Packaging Design & Tips

Tips You Need to Know Before You Ship Large Boxes

Tips You Need to Know Before You Ship Large Boxes - PackQueen
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Planning to ship large boxes? Our business-to-business blog has got you covered. From selecting the right packaging materials to navigating shipping logistics, we provide essential tips and tricks to ensure your large box shipments arrive safely and cost-effectively.

Sending items over a long distance is always a risk due to the potential for damage while in transit. The risk is increased for large items since they're likely to be moved by forklift, conveyor belts and different trucks during a long journey. You can dramatically reduce the risk of damage by packing items correctly and securely before sending them.

Some carriers may refuse to take items that are not properly packed. And even if they do take them, any claims for damage while in transit may be refused if it can be shown that packing was not securely done. It's in your interest, therefore, to make sure you pack correctly since this will avoid the cost and hassle of dealing with damaged goods.

How to Pack Correctly and Securely

During its journey to its final destination, a package can be lifted, dropped, compressed, knocked and subjected to changes of temperature and humidity while the contents may move about inside the packaging. Make sure they can resist all these challenges by adhering to the following guidelines.

1. Use the Right Box

Make sure the box is big enough so you can fit the contents in without forcing but not too big, so the contents rattle about inside. Too big a box may cause unnecessary extra shipping costs as well as additional internal packing while one that's too small may be more likely to split.

If a product is particularly heavy, make sure the box is strong enough to withstand the weight. You may need to use heavy duty, double wall, corrugated cardboard or, in extreme cases, a wooden crate. For packages that weigh above 70 kgs or so, the box may need to be shipped on a wooden or plastic pallet to make lifting and transferring much simpler.

Never use old boxes where the walls are creased or damaged in some way. The weakness that will result can increase the likelihood of the box splitting open during transit.

2. Ensure the Contents are Secure

When placing items in a box, make sure they don't touch the inside walls since this can damage the item or the box while being handled. You can protect the contents by:

wrapping each item individually in protective film

lining the box with Styrofoam to provide a cushion

inserting air pillows around the items to prevent movement

using other suitable packing materials, such as polystyrene packing chips, so you're sure nothing will shift within the box.

Don't try to cut corners by using unsuitable packing materials. Old paper, for example, will tend to compress during transit and allow unwanted movement. Also, don't send unsuitable items, such as perishable or inflammable goods, except by appropriate transport.

3. Make Your Package Secure

Seal the box securely by running packaging tape in each direction around the box. Always use the best quality tape that will bond to the box and won't come loose.
Never fasten strapping or string around the outside of the box. These are likely to get caught by handling machinery and cause problems.

4. Identify Your Package

If you do re-use an old box, make sure any previous labels are removed, so they don't confuse the carrier. Place a single address label on the outside of the box, securely affixed, which shows delivery and return details. Additionally, put a duplicate address label inside the box so it can be identified if the exterior is damaged.

5. Better Safe than Sorry

If packed correctly, your items are likely to arrive safely at their destination. This will avoid unnecessary cost and effort on your part and will keep your customers happy since products will be received right first time.

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