Ensuring that your parcel is packaged correctly is vital in ensuring that no damage occurs along its international shipment journey, and that it arrives safely and securely at its destination.

At InXpress Sandton, we know how precious your parcels are, and we’re here to assist you in packaging them appropriately for international shipping.

We have broken down the packing process into Four Simple Steps:

1 - Assess

2 - Pack

3 - Seal

4 - Label

General Packaging Guidelines - Four Simple Steps:

Step 1: Assess

In order to package your parcel appropriately you will first need to take the below aspects into consideration:

• The weight of your parcel
• The size & shape of the item you want to ship
• The value and fragility of your parcel.
• The content or commodity (Special packaging materials and packing techniques are required for sharp objects, shipping liquids, powders and other unique goods.) *See Unique Items
• Any specific regulations on the contents that you are planning to ship (Some regulated items may require specialist packaging).

Step 2: Pack

• Use high quality corrugated cardboard boxes for parcels. For fragile or heavy items, double-wall or tri-wall constructions are recommended.
• Avoid reusing old boxes as they may have lost some of their rigidity.
• Paper boxes are not meant for international shipping.
• Ensure 6cm distance between shipment content and all walls of the box.
• Place goods that might be affected by dirt, water, or wet conditions inside a plastic bag.
• Never use boxes that have hazard labels or symbols on them (including UN numbers). These parcels will be stopped by the courier and may incur fines, even if you have attempted to cover them up.
• Do not strap boxes together and each box should have its own label.
• All contents must be packaged in some way, and packaging made of fabric or plastic is not suitable.
• Do your best to fill all gaps with bubble wrap or internal packaging to avoid movement (see table below).
• Wrap each item individually & separate with corrugated inserts or appropriate divider materials (see table below).

We have created the table below to help you choose the right material to use for your parcels specific internal packaging requirements:

Guidelines For Packaging Unique Items:

• Sharp items: Should be fully protected at edges and points with securely fixed, heavy cardboard.
• Small items: Pack into flyers (polythene courier or mailing bags).
• Powders and fine grains: Place in sturdy plastic bags, securely seal and pack into a rigid fibreboard box.
• Liquids: Store in leak-free containers, pack with strong, lightweight internal material (like Styrofoam) and seal with a plastic bag.
• Semi-liquids or greasy and strong-smelling substances: Wrap in grease resistant paper and seal with adhesive tape.
• Rolled plans, maps and blueprints: Store in triangular rather than cylindrical tubes.
• Important Documents: Visit our blog on how to pack important documents for international shipping.
  
  

Step 3: Seal

• Use pressure sensitive tapes of at least 48mm width.
• Use the H-taping method to seal all edges and seams.
• Do not use cellophane tape, duct tape, masking tape, string, or rope to seal packages. 
• Seal your package securely, but do not over seal it... Customs may need to inspect the contents of your package. 

Step 4: Label

• Apply your shipment label to the top surface of your package.
• Place delivery information both inside and outside the package (Include an address for your recipient and yourself).
• The barcode and shipping address should be clearly visible and not obscured in any way.
• Use a waterproof wallet for your shipping label.
• Each box should have its own label (don’t strap boxes together).
• DON’T use clear tape over your shipping label, as scanners will also not be able to read it.
• Apply ‘special handling’ labels for any fragile parcels.
• *This Way Up, *Fragile, Handle with Care, *Keep Dry etc

For further information on parcel packaging or assistance with any other international courier needs, please contact us today. We're here to simplify your shipping.