4 Shipping Basics To Start Out Right

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1. It doesn’t matter if you are shipping small packets or big boxes, you will need to use a strong container to hold its contents. There should be enough space to add some padding to prevent the contents from moving around or breaking. For smaller packages you may be able to use bubble mailers. Mailing tubes also provide a great way to send documents without the chance of them being wrinkled or damaged.

2. Don’t be cheap when it comes to packaging. During shipping your package has a long journey and it’s not always an easy ride. You can use many different things to provide cushioning inside you package such as: newspaper, foam peanuts, bubble wrap, Styrofoam popcorn, and some people have gone as far as using real popcorn.

If you plan on shipping a lot of items together, it is best to wrap them separately and then add together in to the main shipping container. This will help protect each one as you will be able to secure them better with packing additives.

For some things, you will need to be extra careful when packaging. Glass and ceramic materials should have 2x the normal amount of protection. Imagine if you got a parcel only to find out the contents inside were shattered to pieces. Some items can be easily broken down. If you were shipping a chair, it might make sense to break it down in to simpler pieces and ship it. Sometimes packaging things whole can make them more fragile than if you packaged them in pieces.

After you have packed everything together, it is important to give it a shake test. If you hear things rattling around, you should repack it until the contents are secure.

3. When sealing your packages it is important to use proper tapes and sealers. Using tape you find around the house isn’t going to cut it. You should use clear packing tape, packing glue, or other re-enforced tapes. All of these can be found at your post office or office supply store.

When you’re packaging, it is important to cover all of the seams. If you were a large manufacturer sending thousands of packages on crates, you could get away with minimal packaging. But as a small shipper, covering all seams will not only prevent dirt and debris getting inside, but it will prevent your package from getting snagged on machinery.

You should leave an area of raw cardboard for the post office to apply stamps or other documentation.

4. To save everyone a lot of time and money, double check the address you’re sending to. Often you will be require to put the recipients address on two sides and the senders address on one of those smalls much smaller up in the corner. You need to put all of the shipping details including Street address, PO Box numbers, postal or zip codes, apartment or unit numbers, and of course the recipient’s name.

If you’re shipping overseas, this becomes especially important as the addresses can be more complex and most countries will return the package. They won’t waste time on guessing who it might belong to.

After you have written the address, we recommend that you put a piece of clear tape over it to prevent smudging or water damage.

We hoped you enjoyed these basic shipping tips! Following these tips on a daily basis will help ensure that your business runs smoothly. Please bookmark and vist our Shipping Tips page often for future shipping tips.