Size
Make sure this is appropriate to the content: overloaded boxes may burst; under-filled boxes are likely to collapse.
Help & AdvicePackaging &
Packaging &
Guidance.
Get your packaging right the first time. Below is everything you need to know — box choice, cushioning, sealing, labelling and the documents that travel with your shipment.
Choose the right box
Get the basics right.
Three things to check before you start packing: size, strength and quality. Cut corners here and the rest of the chain can't save you.
Strength
Choose boxes strong enough to hold the weight of your consignment, made of corrugated cardboard. For valuable items, use heavy-duty, double-layered cardboard. Check the weight specification and stay within the limit.
Quality
Always use high quality materials. If reusing old boxes, confirm they can survive transit and strip off all previous 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
Protect what's inside.
Cushioning
Use bubble wrap, kraft paper, and loose fill polystyrene. For fragile items, there should be at least 5cm of cushioning between each item, and between the items and the carton wall. Towels and blankets are unsuitable.
Positioning
Place fragile goods in the centre of a package, ensuring they do not touch the sides. Use cardboard dividers for flat fragile items like vinyl records.
REMEMBER! Fill remaining space with cushioning. Packages should be able to withstand a drop from waist height onto a solid floor.
Sealing & Labelling
Seal, label, ship.
Use proper tape
Use quality adhesive parcel tape — not sellotape, rope, or ribbon.
Seal — don't over-seal
Customs may need to inspect the contents of your package: seal it securely, but do not overseal it!
Attach the label
Attach the shipping label (air waybill) firmly to the flat topside. Keep the barcode and address fully visible.
Distinctive Items
Special handling, item by item.
Caution
Sharp items
e.g. scissors — protect edges and points with securely fixed heavy cardboard.
Compact
Small items
Pack into flyers.
Granular
Powders & fine grains
Strong sealed plastic bags inside a rigid fibreboard box.
Leak-proof
Liquids
Leak-free containers, padded with Styrofoam, sealed in a plastic bag.
Sealed
Semi-liquids / greasy / strong-smelling
Tape-sealed and wrapped in grease-resistant paper.
Pro tip
Rolled plans, maps & blueprints
Store in triangular rather than cylindrical tubes — they are stronger!
Fragile
Data, discs & audio tapes
Fully cushioned for extra protection.
Got something unusual?
Talk to our team — we'll advise on packaging for items that don't fit the categories on the left.
Contact usCarrier Guidance
Carrier-specific advice.
For carrier-specific information, please check the carriers' packaging advice guidelines.
Wooden Packaging
Sending pallets or crates?
Many countries require heat treatment of wood packaging under the ISPM 15 regulation, which protects ecosystems from foreign pests and disease. Non-compliance can mean delays, fines, or refused entry.
Non-EU shipments need four copies of a Customs Invoice detailing contents and value.
- 1During booking, you enter cost/value data and the Customs Invoice is auto-generated.
- 2Print four copies and give them to the driver at collection.
- 3Commercial customers may supply their own Customs Invoices.
Freight servicesPacked correctly?
Packed correctly?
Get a quote.
Once you've packed and labelled, tell us where it's going and what's inside. We'll come back with competitive rates and a clear paper trail.
- Documentation handled end to end
- ISPM 15 compliant wood-packaging
- 100% safe-delivery guarantee