You may have gone shopping a little too often while on vacation abroad. Also, you may want to send a parcel to someone who doesn’t live close to you. Whichever case you’re dealing with, you need to know how to pack, seal, and label shipments. However, before doing anything, you need to know the actual size and the exact measurements of your parcel. Therefore, you will have to pack the shipment first. You may be wondering how you should pack your stuff or how to prepare your shipment. Do not worry – you are in the right place. Keep reading to find out all the answers you will need.
Everything you need to know to pack, seal, and label shipments
Before anything else, you have to keep in mind that there are two things you should know. You probably want to avoid some of the common misconceptions about shipping. If this is the case, take a look at the following.
First, there are two different types of shipping services you can choose from. These are:
- Standard shipping – This is when your parcel fits into the standard weight and size measurements;
- Freight shipping – This is when you’re planning on shipping a package with larger measurements and pallets than the standard. To place a freight shipping order, you’ll have to request for an individual offer. Luckily, there are companies like freight forwarder Saudi Arabia. They will help you with all of your doubts.
Second, you should pack your parcel properly for transportation by a courier service provider. That is because shipping usually includes reloading and mechanical sorting in logistic centers. Along with packing, you will have to close and seal your parcel correctly. In this way, you’ll be able to avoid any sort of damage in an unfortunate accident a fall or hit. Also, keep in mind that some items are prohibited in shipping containers. Therefore, make sure you research and pack only what is allowed.
Everything you will need to pack, seal, and label shipments properly
Packing – materials, and supplies
Firstly, you will need a pallet. That is only in case you’re shipping a palate on which you want the parcels to be loaded. However, you should make sure that your pallet is strong and not broken. Also, you can use new or used ones. Secondly, you will need measuring tape for measuring the size and the exact dimensions of your parcel. Then, you should use a weighing scale to make sure how heavy your shipment is. Also, the plastic stretched film will be great for wrapping around harder items, like a suitcase. Along with this, you will probably want to use loads of packing peanuts or foam. These will be amazing for internal cushioning of your shipment.
Moreover, you will need a shipping container, and a cardboard box work just fine. However, you should make sure it is sturdy enough whether it’s new or used. Also, bubble wrap will be perfect for protecting the objects in your parcel from any potential damage. Finally, you will need a lot of duct tape for sealing your shipping cardboard box.
Where you can get all of these supplies
You can easily find all of these items in any local
- Hardware store (like Bauhaus, for example)
- Stationery store
- Supermarket
- Gym – if you do not have measuring scales
- Supermarket
How to properly pack, seal, and label shipments
Standard shipping
When it comes to standard shipping, there are certain restrictions you will have to keep in mind. These include weight and dimensions.
Weight Restriction
It is vital that you make sure your parcel doesn’t go over the weight you specified during the order process. That is because the weight of your parcel will be checked at logistic centers. During this process, your shipments can later be rejected in the depots if it isn’t the right weight. In this case, you can expect that the shipping company will return your parcel to its sender. Also, keep in mind that they do so without any refunds. That is because they consider the service to be complete on their side.
How to change the weight of your parcel
It is possible to change the weight of your parcel, but only if you contact your shipping company in advance. Specifically, it would be best to do it before you receive a final confirmation e-mail from them. However, it’s sometimes possible to change the weight even after this. In this case, make sure you contact your shipping company before you leave the parcel with them. For example, moving companies in Bahrain can help you with this. They can help you check the weight of your parcel to make sure it fits the restrictions.
Dimension restriction
There are specific restrictions when it comes to the dimensions of your standard shipment parcel. For example, the length, width, and height should never exceed 300 cm. Specifically, the length is the longest side of your parcel, and it shouldn’t go over 175 cm. Luckily, there is an online size checker. There you will be able to check the dimensions of your packages in advance.
Freight shipping
In case your parcel exceeds the standard shipping restrictions, you will have to ship it through freight. Prices for freight are different than the standard ones. However, the sizes and the weight of your parcel can basically be any size you want it to be.
How to actually pack, seal, and label shipments
Packing
Firstly, pay attention to internal cushioning. Your items shouldn’t be able to move inside your parcel. Namely, you should fill all empty spaces with appropriate cushioning. Specifically, pay attention that there is no direct contact between the items and the outer packing. If you’re shipping cumbersome items, Styrofoam molds will work perfectly. In other cases, packing peanuts and foam can work just as well. Also, bubble wrap can be a great option.
Sealing
For proper sealing, make sure you wrap the box in loads of duct tape so that it’s sealed on all sides.
Labeling
The courier service will provide you with the necessary labels. Therefore, your only job here is to remove any old label that is visible on your parcel.
