The IT Store

How to prepare your packages for all shipping conditions.

There is more to securely packing items than putting them in a box or being cautious and wrapping things in bubble wrap before shipping them out. Our packing experts are trained in special packing techniques like suspension packing and utilizing block and bracing to prevent dangerous movement inside your package that can cause cracking, chipping, crushing, or breaking.

To ensure the safe delivery of your package and to keep the items secure in their packaging, there are a few variables to consider when packing your items that your package may encounter. You can also follow this tips, too.

Vibration

Your package may encounter vibration in transit (e.g., vehicle or airplane) or on a conveyer belt to be sorted for delivery. Vibrations can cause items in a package to move, or parts of the item you are shipping to move—like a screw loosening, lid unscrewing, or edges rubbing against the packaging. To help protect your items from damage from vibrations, be sure to wrap all items prior to shipping. Material to absorb vibrations may help prevent the movement of your items.

Compression

Packages are stacked and set next to each other during transit, causing your package to experience pressure from the sides or top. While the vehicle is moving or taking a turn, this pressure may intensify. The packaging used for your shipment should be strong enough to withstand this standard amount of compression of the package. Adding protective material can be used to provide an additional layer of buffering between the exterior pressure and the item being shipped.

Temperature

There are many ways temperature can play a part in affecting your package. The seasonal weather along the package’s route and the mode of transport used to deliver the package can vary. Extreme temperatures can affect packing material and even the content of the package.

• Be aware of not only the temperature of the destination but also the areas the package is likely to pass through to make it there and pack accordingly.
• To protect from extreme heat or cold, you may need to use special packing materials. If you are unsure, speak with one of our packing experts.

Humidity

Temperature is always a concern but don’t forget about humidity when your package will be arriving or traveling through an area known for its humid weather. Humidity is the moisture in the air—moisture that can be absorbed by cardboard packaging or that could result in condensation collecting in or around the package during environmental changes during transit.

Air Pressure

Not all packages travel by vehicle or train—planes may also be used to transport packages across the nation or around the globe. Depending on what you are shipping, the changes in air pressure while on a plane may affect your items—or your packing material. For example, air pillow film could potentially pop while at high elevation.  

Dropping

While The Postal Mail will handle your packages with utmost care and the shipping companies we partner with also act in kind, there is a possibility your package is dropped by accident—whether by a mail carrier, loading crew or package handler, or even your recipient. To prevent damage from occurring, here are tips to prevent dropping:

• Label packages with warnings such as “HEAVY” to let those who handle your package know they may need to use lift assistance tools or to partner with another person to move your package.
• Adequality wrap and cushion the items in your package to absorb the shock of being dropped from a low height.

Entrust Your Packing To The Pros

Eliminate your worries about properly packaging your shipment and leave the concerns and preparations to the experts at The Postal Mail. Our team will secure your items in the appropriate packaging material, so the package remains safe and secure while in transit to its destination. With our team in charge of the packing—we back our expertise with a Shipping Guarantee. Which means should your package be lost or severely damaged during transit, we’ll reimburse you the value of the item, shipping fees, and the cost of packing materials. Limits and exclusions do apply, please see our Pack & Ship Guarantee page for full details and exclusions.