When you need to send something by courier or post,  the importance of packaging materials can often be overlooked. To minimise the risk of your goods being damaged in transit you’ll need to ensure your items are packed with sufficient protection.
The first thing to take into consideration is the selection of a sturdy box or an appropriate form of outer protection. The type you choose will need to effectively safeguard your goods against the harsh conditions of the freight transit system.
 How do I know if my box is good enough?
The best box for shipping is a new, unused box.  If your box isn't brand new, it should at least be to be strong, rigid and in perfect condition. Boxes should ideally be made of heavy-duty, double layered corrugated cardboard.  This is a good general rule for parcels of any weight, but when sending goods weighing over 12kg, it is essential. For really fragile or valuable items, it is best to pack them fully enclosed in a protective packing case made of timber or possibly even metal.
An original manufacturer’s box that is still in excellent condition may be suitable, however double boxing (i.e. packing the original box inside a larger box filled with cushioning materials) is a much safer proposition.
If you're unsure, or want some free advice, talk to an expert at your local PACK & SEND, or check out or range of boxes & packing materials online.  PACK & SEND sell the largest variety of box sizes in Australia.
What types of boxes put my goods at risk?
Avoid corrugated boxes with punctures, rips or corner damage.  Boxes with creases can reduce a box’s strength by up to 70 percent.  Do not use boxes from the supermarket. While reusing old boxes might seem tempting, the modest savings will likely be outweighed by the cost and frustration that comes with damaged or returned goods. Not to mention if your parcel is destined for overseas, boxes that once contained foodstuffs may encounter problems with quarantine officials in the destination country.
7 top tips when Shipping Boxes:
Be sure to consider the box’s strength and durability for carrying the weight and size of the item.
- Select a box that is large enough to accommodate the proper thickness of the cushioning material (5cm buffer is usually sufficient).
- Boxes smaller than 18 x 10 x 5cm are too small to travel through the freight system and need to be packed into larger boxes.
- Do not send light-weight gift boxes unless packed within stronger boxes.
- Do not overload the carton and make it too heavy. It is better to break down your consignment into two or more cartons than have one very heavy carton.
- Be aware of your item’s fragility: some goods, especially IT equipment, are very easily damaged and are best packed by the experts using Foam-in-Place technology.
- Heavy or irregularly shaped items are problematic and should be secured to a pallet for stability and protection.
Once you’ve selected an appropriate box, you’ll need to consider suitable internal protection and cushioning (stay tuned because we'll discuss this in a forthcoming blog post!).
If you have any concerns about the packaging of your goods, your friendly local PACK & SEND experts are available for personalised advice to help you pack it yourself.  We can even take care of all the packing work and save you the trouble.
Â
Â