Packaging
How you package your consignments is vital when it comes to transportation. A poorly packaged parcel can cause an immense amount of damage to your product, destroy anything perishable and may well invalidate any insurance claim you may wish to pursue.
The packaging of your consignment is paramount to ensure a safe and efficient delivery. You really don’t want your package coming back to you because it’s been deemed unfit for delivery by your transportation service.
Aline Logistics offer a free packaging survey and report to help you package your consignments smartly and reduce any adversities in transit. We also offer a packaging service that may entail using your own materials or using bespoke materials, such as tailor-made crates for export. We specialise in small volume, short term projects, but we are on hand to offer advice and recommendations for all your packaging needs.
Simply give us a call or email us – we’d be happy to help
Internal Packaging
It’s important to cushion the contents of your package properly. Make sure you wrap each item separately. Fragile articles need both suitable separation from each other and clearance from the corners and sides of the box. You should leave a space of at least 5 cm between the outer container and the product inside. This space should be filled with enough internal protection to ensure the contents do not move when you shake the container.
The following are the most common purpose-made types of internal packaging:
Find out more about each type of packing below.
Internal Packaging
It’s important to cushion the contents of your package properly. Make sure you wrap each item separately. Fragile articles need both suitable separation from each other and clearance from the corners and sides of the box. You should leave a space of at least 5 cm between the outer container and the product inside. This space should be filled with enough internal protection to ensure the contents do not move when you shake the container.
The following are the most common purpose-made types of internal packaging:
Find out more about each type of packing below.
Corrugated Cardboard
The most common and the most suitable way to pack your consignments. Whenever possible use a new box. Boxes lose their protective qualities the more times they are used, so a previously used box may not protect your consignment sufficiently. If you must re-use a box, make sure it’s rigid and in excellent condition with no punctures, tears, rips or corner damage and that all flaps are intact. Remove any labels and all other old markings from the box. Double-wall corrugated cartons provide enhanced strength, which make them especially suitable for the transport of heavy items.
Manufacturer’s Original Boxing
Usually designed for shipments on pallets instead of single piece consignments. Additionally, it’s usually been designed to ship the product once only. Re-using the manufacturer’s packaging can therefore increase the risk of your product being damaged. Only use it on its own if it’s been specifically designed to withstand impact and is in new condition
Manufacturer’s Original Boxing
Usually designed for shipments on pallets instead of single piece consignments. Additionally, it’s usually been designed to ship the product once only. Reusing the manufacturer’s packaging can therefore increase the risk of your product being damaged. Only use it on its own if it’s been specifically designed to withstand impact and is in new condition
Double Boxing
This is a way to use the original manufacturer’s packaging. All electronic equipment and heavy printed material should be double-boxed. Always make sure that the original packaging is in good condition and that the internal foam is not cracked or broken. Use a new corrugated carton that is at least 15 cm longer, wider, and higher than the original manufacturer’s box. Fill the bottom of the new carton with at least 7 cm of cushioning such as loose-fill expanded polystyrene ‘peanuts’ or similar. Don’t use crumpled or shredded paper. The original manufacturer’s box should be placed on top of the cushioning material and in the centre of the new carton, allowing for at least 7 cm of cushioning around the remaining five sides of the package. Fill the remaining empty space in the package with more cushioning material.
Padded Bags
Best used to send books, diskettes, videos etc. Padded bags, using recycled paper fibres for protection and a heavy-duty kraft outer are a common choice. If you need a stronger bag, then a lightweight one lined with bubble film on the inside to absorb impact is recommended.
Padded Bags
Best used to send books, diskettes, videos etc. Padded bags, using recycled paper fibres for protection and a heavy-duty kraft outer are a common choice. If you need a stronger bag, then a lightweight one lined with bubble film on the inside to absorb impact is recommended.
The Do List:
- Boxes should be durable and double-walled. Remember that items will get stacked in transit; therefore your packaging may need to support the weight of other packages.
- Choose the size of the package according to its content. Under-filled boxes are likely to collapse; overloaded ones may burst.
- Always use high quality materials for your shipments. Consider strength, cushioning, and durability when selecting your wrapping supplies.
- Choose boxes made of corrugated cardboard, with good quality outer liners. Use heavy-duty double-layered board for fragile items. Parcels packaged well for courier delivery make use of cushioning materials, especially to stop your packaged contents from moving.
- Use strapping or strong tape to seal and secure your box.
- Put fragile goods in the centre of a package; ensuring they don’t touch the sides. Your item should be well cushioned on all sides.
- Ensure liquids are stored in leak-free containers, packed with a lightweight, strong, internal material (for example, Styrofoam) and sealed with a plastic bag. Always remember that bad packaging may cause damage to surrounding items.
- Seal semi-liquids, greasy or strong-smelling substances with adhesive tape, then wrap in grease resistant paper. Always remember that bad packaging may cause damage to surrounding items.
- Place powders and fine grains in strong plastic bags, securely sealed and then packed in a rigid fibreboard box.
- Use “arrow-up” label for non-solid materials.
- Repack your gifts properly. Many goods sold in attractive packaging will not be suitable for shipping. Use triangular tubes not round tube-type cylinders to pack rolled plans, maps and blueprints.
- Remember always to pack small items and flyers appropriately.
- Protect your data discs, audio and videotapes with soft cushioning material around each item.
- Complete the address clearly and completely, using uppercase letters when handwriting labels to improve readability for courier personnel.
- When shipping sharp items, such as knives or scissors, ensure that you fully protect the edges and points. Heavy cardboard is suitable for this. Fix the protective material securely so that it cannot be accidentally removed in transit.
- Always use cardboard dividers when sending flat, fragile material (such as vinyl records).
- When re-using a box, remove all labels and stickers. Ensure that the box is in good shape and not worn out.
The Don’t List:
- Use bags made of fabric or cloth.
- Over seal your package. Remember that all shipments can be opened by customs authorities for inspection.
- Use cellophane tape or rope to seal your shipment.
- Consider “Fragile” and “Handle with care” labels as a substitute for careful packaging. They are only appropriate for information purposes.
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