Packaging is more crucial for branding and safeguarding a product than ever before. While you may be forgiven for poor packaging years before, today, customers judge your product’s packaging and build a perception of your brand. Courier box packaging also helps in protecting items when shipping internationally. During transit, a shipment must undergo different handling, inspection, and onboarding processes. Therefore, a courier box should have adequate cushioning and be properly prepared for shipment.
Here at NimbusGlobal, we help numerous eCommerce businesses ship internationally– it’s our job. This guide will teach you the dos and don’ts of international courier box packing. Let’s start with why it is essential.
Importance Of International Courier Box Packing
Protection of the Shipment
We know how much effort goes into creating and delivering high-quality products to customers. However, a poorly packed shipment can damage items, ruining all that effort. That’s why it’s crucial to use adequate cushioning materials and proper packing techniques when preparing a shipment. Protecting your items during shipment is crucial to ensuring customer satisfaction and maintaining a positive image for your brand. So, take the time to properly pack each item, using the appropriate materials and techniques, to minimize the risk of damage during transportation.
Cost-Effective Shipping
Space utilization is key to reducing shipping costs. Using the appropriate box size and packing materials can help you maximize the available space and avoid unnecessary charges for oversized shipments. Consider using lightweight materials for your items and avoid excessive packing materials that add unnecessary weight. Properly packing your items and selecting the appropriate box size can avoid these fees and save you money. Research the specific requirements for your shipment and choose the most cost-effective shipping option to minimize additional fees.
Enhancing Brand Image
Your packaging is the first impression customers have of your brand. A poorly packed shipment can create a negative impression and harm your brand image. Your packaging should be functional and reflect your brand’s values and personality. Consider using branded packaging materials or adding personalized touches to your shipment to create a memorable and positive customer experience. Investing in high-quality packaging materials and taking the time to pack each item properly can impress your customers with the care and attention you put into each shipment.
Reducing Environmental Impact
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for consumers, and using sustainable packaging materials can help reduce your brand’s environmental impact. Consider using biodegradable, recycled, or eco-friendly packaging materials to reduce waste and demonstrate your commitment to sustainability. Overpacking and using excessive packaging materials adds to shipping costs and creates unnecessary waste. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability can be a powerful way to connect with customers and differentiate your brand.
How To Pack for Shipping Overseas?
Choosing the Right Box
When it comes to international courier box packing, choosing the right box is essential. Selecting a sturdy and durable box that can withstand the rough handling that often comes with shipping is important. Determining the appropriate size for the shipment is also important, as this can help reduce the risk of damage during transportation. Finally, if you’re using a used box, make sure it’s in good condition and hasn’t been previously damaged. Remember, the box is the first line of defense in protecting your shipment.
Packing Materials
To ensure your shipment arrives at its destination in good condition, it’s important to use appropriate packing materials. Using cushioning materials like bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or foam can help absorb any shocks during transport and prevent any damage to your items. Additionally, using filler materials like packing foam or paper can help keep the items in place and prevent them from shifting around during transport.
It’s also important to ensure the box remains intact during shipping. To achieve this, it’s recommended to use ample packing tape to secure the contents of the box. This helps prevent the box from falling apart during transport and helps ensure your items arrive safely at their destination.
Packing Techniques
Proper packing techniques can help protect your shipment and prevent damage during transportation. Wrap items individually to prevent them from rubbing against each other and potentially causing damage. Separate and cushion fragile items to provide extra protection during transport. Place items in the box strategically to prevent shifting and fill any remaining space with filler material to prevent movement.
Addressing and Labelling
Clear addressing and labelling can help ensure your shipment arrives at its destination without any delays or issues. Write the recipient’s address clearly and legibly, and make sure to include a return address in case the shipment needs to be returned. In addition, make sure to add shipping labels and customs forms as required by the shipping carrier and destination country to prevent any issues at customs.
Shipping Preparations
Choosing the appropriate shipping method is crucial for international courier box packing. Consider factors such as speed of delivery, cost, and tracking capabilities when selecting a shipping method. Schedule pick-up or drop-off of the package and pay for shipping fees and any additional services required, such as insurance or signature confirmation, to ensure a smooth and successful shipment.
Tips For Courier Packing for Shipping Overseas
Make Sure Your Goods Are Ready for The Pressures Of International Shipping
One of the most important aspects is how well your goods are protected throughout the journey. It’s not just about ensuring that the goods are protected but also that they are ready for the unique challenges of international shipping. One key consideration is whether your goods are stackable. If you are shipping via Groupage, LCL, or Consol cargo, your goods may be shipped with a range of other items. Therefore, it’s important to ensure your goods can be placed alongside, on top of, and against other goods without damage.
