If you are shipping items for your business, especially if you are doing it regularly, one of your foremost priorities is to ensure your package or parcel’s protection. You want them to be wholly protected so that they can arrive in good condition at their final destination, after all. But packing and shipping various items can be a challenge, particularly if the items are fragile, awkwardly- or oddly-shaped, large, and so on. If you want to do things right, here are some tips from the experts on packing and shipping items for your business.

• When choosing a box for your item, choose one which is a bit larger than the actual object you are shipping so that the box can serve as extra cushioning for the article. But even if the box is a bit larger than the item, make sure to surround the object on all sides with sufficient packaging materials such as bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or foam. This is essential, so the item doesn’t shift or move around whilst being transported.

• Don’t just opt for regular tape when packing your item. It’s best to go for special packaging tape or reinforced tape. You can also go for paper tape, as long as it is sturdy enough and the tape has a width of at least 5 centimetres. Never, ever use twine, cord, or string for your parcel or package, as this can easily get torn or damaged, which can loosen the box’s sides and openings. Pay particular attention to the box’s openings and seams; make sure you properly reinforce and secure them with tape.

• Labelling the parcel is also of prime importance, and when you label the parcel, include your return postal address as well. Write the address of the recipient as legibly as possible and include the postal code; if you are printing the address, use a clear font that is easy to read.

• It’s best to use a new box or envelope if you are shipping items. You may think that you can save a bit of money by reusing an old box and just crossing out any prior address info or details, but you’re not doing yourself any favours if your parcel gets lost or damaged. You can always purchase postal boxes in bulk; packaging material providers such as ukplc.co.uk will gladly provide you with good deals for various packaging materials for your items.

Tips for items which are shaped irregularly

Not all the items you ship may have clear sides and corners. There is a likelihood that you may have to send irregularly-shaped or awkwardly-shaped items, and you need to know how to pack and ship them properly as well.

If you are shipping metal items, for example, make sure to cover the label or address of the recipient with clear tape and cover any sharp edges or protruding edges with pieces of cardboard. You can use strong tape to cover the cardboard cutouts on the edges of the parcel.

If you are planning to ship wallpaper, fabric, or other items which come in a roll, make use of corrugated cardboard boxes. Boxes work best at protecting the rolls. But if you cannot use a box, post the item in a special postal bag, but make sure you wrap and secure the bag as tightly as possible, so it doesn’t tear. You should also place labels within the core of the postal bag or between the material’s top layers.

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