The festive season brings with it
increased anticipation, for consumers and businesses alike. Whether this
is an opportunity for increased sales or the excitement of receiving that
perfect present, everyone is looking forward to what the next month will bring.
Individuals
will be sending packages and parcels to friends and family, in the UK and
across the world. However it’s important to help make these deliveries arrive
on time and undamaged. Whether you are a customer or a business, safe delivery
is important to avoid disappointment on Christmas Day. In the run up to 25
December, it’s sometimes easy to forget about packaging and transportation
requirements, but getting it right can be crucial to a successful delivery.
With that in
mind, we’ve compiled some practical tips which can be followed, especially
important if your parcel is travelling overseas:
Tip
1: Choose a suitable box
Use a new, sturdy box that’s a few
inches larger than your gift on all sides to allow for plenty of cushioning. If
reusing a box, make sure it’s still strong enough to stand up to shipping (no
torn flaps, no holes or corner dents, no water-damage, etc.) and be sure to
remove all old shipping labels. This is important as leaving an old label on
the box could cause confusion and result in your package being delayed.
Tip
2: Cushioning is key
The shape of your gift is key to
prudent packaging. Use packing peanuts, air sealed cushioning or firmly
crumpled paper to fill hollow items, and “square off” any odd angles to protect
your gift during shipment. Use at least one inch (preferably two inches) of
cushioning around the item – top, bottom and all four sides. Top Tip:
Use bubble wrap instead of newspaper, it is lighter and more protective.
Tip 3: Consider doubling up
When you’ve got a particularly fragile item to ship,
use two boxes to help your gift survives the journey unharmed. Cushion your
item with at least three inches of cushioning material and seal it in a box.
Place that box within a second, slightly larger box, with another layer of
cushioning. All that padding is added protection for your fragile item.
Tip
4: Label it Right
One of the best ways to help your package gets to its destination on time
is with proper labelling. When using a FedEx shipping label or airway bill, be
sure to fill it out completely and accurately. If using a pouch, ensure the
peel-off strip has been removed and the flap is firmly sealed. Place labels or
pouches on the largest surface of the box, avoiding corners, edges, and seams.
Winter weather can streak or remove shipping labels - just in case, always put
an extra shipping label, business card, or letterhead with the shipper and
recipient’s address information inside your box, before sealing things
up.
Tip 5: Seal it Tight.
Bear in mind couriers have to deliver whatever the
weather which means the final few yards from the van to the door also need to
be considered! It’s important to make sure your box is sealed tight, to keep
out rain, sleet and snow. Seal all the flaps and seams using proper packing
tape, no duct tape or masking tape, please! Top Tip: Remember to make
the shape of an “H” when taping seams to best protect your parcel.
Tip
6: Send it in good time
If you want to
help your gift make it under the tree in time, don’t wait until the last minute
to send it – the sooner you send it, the better. This means ensuring you’re
aware of the last delivery dates before Christmas, and ensuring you leave
enough time for your parcels to be shipped.
. For more information, visit news.fedex.com [1].