News

Ship like a pro: 3 essential packaging tips for flawless deliveries

Here are three essential tips that will help you package your shipment like a pro:

Tip 1: Building a strong foundation: the perfect box

1. New and Sturdy: When packaging your shipment, we suggest resisting the urge to grab a free box from the recycling . Brand new, corrugated cardboard boxes designed specifically for shipping offer superior strength and protection. Used boxes may have undergone multiple journeys, weakening their structure and increasing the risk of damage during transit.
   Reusing a box is a great option, but with a caveat. Ensure the box is completely undamaged and very sturdy. Look for signs of wear like tears, rips, or crushed corners. If it seems questionable, play it safe and opt for a new one.
   This will ensure you can minimizes the risk of harm to your precious shipment, saving you time, money, and the potential heartache of a damaged shipment. Plus, for truly eco-friendly practices, consider checking with local businesses for unused shipping boxes before buying new ones.
2. Size Matters: Finding the right-sized box is crucial. A box that’s too big creates excessive space, allowing your items to become bowling pins in a cardboard alley. This increases the risk of them shifting and potentially breaking. Conversely, a box that’s too small can cause bulging or crushing, compromising the contents within. Here’s the golden rule: Aim for a snug fit with about 2 inches of space between the item and the walls of the box. This allows for sufficient cushioning material without creating unnecessary dead space.

Tip 2: Double the protection is double the peace of mind

1. Wrap it Up: Delicate items deserve a luxurious treatment this applies in the packaging world as well. Hence when you are packaging your shipment, there is an essential need to use high-quality bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or foam cushioning to fill any empty spaces within the box. Remember, these materials act as shock absorbers, preventing items from bumping against each other during transport.
2. Sharp Shooters Be Warned: Also, when packaging your shipment, you need to pay special attention to sharp edges or corners. These pointy culprits can easily puncture other packages or injure handlers. Use extra padding or corner protectors specifically designed to safeguard your items.

Tip 3: Labeling made easy: clear communication is key

1. Fresh Start: When packaging your shipment, reusing a box is a great eco-friendly choice when shipping your packages, but make sure it starts with a clean slate. Completely remove or thoroughly cover any old labels or markings to avoid confusion during sorting at the shipping facility.
2. Clear and Concise: Ensure the recipient’s address is clearly labeled on the designated area of the box. Use a bold, permanent marker for better visibility. Don’t forget your own return address – it provides a safety net in case of delivery issues.

Bonus Tips for Packaging Success

• Seal the Deal: A secure closure is the final frontier in protecting your shipment. Hence when shipping your packages you need to securely close your box with strong packing tape, at least 2 inches wide. Apply multiple strips along the seams and edges for maximum reinforcement. Imagine creating an “H” shape with the tape for added strength.
• Temperature Control: When packaging your shipment that contain temperature-sensitive items like food or medicine, consider using insulated packaging or cold packs to maintain the desired temperature during transport.
• Think Outside the Box (Literally): when packaging your shipment that contains oddly shaped items that don’t fit neatly in a box, consider custom crates or specialized packaging materials.
• The Power of Prevention: A gentle shake test can be your best friend. Once packed, gently shake the box to ensure everything is secure. If you hear any movement, add more cushioning material.
• Fragile Alert: If you are packaging your shipment and they include fragile items, clearly mark your package as “Fragile” using a brightly colored, designated Fragile tape. This alerts handlers to take extra care during transportation.
• Special Handling: When packaging your shipment and have items requiring specific handling instructions, consider adding special handling labels. Common special handling options include “This Side Up,” “Keep Dry,” or “Refrigerate.” These labels provide clear instructions to ensure your shipment is treated appropriately.

By following these simple yet effective packaging practices, you’ll transform from a nervous shipper into a confident pro. Your shipments will reach their destinations safely, promptly, and without any unnecessary fees.

Explore these additional resources for extra tips on packaging your shipment and shipping:

Shipping Packages with FlagShip

3 Tips for Packing Fragile Items

3 Tips for Proper Packaging to Save You Money on Shipping

How to Select the Proper Packaging to Lower your Shipping Rate

How-to Package and Ship Fragile Items

Cheapest Way to Ship Large Heavy Boxes

How to Ship a Package for Cheap

We hope these tips help you to properly package your shipment and enjoy a successful delivery. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us and our customer service team is always available by phone at 1-866-320-8383 or by e-mail at support@flagshipcompany.com.