Plan to Reduce Lost , Damaged or Delayed Packages
The primary causes of lost, delayed or damaged shipments is improper labelling, improper packaging or improper customs documentation. Since the goal is always for your package to arrive to the right place, intact and in a timely manner. It is always the right idea to properly label and package your shipment.
Packaging
- Use a sturdy corrugated box with all flaps intact
- Wrap all items separately
- Provide adequate cushioning material to ensure the actual contents are not close to the edges of the box. For fragile items it is best to put your items in a smaller box, at least two inches smaller all around than the outside box. Fill the space with adequate cushioning material
- If shipping liquids ensure each container is sealed and the lids are also taped. The pieces need to be separated by adequate cushioning to keep them from hitting each other as well as from coming in contact with the edges of the box. The contents must also be in a receptacle that is leak proof so that if one of the pieces does leak it will not leak through the package.
- Do not wrap your box with an outer layer of paper. Paper rips and your labelling will be attached to that paper
- Tape the box with proper tape. Plastic pressure sensitive packing tape, reinforced paper tape or reinforced plastic tape. Tape using the H method top and bottom. This means tape the center seam and both outer seams down the middle, on the top and bottom of the box.
Labelling
- Attach your label to the longest flat side of your box
- Use a thermal label or adhesive plastic document pouch
- Never tape over or cover the bar code on your label
- If the box is too small for the label to fit on one side you can fold the label over the corner with the address portion on one side of the box and the bar code on the other. Do not fold the bar code itself.
It is also, always a good idea to put a copy of the label inside the package. If multiple packages put a copy inside the package with the master label. The one labelled (1) of however many packages.
Customs Documentation
- Include one original and two copies of the commercial invoice
- Ensure commercial invoice provides accurate description, HS Codes, value and country of origin for all of the contents
- Attach two copies of the commercial invoice to the package in an adhesive document pouch. If more than one package, attach the customs documents to the box with the master label. The one labelled (1) of however many you are shipping. Provide a third copy to the driver.
It is also a good practice to put a copy of the customs docs inside the package with the master label.
Investing the time and resources necessary to properly package, label and prepare your custom documentation is the most proactive way to minimize delays and drastically reduce the possibility of lost or damaged packages
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