There isn’t much that’s more annoying than standing in line behind someone at a shipping store who doesn’t have their “ship” together, shall we say.
The holiday season is soon approaching, and wouldn’t it be nice if you were totally prepared before you went to the ship them off and annoy all the people in line behind you?
Below are some helpful hints from the three major shipping companies on how to properly package and ship your boxes.
Use a Corrugated Box – Whenever possible, use a new box. The more times a box is used, the more it loses its original protective qualities, so a previously used box may not adequately protect your shipment.
Use Proper Labeling – Always include the recipient´s postal code with the complete street address…Include the apartment or unit number, if applicable.
Place the shipping label on the top of the package…Do not place the label over a seam or closure or on top of sealing tape.
Remove or cross out old labels or markings on a used box.
Always include your complete return address, including full street address and postal code. For international shipments, include a contact name, telephone number, and postal code.
Place a duplicate label or other form of identification inside your package.
Double-box fragile items with 3″ of cushioning in and around the smaller box.
Wrap items individually with cushioning material and center them in cartons away from other items and away from the sides, corners, top and bottom of the box.
Position bottles that contain liquids upright. Use an inner seal and perforated breakaway cap. The inner packaging must be able to contain leaks.
Place items that might be damaged by normal handling, such as soiling, marking or application of adhesive labels, in a protective outer box.
For odd- or irregular-shaped items, at a minimum you should wrap and tape all sharp edges or protrusions.
USPS:
Sealing – Tape the opening of your box and reinforce all seams with 2” wide tape. Use clear or brown packaging tape, reinforced packing tape or paper tape. Do not use cord, string or twine because they get caught in mail processing equipment.
Drop Off – Packages may be handed to your carrier or taken to the Post Office. Packages may also be dropped into a blue collection box with the following restrictions:
Stamped packages must weight 13 ounces or less
Packages with postage printed using Click-N-Ship or another PC Postage provider may weigh more than one pound, but must fit in the collection box.
Happy shipping!!
I’m one of those people who hate people who choose the line to sort out all their packaging. I was stood behind a woman the other day who tried to actually package an item while she was in the queue, then had to find a pen to write the address on the front, which took her forever to find. So annoying.