|
Please follow this guide to help make sure your package gets to it's destination
safely.
Wrap each item separately
It's important to properly cushion the contents
of your package.
Fragile articles need
both proper separation from each other and clearance from the corners and sides
of the box. This will prevent product against product damage and protect
contents from shock and vibration which can pass from the outside of the box to
the contents.
Proper cushioning material, combined with a
strong outer container, will protect your shipment.
A wide variety of materials can be used for
cushioning and protection. These include:
| •
|
Air-encapsulated
plastic (bubble pack) |
| •
|
Expanded
polystyrene (peanuts) |
Note: This type of cushioning may not be
suitable for heavier products that tend to shift toward the bottom of the
package while in transportation.
| •
|
Foam-in-place (a
foam, sprayed into boxes to form protective molds around contents) |
| •
|
Corrugated
dividers |
| •
|
Paper (crumpled
Kraft paper or newspaper) |
Note: Paper is only suitable for lighter
products. It tends to flatten when used as cushioning for heavier products.
Use enough cushioning material to ensure that the
contents cannot move easily when you shake the box. Several inches of
cushioning material all the way around should do it.
Note: Extremely fragile
objects require special packaging for safe shipment.
Close it securely
Proper closure of your package is
as important as adequate cushioning.
To close a box securely,
use a strong tape - two inches or more in width - such as the type described
below.
| •
|
Pressure-sensitive plastic. Generally, the easiest, most convenient tape to
use. It is versatile because it will adhere without water, and can stick to
a variety of surfaces and shapes. Nylon reinforced variety if also
available |
| •
|
Water-activated paper tape. Use 60-pound grade tape at least three inches
wide. Apply three strips to both the top and bottom of the box, as shown in
the illustration below. |
| •
|
Water-activated reinforced tape. Similar to plain paper tape, except that
reinforcing fibers have been added for strength. Reinforced tape's
advantage is that you only need to use two center seam strips, in contrast
to the six strips shown in the illustration for paper tape. |
Do not use
masking tap or cellophane tape. (These tapes do not provide the strength
necessary for secure closures.)
Do not use duct
tape. Duct tape will not remain stuck to packages while in areas of high
humidity or cold temperatures. In these conditions, the tape will fall off of
the box, resulting in loss of package contents.
Do not use
string or paper overwrap since they may snag on automation equipment, resulting
in lost address information or package contents.
Use proper labeling
To ensure proper delivery, keep these important
points in mind when addressing your package:
| •
|
Always include the
receiver's ZIP Code with complete street address. |
| •
|
When addressing to
a P.O. Box or Rural Route destination, provide the recipient's telephone
number on the label whenever possible. |
| •
|
Include the
apartment or unit number, if applicable. |
| •
|
Place the delivery
label on the top of the box. ("Top" should be the most stable orientation of
the package as it rests on a flat surface.) To avoid confusion, place only
one address label on the box. If using a packing slip, place it on the same
box surface as the address label. |
| •
|
Do not place the
label over a seam or closure or on top of sealing tape. |
| •
|
Remove or cross
out old address labels or markings on a used box. |
| •
|
Always include
your complete return address - including ZIP Code and full street address. |
| •
|
For added
protection, place a duplicate label or other form of address information
inside the package. |
|