A forklift will likely lift your goods during their journey, so ensuring they are ready for safe handling is important. If you are shipping by plane, make sure your goods can deal with tilting during takeoff and landing. It’s important to consider that everything inside the packaging is tightly compacted to deal with this scenario.
Get The Packaging Right
When it comes to international shipping, selecting the right type of box or container is crucial for ensuring your goods arrive safely. Double-walled or reinforced parcel boxes are an excellent option for businesses looking to reduce the likelihood of damage during transit. Two layers of corrugated cardboard provide additional protection for a range of goods and come in different sizes and weight capacities. Investing in high-quality packaging materials is an investment in the future of your business. It can save you money in the long run by reducing the likelihood of returns or damaged goods.
When packaging your goods, it’s essential to ensure that the packaging is appropriate for the contents. For larger and heavier goods, consider creating or palletizing them for structural security. Edge protectors or paperboard can also be used to provide additional protection.
Don’t Forget Internal Packaging and Taping
One of the biggest mistakes businesses make is not filling up the space inside the box with cushioning material, such as air cushions. This is especially important for fragile goods, as leaving space increases the likelihood of damage during transit. More substantial internal packaging may be needed for larger goods to ensure the items are protected. Consider using the box-in-box packing method to provide additional protection. This method involves packing the box containing the goods inside a larger box and filling the surrounding space with cushioning material.
Once you have properly filled in the space inside the box, tape up the edges using the H-taping method. This means applying tape along the length and width of the box to create an “H” shape and applying tape along the edges and seals of the box to create a strong, secure seal. High-quality packaging or parcel tape is key to ensuring the package stays sealed and secure during its journey. Don’t skimp on tape – the last thing you want is for the tape to come loose and the contents to spill out.
Check The Max Weight of Your Goods
Each shipping method comes with its weight limitations, and exceeding them can lead to additional fees or, even worse, delays. So, before you start packing, check the maximum weight of your goods. To calculate the weight of your shipment accurately, you need to include the weight of the goods and the packaging. Investing in a scale that can measure weight accurately is a wise move, as it will help you avoid any surprises regarding shipping costs.
It’s also essential to select the right type of parcel packaging that can handle the weight of your goods. Weak packaging may get damaged or cause accidents when the goods are being carried, leading to damaged goods or even injuries.
Choose Functionality Over Looks
When it comes to packaging, looks can be deceiving. While ornate or softer packaging may look great and attract attention, it’s crucial to prioritize functionality over aesthetics. This is especially important when shipping goods internationally, where the packaging needs to withstand the rigors of multiple carriers, varying climates, and long journeys.
While customers may appreciate receiving their goods in fancy packaging, it means nothing if the item inside is damaged or broken entirely. Therefore, choosing packaging that provides adequate protection for your goods is important. The focus should be on selecting materials that will keep the contents safe during transit rather than packaging that looks attractive but may not be practical for shipping. When shipping internationally, shipping goods in sturdy packaging to an interim destination is a good idea. The goods can then be repacked into the softer but protective packaging closer to the destination to ensure they are protected for as much of the journey as possible.
Listen to Your Customers
We all know the phrase “the customer is always right,” When it comes to international shipping, it’s important to listen to what your customers say. If your packaging fails, customers will be the first to let you know. Take a look at review sites and customer feedback to understand where your packaging may be falling short.
But don’t stop there! Don’t assume everything is fine just because you do not hear any complaints. Even if your product arrived undamaged, the packaging may have been worn or torn in transit, which could lead to problems in the future. When launching a new product with complex packaging requirements, understanding your weak points and where your current packaging falls short can help you plan and prevent losses in the future.
Know The Customs Regulations of The Destination Country
Different countries have varying rules and regulations regarding what items can be imported and how they should be packaged. It’s important to research and follow the destination country’s customs regulations to avoid any delays, fines, or even confiscation of your goods. Be sure to include all necessary documentation and declarations.
Consider Using a Professional Packing Service
If you’re unsure how to pack your items for international shipping, or if you’re shipping fragile or valuable goods, consider using a professional packing service. These services specialize in packing and shipping items for international delivery and can provide expert advice and custom packaging solutions to ensure that your goods arrive safely and securely. While it may come at an additional cost, it can save you the hassle and potential costs of damaged goods during transit.
Conclusion
Internationally shipping is not easy; as a business, you need to look for several aspects when shipping internationally. The goal is to transit cargo timely, safely, and without legal issues. Unfortunately, this intimidates small businesses that have no experience in cross-border shipping. Therefore, the smart move is to enlist the assistance of professionals like NimbusPost.
