges and points.
Small items – should be packed into flyers.
Powders and fine grains – should be placed in strong plastic bags, securely sealed and packed in a rigid fibreboard box
Liquids – should be stored in leak-free containers, packed with a lightweight and strong internal material such as Styrofoam and sealed with a plastic bag.
Semi-liquids or greasy or strong-smelling substances – should be sealed with adhesive tape and wrapped in grease resistant paper.
Rolled plans, maps and blueprints – should be stored in triangular rather than cylindrical tubes. They are stronger!
Data, discs and audio types – should be fully cushioned for extra protection

Carrier Guidance

For carrier – specific information, please check the carriers’ packaging advice guidelines.

• DHL Packaging Advice
• UPS Packaging Advice
• TNT Packaging Advice
• TG International Packaging Advice
• DPD packaging advice

Sending wooden packaging, pallets or crates?

Many countries require wooden packaging materials such as pallets or crates to be heat-treated prior to shipping. This is due to the ISPM 15 regulation which exists to protect local eco systems from foreign insects and disease. Failure to comply could incur delays, fines and even declined entry into the country.

Please see the ISPM 15 regulation section of our website for more information, and to check if the regulation is applicable to your destination country.

All shipments bound for non EU countries must be accompanied by four copies of a Customs Invoice. This is a document detailing the contents and value of your goods for customs purposes. It will speed up customs clearance and enable the relevant authorities to calculate any customs charges.

• During the booking process, you will be invited to enter details of the cost and value of your goods and your Customs Invoice will be generated automatically from this information.
• Please print four copies of your Customs Invoice and hand them to your driver upon collection.
• Alternatively, if you are a commercial customer and produce your own Customs Invoices, please feel free to use your own instead.

You can check what documentation you need at-a-glance using the table below.