Packaging Tips for International Delivery
International shipping requires more preparation than domestic delivery. Your products go through various handling processes involving heavy machinery in the global delivery process. Packaging your products well is essential so they can handle the bumps along the way. Many businesses also lose goods to damage or theft because of unreliable packaging.
By choosing the right boxes, tape, protective materials and labeling, you can ensure they reach their final destination in good condition. Our guide for international shipping will help you choose the right materials. Prepare your cargo for international delivery with these international packaging tips.
1. Check the Shipping Restrictions
Before you choose your packaging, you must stick to the weight and dimension restrictions. There are various reasons freight companies have these restrictions in place, with safety being one of them. Generally, the heavier your products are, the more you'll pay to ship them internationally.
Choose your packaging wisely to limit your costs. You still want it to provide the greatest protection but be lightweight. You can also fill your packages with air pockets to keep your package light.
2. Use Robust Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard boxes are the most common way to ship goods. For extra protection, invest in double-walled or reinforced parcel boxes. These robust boxes provide added protection for various products and are a worthy investment if you want to reduce the rate of your returns.
If you're shipping large goods, palletizing them can add more protection. Consider edge protectors or paperboard and using shrink wrap to strap the goods together. Wrapping your products will help keep them together during shipping and protect them from exposure to water and the elements.
In international shipping, goods pass through many hands. If you choose low-quality boxes or crates, they can weaken and break under the weight of your products, resulting in lost or damaged goods. To know what packages to use, consider the following:
Weight: The heavier your product is, the stronger the box or crate must be. You can check the strength of the box and crate with the manufacturer.
Size and shape: There should be enough space around the products to fill the box with protective packaging.
Value and fragility: The more valuable and fragile the products are, the more protection you'll need.
3. Fill Boxes With Internal Packaging
Filling your boxes with internal packaging keeps goods from moving around inside. Even with solid packaging, space in boxes increases the likelihood of your goods getting damaged. However, stuffing your boxes increases the chances of them bursting. Fill the boxes just enough so that your products don't move around in transit.
There are various types of void-filling packaging to choose from. For robust internal cushioning, you can consider some of these options:
Bubble packaging: These protective materials include bubble wrap and bubble bags, which is the most popular for protection and temperature control.
Foam packaging: The density of this material makes it a common choice for international shipping. The foam also makes it easier to package products with a peculiar shape.
Paper wrapping: This packaging is available in various textures and is thicker than standard paper.
4. Invest in High-Quality Sealing Material
Use high-quality, thick tape to secure and seal your boxes. Some businesses invest in sturdy boxes and then choose low-grade sealing materials, which is a mistake. The sealing material and technique you use must keep your packages closed during their journey and keep water out.
Learning how to package for international delivery involves understanding how to tape your packages. The H-tape method secures all the flaps on your boxes to keep products from falling out. Use this method by sealing your boxes' centers and edge seams with enough tape.
5. Apply the Right Shipping Labels
A crucial step of your packing process is to ensure your boxes have appropriate handling and shipping labels. There are several advantages to labeling your packages, the most important being that they give clarity to the carrier and customer on how to handle the package.
Always apply labels that read “Fragile” on your packages when you ship goods that need careful handling. For products you want handlers to stack in a specific position, use the “This Way Up” label. For example, cosmetic items such as perfumes must need to stay upright in transit to avoid spills.
6. Focus on Protection Over Appearance
Many packaging options look great but offer little protection. The priority is for your goods to reach customers undamaged. Sturdy packing is also harder to tamper with and prevents theft.
If you want to use more attractive, softer packaging for the final delivery, consider shipping goods in more robust packaging to an interim destination. You can repackage your goods at this destination and ship them off in more appealing packaging to their final delivery point. Your goal should be to have as much protection for your products as possible for most of the journey.
If you want to create a branding experience for your customers, using the box-in-box method can also help to preserve your goods. Concealing your branded boxes in a cardboard box also reduces the chances of theft. To use this method, follow these steps:
Select an outer box that allows for enough filling around the inner package.
Place filling material at the base of the cardboard box and then place the inner package on top.
Fill the remaining space in the box with protective padding, then seal the box.
7. Listen to Customer Feedback
It's essential to look into ways to improve your packaging if your customer's reviews mention that your goods arrive damaged. Take the time to understand what's lacking in your packaging and how you can improve it to protect your goods.
Some customers may not leave reviews, but if the goods arrive wet or damaged, they'll avoid buying from you again. To get the feedback you need, send a customer review form upon delivery confirmation. You can ask questions like, “What was the condition of the products upon delivery?” or “Had the box been opened or tampered with?”
Ship Your Products With Compack USA
Suitable international delivery packaging keeps your products safe during international shipping and ensures customer satisfaction. Our packing materials can help you improve your business and ensure your products arrive to your customers undamaged.
We supply a range of packaging materials, high-quality packaging tape and reliable cardboard boxes that companies trust for efficient packaging and reliable shipping. Save on shipping costs, optimize your packaging and reduce your environmental impact by choosing our packaging supplies.
Contact us to learn more and place an order today!