Packaging Guidelines

Packaging Guidelines

Safe Packaging Requirements for Parcel Shipments

1. Why Proper Packaging Is Important

Parcel networks such as DPD, DHL, PostNL and FedEx operate highly automated sorting systems.

During transport, parcels may experience:

  • automated conveyor belt handling
  • drops and impacts
  • stacking pressure from other parcels
  • vibration during transport

For this reason, shipments must be packaged in a way that allows them to withstand normal parcel network conditions.

Improper packaging is one of the most common reasons why damage claims are rejected by carriers.

2. Outer Packaging Requirements

Always use strong shipping boxes designed for parcel transport.

Recommended packaging:

✔ Double-wall cardboard boxes
✔ High-quality corrugated boxes
✔ Boxes sized appropriately for the contents

Avoid using:

✖ Retail packaging as shipping packaging
✖ Thin cardboard boxes
✖ Damaged or reused boxes that have lost strength
✖ Envelopes for fragile products

The outer box must be able to protect the contents against compression and impact.

3. Internal Protection

Products inside the box must be properly secured using cushioning materials.

Recommended materials:

  • bubble wrap
  • foam padding
  • air pillows
  • packing paper
  • protective inserts

Important rules:

✔ Each fragile item must be wrapped individually
✔ Fill all empty spaces inside the box
✔ Prevent products from moving inside the box

If products move inside the box, they are very likely to be damaged during transport.

4. Packaging Fragile Goods

Fragile products require additional protection.

Examples of fragile goods:

  • glass products
  • ceramics or porcelain
  • electronics
  • bottles
  • decorative items

Recommended method:

  1. Wrap each item individually with bubble wrap
  2. Place the item in the center of the box
  3. Maintain at least 5 cm cushioning space on all sides
  4. Fill remaining space with protective material

Note:
Labels such as “Fragile” or “Handle with care” do not guarantee special handling.

All parcels move through automated sorting systems.

5. Packaging Liquids

Liquids require special packaging to prevent leakage.

Recommended packaging method:

✔ Use leak-proof containers
✔ Seal bottle caps with tape
✔ Place liquids inside sealed plastic bags
✔ Wrap each bottle individually
✔ Use absorbent material where possible

Liquids should always be packed upright and tightly secured.

If liquids leak during transport, the carrier may:

  • destroy the shipment
  • refuse delivery
  • reject any damage claim

6. Sealing the Parcel

Boxes must be sealed securely using strong packing tape.

Recommended method:

Use the H-taping method:

  • seal the center seam
  • seal both side seams
  • reinforce edges if necessary

Avoid using:

✖ duct tape
✖ masking tape
✖ string or rope

These methods may fail during automated sorting.

7. Weight Distribution

Heavy items must be packed carefully.

Rules for heavy shipments:

✔ distribute weight evenly
✔ reinforce the bottom of the box
✔ use extra cushioning

For very heavy items, consider using:

  • double-boxing
  • reinforced packaging

8. Double Boxing for High Value Goods

For fragile or valuable items, double boxing is strongly recommended.

Method:

  1. Pack the product in an inner box with cushioning
  2. Place the inner box inside a larger outer box
  3. Fill the gap between boxes with protective material

This significantly reduces damage risk.

9. Label Placement

Shipping labels must be clearly visible and placed on a flat surface of the box.

Guidelines:

✔ place the label on the largest side of the parcel
✔ ensure the barcode is not folded or covered
✔ remove old shipping labels from reused boxes

Incorrect label placement may cause sorting delays or delivery failures.

10. Prohibited Packaging

The following packaging types should never be used:

✖ open boxes
✖ loosely wrapped parcels
✖ plastic bags without protection
✖ boxes that are too large for the contents
✖ boxes that are too small causing pressure on contents

These packaging types increase the risk of damage and claim rejection.

11. Packaging Inspection for Claims

In the event of damage claims, carriers may require inspection of:

  • the outer packaging
  • internal packaging materials
  • the damaged goods

Customers must keep the original packaging until the claim process is completed.

If packaging is discarded before inspection, the claim may be rejected by the carrier.

12. Final Packaging Checklist

Before shipping your parcel, please verify:

✔ Strong shipping box used
✔ Fragile items wrapped individually
✔ Sufficient cushioning material inside
✔ No empty space in the box
✔ Parcel sealed properly
✔ Shipping label clearly visible

Following these guidelines helps ensure safe delivery and successful claim handling if needed.