Has this ever happened to you? You receive a long-awaited package, but all the thrill and joy are clouded by the mere fact that it was damaged during transit. And it’s hard to pin the guilt to one concrete party. Was it the sender who failed to pack the goods safely? Was it the carrier that didn’t handle the package with care? Or was it unforeseen circumstances?
There could be many reasons behind ruined parcels. But it’s still possible to prevent damage when shipping internationally. All you have to do is take these precautions.
Use new boxes of a proper size
International package shipping can be expensive. So it’s natural that you’d wish to save money and reuse old packing materials. But it’s very risky to use old boxes that are no longer durable. Imagine that you’re shipping to Poland from the USA. The journey might be too long and too rough for a worn-out box.
It’s also very important to pick a box of a proper size. If your items barely fit into it, you won’t have space to add protective layers. Your goods will be vulnerable to impact damage during transportation. And if you put them into a shipping box that’s too large, you’ll have too much free space. Your items will end up tumbling around which could cause damage.
Wrap every item separately
External packaging is essential. But it’s not enough. You need to protect each item individually before putting them into a shipping box. Be sure to do this if you’re shipping fragile items or if you’re sending goods of different types in one container.
Cover every item separately. Use bubble wrap or packing paper. Even newspaper will create a decent protective layer for your goods if you don’t have anything else at hand.
Fill remaining space with cushioning
If you’re sending a parcel on a long journey, as in the case of shipping to Germany, you need to cushion your items so that they are cozy and secure. Leaving empty space inside a shipping box can be hazardous. So be sure to get plenty of padding materials.
You can fill the remaining space with bubble wrap or use crumpled paper. Packing peanuts can also be a good alternative, but not for all types of items. The key is to make sure your goods are stable and surrounded by a protective layer.
Waterproof your package
Impact damage is not the only risk you should be concerned about when shipping internationally. Your parcel may also be exposed to water damage. So if you’re sending items that are sensitive to humidity, don’t forget to waterproof them.
Plastic bags are probably the best and easiest to use for this task. Put each item into a separate bag for the greatest protection. You can even add a moisture absorber, such as a packet of silica gel.
Use correct labels
While putting the label that says “FRAGILE” does not ensure full protection, it certainly doesn’t do harm. If your items need special care, be sure to let the carrier know. You can even put labels that say “This Side Up” or “Do not bend” if these instructions are important for your goods to arrive in one piece.
Pay attention to the address label as well. Incomplete or incorrect address may lead to ruined parcels. If the carrier isn’t sure where you want your goods to be delivered, your package might get stuck in transit. Or be taken to the wrong recipient.
Get parcel insurance
The final step is to insure your items. International parcel insurance doesn’t fully guarantee a safe package delivery, but you’ll get a refund if anything happens on the road. Sometimes it’s all you need to have peace of mind after sending your parcel on a journey to another continent. That alone makes it worth getting it.
Receiving a ruined parcel is a very unpleasant experience. But you can prevent it by taking the right countermeasures.
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