MINIMUM PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS
SMALL-PACKAGE CARRIERS
SMALL-PACKAGE CARRIER ENVIRONMENT
It's important to understand how the carriers handle goods as they move within their shipping system. The following applies to packages shipped by way of a small-package carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, USPS).
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Packages may be stacked in any orientation including upside down.
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Other packages weighing up to 150 lbs. can be dropped onto any side of your package.
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Fragile packages are NOT handled any differently than durable non-fragile packages.
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Items must be packaged so they can be dropped onto any side or corner of the package from the height listed below without causing damage to the contents.
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Your package must be able to withstand having other packages stacked on top of your package. Examples of how much weight is allowed to be stacked onto your package are:
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Shipping labels such as Fragile, Do Not Drop, Do Not Stack, This Way Up, Do Not Crush, etc. are of no use when shipping via a small-package carrier. In fact, industry best practices discourage use of such labels as they may result in the package being deliberately mishandled.
CUSHIONING MATERIAL
It is crucial that you select the proper cushioning material for the Size, Weight and Shape of the item you are packing.
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On breakable/fragile items, you must use at least two (2) inches of appropriate cushioning material to protect items from each other and the walls of the box.
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On fragile items such as electronics, glass, ceramics, and artwork, additional cushioning may be required. Consider double boxing; pack the item in one box and then pack that box into another larger box with the proper amount of cushioning.
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Packing peanuts are NOT appropriate cushioning material. Packing peanuts normally are for void fill only. The only exception to this is when you are double-boxing an item. Packing peanuts can be used between the inner and outer box.
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Air bags are NOT appropriate cushioning material. Air bags are for void fill only.
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Bubble-wrap® is an acceptable cushioning material except when the weight of the item is too great for the bubble wrap to support. You
should not exceed 0.3 pounds per square inch
weight on the bubble wrap. Since a package can be dropped onto any side of the package, this weight limit applies to all sides of the package including the top and bottom.
CARTON OR CONTAINER
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Use a box strong enough to support the weight of the contents. Under no circumstances should you exceed the maximum gross weight limit printed on the box maker’s certificate. UPS and FedEx recommend a weight limit that is less than the maximum gross weight limit printed on the
Box Maker’s Certificate.
On single-wall corrugated boxes, UPS and FedEx recommend a maximum weight of 1/3 less than what is indicated on the box maker’s certificate. On double-wall corrugated boxes, they recommend a maximum weight of 20% less than what is indicated on the box maker’s certificate.
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Reinforce package edges to protect from collapse.
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Securely seal contents at risk of leakage.
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Securely seal package closures and all seams with reinforced tape:
LABELING
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Include complete address information and telephone numbers on the label.
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Consider putting an additional label on the inside of the package.
NOTE: These requirements are just minimums and DO NOT replace the need for professional packaging training.
Drop heights and stacking strength requirements listed above are from ASTM International standards.