Shipping Tips: Tips for Packing and Shipping Boxes Securely

Safe and secure shipping is something that every eCommerce business owner strives for, whether packages are shipped locally or across the world. When products are not properly packaged, however, they are vulnerable to damage. When this happens, it tends to significantly lower customer satisfaction which leads to churn and loss of revenue.

Understanding the fact that shipping supplies are available in various sizes, materials and shapes will help you make the right choice of packaging for your products, whether you are using packing peanuts or something else for bulkier and more expensive items. This will, in turn, improve your bottom line. Don’t feel overwhelmed already because with this guide, you’ll be able to protect your products as they go through the rigorous process of shipping.

What Are Some Types of Shipment Packaging?

There are lots of shipment packaging options out there for businesses to choose from. The choice you ultimately make is mostly determined by the size, weight and type of product you’re shipping. Here are some of them:

• Chipboard and paperboard boxes: These types of boxes are made from pliable and bendable chip cardboard. They are mostly lightweight and brown or white in color, respectively. They are mostly used for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, gifts, and shelf packaging.
• Corrugated boxes: This type of box is very sturdy and can withstand moderate weights. Being made of corrugated material, it also provides some cushioning for your products. They are available in various sizes and suitable for shipments with longer destinations.
• Cleated plywood boxes: This box is mostly used in cross-border shipping. Although they are light, these packing boxes are made of cleated plywood, making them very solid. For this reason, they’re mostly used for air freight shipping.

There are also other types of packaging, including kegs, barrels, steel drums, casks and others.

How to Choose the Best Shipment Packaging for My Product

In order to ensure that your products are securely packaged, it is important that you choose the best packaging for them. In choosing the right packaging, here are some small business shipping tips you should know:

• Size of package: This plays a huge role in deciding the type and size of boxes you use for your product shipments. Forcing your product into an undersized box might damage the content. The same thing goes with having your product inside an oversized box – the item will bounce around a lot which could lead to severe damage.
• Product type: The type of product you sell also goes a long way in determining the type of box or packing paper you use in packaging your shipments. For example, breakable products need as much layers of protection as possible. They need boxes that fit snugly while leaving room for adequate padding to restrict movement and friction.
• Product weight: You will be risking a lot of damages if you go ahead to package a heavy product with a lightweight box. In order to fully protect your heavy products from damages, you should have them packaged in strong corrugated or cleated plywood boxes.

Other key factors that you should consider in order to choose the right boxes for your packaging include your budget, destination and mode of transportation.

How to Pack a Box for Shipping

The list of tips for packing boxes for shipping will not be complete without mentioning how to properly pack a box for shipping. Here are some tips to help you:

• Choose the best box: You might think you will be saving a few bucks by going for used boxes, but you are risking having your products damaged. Always use new boxes for your packaging needs.
• Pad the boxes: This is especially critical to do if you’re shipping breakable items or those that can easily get damaged if they’re mistakenly dropped. There are various padding supplies out there for you to choose from, just a few of which include packing peanuts and old newspapers.
• Wrap your products: If the items you’re shipping are fragile, such as mirrors, glassware and the like, you’ll need to have them properly wrapped using bubble wrap, preferably multiple layers of it. If possible, secure the wrap with packing tape.
• Pack and seal: After the items are wrapped, they are ready to be packed. After they’re packed inside the box, give it a little shake to see if there’s any rattling. If there is, it means the box needs more padding. Once the extra padding has been added, you’re ready to seal off the box for shipping.

If you are using flat rate mailers, make sure they are not overstuffed just to cut down on shipping costs. If overstuffed, mailers might burst open while in transit.

Conclusion

Strictly adhering to standard packing and shipping tips will go a long way in helping you minimize losses and increase customer satisfaction. Always ensure you use high-quality boxes, as it helps you achieve damage-free shipping of your products, whether you’re shipping domestically or cross-border.