We know how important it is that your parcel arrives safely and undamaged.  Packing items carefully gets them off to a good start.
These reminders may help you:

• . Ignoring them may lead to delays, accidents or damage to other parcels.  For International parcels you will be required to sign a declaration of contents on your despatch pack.  These are available from UK Parcel Post and its associated carriers.
• Use a strong outer container
  A corrugated fibreboard box with a good quality kraft outer wrapping is best.  Sub-standard and damaged cartons can cause problems.
• Wrap each item in the parcel individually
  This takes a little longer, but offers better protection when there’s no movement of contents.
• Protect fragile items on their journey
  Expanded polystyrene chips; polythene foam; bubble wrap air cushions or crumpled paper around all items is a good cushion against knocks and vibration.
• Seal the parcel well
  Make a ‘H’ seal with 48mm/50mm-wide plastic or reinforced carton tape on both the top and bottom of your package.  Ordinary household adhesive tape isn’t usually strong enough.
• Strap and tape for extra protection
  For heavier items you will need a strong outer carton, closed with tape.  String around boxes isn’t really suitable, but can be used around other wrappings.

• Transporting electrical items
  When transporting electrical items - e.g. laptops, DVD players etc - please make sure that they have the original manufacturer's transport screws properly secured to ensure that elements/components do not move.

Is the carton strong enough?
The table below may help you choose the most suitable carton material.  The letters ‘gsm’ are the standard measurement for paper/card thickness.  We also recommend an inner cushioning lining of at least 50mm as further protection against damage.  A compensation claim for damage of contents will be deemed invalid if the parcel is inadequately packed or if the packaging is not retained for verification.

Addressing and documentation

• Clear, accurate addressing
  Using the full address and postcode/zip code is essential to ensure correct delivery.  The phone number of the recipient also helps to avoid any delay.  Include your own address and phone number on the outside and inside of your parcel too.
• Correctly completed documentation
  It is important to make sure that all necessary documentation is fully and accurately completed for all parcels, to avoid any delay in transit.