How to pack the goods

How to pack the goods

Packing a shipment may seem simple enough; throw a product in, seal the box/polybag, attach your label, and you're good to go. However, some critical aspects can get overlooked. This article contains tips on packing items safely to ensure your products arrive intact.

Select Packaging

Cardboard Boxes
Most products can be packaged in boxes. Depending on the product, a malleable packaging method may be cheaper. See below. 
Padded Envelopes/Bubble Mailers
Small, medium-sized objects that are not overly delicate should be packed in padded envelopes, like figures, digital gadgets, documents, books, stationery, and jewelry.
Polybags
Soft and malleable objects should be packed in polybags, such as Clothing (Hoodies, pants, t-shirts, etc), Stuffed toys, Pillows, etc. More info here.

Pack General Items

Avoid wiggle room at all costs, if your product is rattling around, it is far more likely to get damaged. Seal your box to ensure it does not open mid-transit. Safety aside, packing your products into as small a box as possible means shipping price reductions. If there is an 'excess bag' when using polybags/bubble mailers, fold it over and tape it to reduce size. 

Pack Delicate Items

Depending on your product, you should consider using the following material to protect your products in transit: Pick and Pack Foam, Bubble wrap (be generous), packing peanuts, foam sheets, and corrugated wrap rolls. Delicates require padding on all points of contact. Insurance is recommended. However, if a product breaks without clear damage to the box, the claim may be denied due to insufficient packaging. 

Single-Box Packing Guideline

• Ship non-fragile products like soft goods inside a sturdy outer box.
• Use fillers like crumpled newspaper, loosefill peanuts, or air-cellular cushioning material such as Bubble Wrap® to fill void spaces and prevent movement of goods inside the box during shipping.
• Place goods that might be affected by dirt, water, or wet conditions inside a plastic bag.
• Consolidate small parts or spillable granular products in a strong sealed container, such as burlap or siftproof plastic bag, then package in a sturdy outer box.
• Use the H taping method for sealing your package, this will help prevent accidental opening.

Box-in-Box Packing Guideline

• Wrap product(s) individually with at least 5-cm (2") thickness of air-cellular cushioning or foam material to fit securely inside a corrugated box.
• Restrict product movement inside the box using a filler like crumpled newspaper, loosefill peanuts, or other cushioning material.
• Close and tape the inner box using the H taping method, this will help prevent accidental opening.
• Use a second box that is at least 15 cm (6") longer, wider, and deeper than the inner box.
• Choose the wrap or fill method to cushion the inner box inside the larger, sturdy outer box.
• Ship fragile products individually, wrapping them in a minimum 8-cm (3") thickness of air-cellular cushioning material.
• Wrap the inner box with 8-cm (3") thickness of air-cellular cushioning material or use at least 8 cm (3") of loosefill peanuts or other cushioning material to fill the spaces between the inner box and outer box on the top, bottom, and all sides.
• Fill any void spaces with more cushioning material.
• Use the H taping method for sealing your package.

Please note that Labelife Ship doesn't provide any packaging material.

    • Related Articles

    • UPS Surcharge List

      A list of all the different UPS surcharges, including ones you may be subject to when buying UPS labels on Labelife Ship. When you ship UPS on Labelife Ship, you get access to deep discounts* on domestic and international shipping, including services ...

    • How to Properly Write Product Descriptions for Shipments

      To ensure successful shipping, it's crucial to provide accurate and clear information on all shipping documents, particularly when describing the goods being shipped. Clear product descriptions help customs authorities facilitate smooth clearance and ...

    • I ship lots of packages, can I get better rates?

      Labelife Ship offers deep discounts on UPS labels for shippers of all sizes. UPS Discounts on Labelife Ship: When you ship UPS packages with Labelife Ship, you'll enjoy deep discounts, no matter how many packages you ship. When you ship UPS packages ...

    • Where Can I Get Packaging Materials for My Shipments?

      Here are some recommendations for where to buy stock packaging: Bubblefast: Bubblefast is a fantastic resource for affordable shipping supplies. Find boxes, poly mailers, shipping tape, and packing materials. Aviditi: Aviditi is a great supplier ...

    • Where Can I Drop Off My Package?

      Drop Your UPS Packages Off We’ve got locations all over and it's totally free. The UPS Store: Multiple, wide-ranging services. UPS Access Point: Drop-off or pickup at local businesses. UPS Drop Boxes: For 24/7 drop-off. UPS Customer Centers: On-site ...