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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.
If you must reuse a box, make sure it is rigid and in excellent condition with no punctures, tears, rips, or corner damage, and that all flaps are intact. Remove any labels and all other shipment markings from the box.
Choose a box strength that is suitable for the contents you are shipping. Weight limits printed on the Box Maker's Certificate (found on the bottom flap of most boxes) are intended for palletized freight shipments, not for shipments through small parcel carrier environments. Following the UPS Box Strength Guidelines will help ensure your package is of adequate strength to provide sufficient protection.
Engineers at the UPS Professional Services Package Lab have developed specifications for box strength after years of testing and analysis. Refer to this chart below for recommendations so you can determine the proper size and maximum gross weight limit of a box.
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It is important to cushion the contents of your package properly.
Please be sure that you wrap each item separately. Fragile articles need separation from each other, and from the corners, sides, top, and bottom of the box.
Each item should be surrounded by at least two inches (5.08 cm) of cushioning and be placed at least two inches (5.08 cm) away from the walls of the box. This prevents product-against-product damage and protects contents from shock and vibration, which can pass from the outside of the box to the contents.
Please use proper cushioning material, combined with a strong outer container, to protect your shipment fully. Make sure you use enough cushioning material to ensure that the contents do not move when you shake the container.
Improper cushioning material includes clothing, blankets, towels, newspaper/newsprint, and pillows. Instead, please use the materials listed below to cushion and protect your shipment:
Air-encapsulated plastic (small and large cell bubble sheeting)
- Designed to protect and cushion lightweight items
- Used in multiple wraps and layers to ensure that the item is completely protected, especially on corners and edges
Inflatable packaging (air bags)
- Used primarily as void-fill materials for lightweight items
- Not recommended for items with sharp corners or edges
- Extreme hot or cold temperatures may affect the ability of air bags to provide adequate product protection.
Expanded polystyrene "peanuts" (loose fill)
- Used primarily as void-fill material for lightweight items
- Overfill the box with loose fill, gently close the flaps, and seal securely
- Do not use with flat or narrow products that may move to the edge or bottom of the carton in transit
- Due to the shifting and settling properties of peanuts, it is recommended that a minimum of two inches (5.08 cm) of cushioning be used around the contents
- It is recommended that flat pieces of corrugated fiberboard be used between contents and peanuts to help prevent migration through the peanuts
- Peanuts cause static electricity and may damage electronic items. Anti-static peanuts should be used for electronic items. Use plastic bags, bubble sheeting, or other items to wrap the item so peanuts will not work themselves into areas that may cause harm to your merchandise.
Engineered foam enclosures
- Materials may include expanded polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, or copolymers
- Enclosures should be pre-engineered for specific products
Foam-in-place/Foam-in-bag
- A foam, sprayed into the box or mixed in packets, that expands and forms a protective mold around contents
- Must be properly used, with even foam distribution around the contents
- Because this material is offered in varying densities, it is important to select the most appropriate foam to meet the requirements of the product
Corrugated liners and inserts
- May be added to the package to increase strength and improve package performance
Crumpled kraft paper
- Used primarily as a void-fill material for light-to-medium weight, non-fragile items and items that are suitable for such packing materials
- Must be tightly crumpled
- Place at least two inches (5.08 cm) of paper between contents and outer box
Note: Fragile objects such as electronics, glass, ceramics, and artwork, require special packaging for safe shipment. Packages containing these and similar items may require added cushioning or a double (over) box.
Proper closure of your container is just as important as proper cushioning for the safety and security of your shipment.
To close a box securely, do not use masking tape, cellophane tape, duct tape, string, or paper over-wrap. Instead, use a strong tape -- two inches (5.08 cm) or more in width -- such as these types:
Pressure-sensitive plastic
- Generally the easiest, most convenient tape to use
- Versatile because it adheres without water and sticks to a variety of surfaces and shapes
- Apply three strips to both the top and bottom flaps of the box. For regular slotted containers (RSC), where the flaps meet in the center, apply three strips of tape to both the top and bottom of the box, so the middle and two edge seams are sealed. For corrugated containers where the flaps overlap (FOL), apply three strips of tape to both the top and bottom of the box, so the three edge seams are sealed.
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Nylon reinforced filament tape
- Use 60 lb (27 kg) grade tape at least three inches (7.62 cm) wide
- Apply three strips to both the top and bottom flaps of the box. For regular slotted containers (RSC), where the flaps meet in the center, apply three strips of tape to both the top and bottom of the box, so the middle and two edge seams are sealed. For corrugated containers where the flaps overlap (FOL), apply three strips of tape to both the top and bottom of the box, so the three edge seams are sealed.
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Once you have properly packaged your shipment, the remaining information you need is as follows: name and physical address (UPS doesn't deliver to P.O. boxes), zipcode, telephone number, package contents and any insurance information. Please don't hesitate to call the store if you have additonal questions, 979-335-4810! |
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