Package Instructions

If you`re shipping for the first time and sending something fragile or expensive it can make even the most experienced shipper a bit nervous. Either you are shipping domestically or using an international courier service, your package will be handled multiple times, may pass through multiple sorting procedures, and can be exposed to environmental stress such as extreme hot and cold situations. Although shipmiles uses only renowned carriers that have a reputation for handling the parcel with care. So packaging safely is an important aspect, no matter what you are shipping. This handy guide will help you to know how to pack your items for safe and damage-free transit.

Choosing A Box

Choosing a suitable box is one of the most important aspects that should be considered to ensure your items are fully protected in transit and delivered safely. While choosing a box, there are three things to consider: the size of the box, the strength of the box, and whether the old recycled box is strong enough. The heavier the item you are shipping, the stronger the box should be. Packaging retailers offer customized boxes designed especially for specific items. You can buy single, double, or triple wall corrugated boxes. For more detailed information, please go through our box strength guidelines. Suggested box strength requirements:

  • Over 10kg: Single wall corrugated box.
  • Over 20kg: Double wall corrugated box.
  • Over 30kg: Triple wall corrugated box.
  • Artwork and Musical instruments: Rigid wooden box.

Outer Packaging

Corrugated Cardboard Box

This is the most commonly used outer packaging. The heavier the item, the stronger the box requirement. A common mistake people generally do is to re-use an old box, each time when a box is used, it loses rigidity and strength. Corrugated cardboard boxes are available in single, double and triple strengths. we recommend you use double or triple strength boxes for heavy parcels.

Express Envelopes

If you're sending only documents, we recommend you use an express envelope. we can easily provide you with this. An express envelope is a rigid cardboard envelope with a documents enclosed pouch and a sealable flap. This is ideal for protecting your documents during transit.

Express Bags

Our pickup executives will normally carry express bags with them at the time of pickup. These sealable plastic bags come in multiple sizes and protect items from environmental conditions. However, it does not provide cushioning or protection from impacts, so carefully place your item in a padded envelope or a small box before placing it inside the express bag. Never send fragile items inside a courier bag as it is inadequately protected.

Loose Fill Polystyrene Peanuts

Polystyrene packing chips or peanuts are the perfect space-filling material for lightweight items. Here's how to use these in your parcel:

  • •Individually wrap each item in bubble wrap and fill the box with at least 5cm of polystyrene chips.
  • • Place the items at the center of the box, and ensure they are not touching each other as well as the outer walls of the box.
  • • Fill the box with the packing chips before sealing the box with strong packaging tape.
Polyethylene Foam

Polyethylene foam is ideal for delicate items because it is soft and non-abrasive. We recommend you to wrap a delicate item completely with polyethylene foam and make sure no part of your item is exposed. Cover it with securing tape, apply bubble warp and pack as before.

Crumpled Paper

Crumpled paper is the commonly used 'space filler' but it is not the ideal internal packaging material for smaller or fragile items as it does not insulate or protect your items tightly. It is still effective for boxes containing larger pre-packaged items. While using this material, ensure the paper is tightly crumpled and at least 10 cm of paper is filled between the items and the outer box.

Sealing and Labelling
  • • Your package must be sealed securely to ensure that it does not open in transit. All edges where the flaps of your carton meet should be securely sealed with quality adhesive tape.
  • • Make sure that old stickers and labels are taken off when reusing the boxes.
  • • Place a new shipping label copy provided by the Shipmiles on upper side of the box.

Packaging Do's and Don'ts

Do’s:
  • • Use a box that is strong enough for the contents, ideally a new unused box.
  • • Use a box with the correct size for the products you're shipping.
  • • Remove any old barcoded labels, address labels, or markings from the box.
  • • Wrap each item individually before placing them inside the box.
  • • Suspend the items inside the box with suitable internal cushioning materials.
  • • Place an extra address label inside the box as a precaution.
  • • Use a rigid wooden box when shipping artwork or heavy products over 30kg.
  • • Always ensure you apply the parcel packaging tape in both directions, all the way around the box.
  • • Always remember that if your packaging is not sufficient, you may be unable to claim in the event of damage.
Don't:
  • • Re-use an old box where the walls of the box are weakened or creased.
  • • Let any item inside the box touches the inside walls of the box.
  • • Allow any movement of your items inside the box - make sure the box is completely filled with interior packaging material, such as polystyrene packing chips.
  • • Ship prohibited items such as flammable liquids.
  • • Place any strapping or string fastenings on the outside of the parcel (as the straps may get caught on something while in transit).
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