The IT Store

When you need to send something, whether a gift to a family member or a product to a customer, there are a surprising number of considerations that are made about packing and shipping—many we don’t even realize we are making but that could affect the security of the items being shipped. Factors such as the weight and size of the item and the packaging materials required to ship it securely are primary considerations that should be well thought out prior to dropping your package off at The Postal Mail.  

Consult With A Packing Expert

Before sealing your shipment, consult with a packing expert to ensure your items are securely packaged and to see if better accommodations can be made by someone with training. Sometimes too much bubble wrap or the wrong type of packing material is used. This can not only affect the security of the item but also the size and weight of the final shipment, which can also affect the price of shipping. 

Using Original Packaging

Many products are purchased in bulk and distributed to local vendors via pallets. Being shipped this way may be secure for the item, but on its own, it may not be able to withstand the shipping process or demands of transport. Don’t assume that because an item you purchased is in a rectangular box that it is secure enough to be shipped in its original packaging.

Adequate—and Accurate Cushioning

There are more ways to cushion the inside of a package beyond bubble wrap or paper stuffing. Foam compartments, cardboard separators, and box-in-a-box packing materials paired with bracing and suspension packing methods can be used to better support fragile items.

Avoid Empty Box Space

This is called “shipping air” and a good example to visualize this is the shipping of a gift basket, the kind with a handle. This would require a long rectangular box to fit the handle and likely a lot of filler material while the opposite end of the box would fit securely around the base of the basket. This creates an uneven weight distribution (and possibly oversized package fees) but also wasted space. Maximize empty space by shipping more than one thing in the box or choose items better suited for shipping, like a basket without a handle.

Proceed With Caution When Reusing Packaging

Reusing boxes you received for prior deliveries can help reduce waste, but be sure to inspect the package before using it again. Avoid reusing boxes that are damaged from prior shipments and be sure to securely re-tape them.

Label Your Shipment Clearly and Accurately

Shipping postage labels with the delivery address should go on one of the largest surfaces of the package. If your package should remain in a particular direction, placing the shipping label at the “top” is recommended as is additional labeling of “this side up” on other surfaces of the package to ensure it remains in the proper position in transit. Also clearly label any packages that contain fragile items, packages that shouldn’t be bent, or are excessively heavy. Be aware that your package may be handled by mechanical transport at any point in transit and when this happens, the package is placed on its largest surface for processing regardless of label instructions—so, be sure to consider this when packing up your shipment.

Packing Is An Art Form

When you think about all the fine points that are considered (or should be) when packages are shipped, packing items for shipment is quite the art form. The goal of proper packing is to minimize risk to your shipment, and when you are unsure if your packing skills can meet this goal, the pros at The Postal Mail are more than happy to step in and provide their assistance.