Shipping items abroad requires a little more care and effort than if they were being sent domestically. Remember that your package will not only be handled by your local carrier but also by your destination country’s carrier. Handling procedures and facilities differ from country to country. Packaging that may work in your domestic shipments may not be as effective when you send items abroad. Your shipment could be battered, pushed, rolled or dropped during unloading, while moving through Customs, or in transit to its final destination. Thus, attention to packing is an absolute must to ensure that your items reach their destination in good condition. Here are some packing tips to ensure safe transit of your international shipments.
Use appropriate boxes. For optimum protection, use a new, sturdy corrugated box that is large enough to accommodate your product and provide extra spaces for packing materials on all sides. Also pay attention to the weight of your item and that the box can support it.
Protect items with ample fillers. The key to successfully shipping items without damage is by ensuring that they sit snugly inside the box, incapable of movement and protected on all sides with cushioning. At least a couple of inches of fillers, such as packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and air pillows, on the bottom, sides and top of the box are necessary to protect your item from impact. When shipping multiple items in a single package, it is best to wrap each item separately with padding so they don’t bump against each other during transit. To test that your package is well-packed, close and shake it. If you hear items moving, add more filler until everything stays in place.
Protect against the elements. Anticipate damage caused by moisture by sealing items in plastic bags. extreme temperatures by wrapping and sealing your items. Plastic bags can also protect items from dust. Seal your package with heavy duty packaging tape, making sure that all flaps are reinforced and will not burst open during transit.
Add a label inside. Place a copy of the shipping label, with both your originating and destination addresses clearly indicated, before closing and sealing the box. This will come handy in case the labels outside of the box is damaged during transit. Also make sure that labels are legibly hand written or printed in easy to read font. Names and addresses must be complete to avoid getting lost. Stick clear tape over labels and addresses to protect them from damage due to moisture.
Declare your package. To avoid any custom issues, declare the contents of your package. Avoid shipping goods that are regulated or banned in the country of destination. Also provide copies of necessary permits and documentation in case the package needs to be inspected.
Following these packing tips can help ensure that your package will arrive safely at its international destination without any problems.