Packaging Guidlines

Packaging:

Consider Content Size and Packaging Options

• Under-filled boxes may collapse
• Overloaded boxes may burst
• Do not exceed the weight specification of the shipment container

Boxes

• Boxes are the most commonly used and suitable way to pack your shipment because of the range of sizes, shapes, materials and accessories to strengthen and secure them
• Wood containers are especially appropriate for shipping heavier items and are ready for machine handling
• Heavy-duty double-layered cardboard is a suitable and cheaper alternative to wood boxes

Envelopes

• Use cardboard envelopes for lightweight documents
• Use cushioned, padded or bubble envelopes to carry things like discs, tapes, keys and small electronic parts
• Waterproof and anti-static versions are also available
• Do not use envelopes made of fabric

Flyers

• Flyer bags are suitable and come in various sizes
• Flyers should always be used when the shipment is smaller than an industry standard shipping label or waybill

Tubes

• Use triangular tubes instead of round tube-type cylinders for rolled items
• Round tubes roll – which makes them difficult to handle
• Round tubes cannot pass through the automated sorting equipment generally used in our sorting facilities

 

Quality & Care:

Packaging Quality Matters

• Avoid using damaged containers or boxes
• Always use high quality wrapping and cushioning/filler materials
• Consider the strength and durability of your chosen packaging
• Always remove old labels and stickers when reusing boxes
• Repack any gifts, as decorative wrapping is not suitable for shipping

Pack with Care to Protect your Shipment

• Use cushioning materials to avoid loose contents
• Fragile items should be well cushioned from all sides
• Fragile flat items should have protective dividers
• Protect data and media discs/tapes with cushioning or protective bags
• Protect edges and sharp points with heavy, well-secured edge protection
• Use heavy-duty double-layered cardboard for valuable items
• "Fragile" and "Handle with Care" stickers are not substitute for careful packaging
• When shipping wooden boxes, ensure that the corners are correctly protected and that the box is not splintered
• Keep your packages dry while awaiting a courier pickup

Cushioning

SpeedLink recommends you leave a space of at least 5 cm between the outer container and the inside contents. This space should be filled with some type of cushioning/filler material

Common types of cushioning and filler materials:

• Bubble wrap
• Styrofoam chips
• Crumpled newspaper

Cushioning is also available in environmentally friendly options

Dividers

Always use cardboard dividers when sending flat, fragile material

When packing items or stacked objects, you should always use dividers which provide absorption to shocks. The most frequently used dividers are:

• Corrugated cardboard sheets
• Chipboard or foam sheets
• Plain brown "craft paper" sheets

Edge Protection

Edge protectors are available in plastic and recycled cardboard

When using strapping, edge protectors prevent damage to your shipment by distributing the strapping pressure and tension uniformly across the box edge, preventing damage to the cardboard

 

Liquids and Powders:

• Ensure liquids are stored in leak-free containers, protected with a lightweight, strong, internal material such as Styrofoam, and sealed within a plastic bag
• Seal semi-liquids, greasy or strong-smelling substances with adhesive tape and wrap in grease-resistant paper
• Place powders and fine grains in strong plastic bags, securely sealed and then packed in a rigid fiberboard box
• Use "Arrow Up" stickers for non-solid materials
• Keep in mind that poor packaging may cause damage to surrounding items, machinery and other shipments

 

Labels, Seals and Stickers

Provide Shipper and Receiver addresses clearly and completely on labels and stickers

• An extra address label placed inside the package is a good precaution
• All packages must be sealed, but remember that they can be opened by Customs authorities for inspection
• Avoid using masking tape, rope, string or wrapping paper to seal your shipment
• Never use black coloured stretch film to seal or protect your shipment

Tapes

A good seal helps to strengthen your package. SpeedLink recommends:

• Polypropylene tape
• Vinyl adhesive tape
• Fiber-reinforced paper

 

Wrapping Paper and Films

The use of wrapping paper around boxes or non-contained objects is only recommended:

• or textile items
• to prevent damage by dust or oil based substances

Remember to enclose wrapped objects in a box for further protection

Heated shrink wrap and stretch films may be used to consolidate multiple boxes on a pallet for stability and protection

• They are not suitable for all commodities because the high temperatures used in the heat-shrinking technology may damage the contents of your shipment
• When using these films, affix labels to the boxes and not on films
• Do not use black colored film

Strapping

Strapping is an ideal way to strengthen your shipment when applied correctly

Common types of strapping:

• Polypropylene strapping is low cost and easy to handle, but its strength is not that high
• Polyester strapping stretches less than polypropylene under high temperatures, is stronger and maintains its properties when wet. It can replace steel in many cases because of its lower cost
• Metal strapping is best for extremely heavy loads, as it does not stretch. It is only recommended for use on wooden crates
• Please note that SpeedLink accepts no liability for the packaging guidelines we provide. The shipper ultimately remains responsible for ensuring the shipment packaging is adequate for the transportation environment.