Postal Masters Packaging Tips
Use a rigid carton with flaps
intact
Always wrap items separately
Use adequate cushioning material
Use strong tape designed for
shipping
Use a single address label
Make sure to use a complete
clear street address for both sender and receiver
Put duplicated address label
inside package
Techniques
Use a corrugated box
For the best results, use a new box large enough to allow room for adequate
cushioning material on all six sides of the box. If the box has already
been used, remove old labels or other shipment labels and markings. Never
exceed the maximum gross weight for the box, which is usually printed
on the bottom of the box. If the used box shows signs that the integrity
of the box has been compromised, don't use the carton.
Provide internal protection
To properly cushion the contents of your package from damage, wrap each
item separately. Fragile items need to be protected from each other and
separated from the corners and sides of the box to prevent damage.
Listed below are various materials used for inner protection of the
contents of your box, listed from most protective to least.
Foam In-Place: This
is a foam that is sprayed into the box to form a perfect protective mold
around the contents. This is recommended for electronics (computers, CD
players, TV's), fragile items (crystal, china, wine bottles, framed paintings,
lead glass windows) and awkward or difficult items (e.g. stuffed and mounted
fish). This product is by far the most protective and versatile available.
Styrofoam Sheeting:
Available in 96x48x1" sheets, this does a great job on large and heavy
items. Very useful when packing trunks, desks, and various mid-sized wooden
furniture, as well as appliances.
Bubble Wrap: This is
good for packing light delicate items, heavier items with multiple layers
of bubble.
Polystyrene Peanuts:
This is the most common inexpensive filler. Very good for filling voids
inside boxes. Unlike paper, styro peanuts maintain their shape. Peanuts
don't become compressed like shredded paper does, and helps maintain the
integrity of the package.
Corrugated Dividers:
These are good for separating items during shipping so they cannot bang
into each other, however, they should be used in conjunction with some
other packing material.
Shredded Paper:
This should only be used as a last resort. Shredded paper does not hold
it's shape. During shipping, it can become compacted, creating a void
inside the box which can jeopardize the integrity of the box, which will
make it more likely to crush or open.
Always use enough
cushioning material to ensure that the contents cannot move inside the
box when shaken.
Fragile objects
require special packaging for shipping.
All packages
should be packed in such a fashion that they can withstand a three foot
drop.
Close it securely: Proper closure is important for safe transportation.
For best results, use one of the following types of tape:
Pressure sensitive
plastic or nylon reinforced tape.
Water activated
paper tape. Use 60 lb. grade tape at least 3 inches wide. Apply 3 strips
to both top and bottom of box to seal all seams.
Water activated
reinforced paper tape. Similar to plain paper tape, except that reinforcing
fibers have been added for strength. Only the paper tape or the reinforced
paper tape may be used when sending a package via Registered Mail with
the USPS.
NEVER use masking
tape, cellophane (Scotch) tape, duct tape, string or paper overwrap.
Use Proper Labeling: For the best results in shipping, keep these
points in mind when addressing your package:
Always include a
complete address for the recipient including the correct ZIP Code. For
international shipments include a contact name and phone number with the
correct postal code.
Include the suite,
apartment or unit number, if applicable.
Affix the address
label on top of the box. If using a packing slip, affix it to the top
of the box if possible.
Do not place more
than one label on the box. This only adds to confusion.
Remove any other
labels that are on the box. Also, cross out any markings on the box with
a black marker.
Place a second address
label inside the box for added protection.
Always include your
complete return address with name and phone number.
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