UPS: How To Prepare for Shipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Use a Corrugated Box

2. Provide Internal Protection

3. Close Your Container Securely

4. Use Proper Labelling

Step 2. Provide Internal Protection

It's important that you cushion the contents of your package properly.

Please be sure that you wrap each item separately. Fragile articles need both suitable separation from each other and clearance from the corners and sides of the box.

Each item should be surrounded by at least two inches (5 cm) of cushioning and be placed at least two inches (5 cm) away from the walls of the box. This will protect your items from product-against-product damage and shield them from the shock and vibration that can be conducted from the exterior of the box to its contents in transit.

Please use proper cushioning material, combined with a strong outer container, to protect your shipment fully. Make sure you use enough cushioning material to ensure that the contents do not move when you shake the container.

Improper cushioning material includes clothing, blankets and pillows. Instead, please use the materials listed below to cushion and protect your shipment:

Air-encapsulated plastic (bubble pack)

Designed to protect and cushion lightweight items
Used in multiple wraps and layers to ensure that the item is completely protected, especially on corners and edges

Inflatable packaging (air bags)

Used primarily as void-fill materials for lightweight items
Not recommended for items with sharp corners or edges
Extreme hot or cold temperatures may affect the ability of air bags to provide adequate product protection.

Expanded polystyrene "peanuts"

Used primarily as void-fill material for lightweight items
Overfill the box with peanuts, gently close the flaps and seal securely
Do not use with flat or narrow products that may move to the edge or bottom of the carton in transit
Due to the shifting and settling properties of peanuts, it is recommended that a minimum of three inches (8 cm) of cushioning be used around the contents
It is recommended that flat pieces of corrugated fiberboard be used between contents and peanuts to help prevent migration through the peanuts

Engineered foam enclosures

Materials may include expanded polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene or copolymers
Enclosures should be pre-engineered for specific products

Foam-in-place (a foam, sprayed into the box or mixed in packets, that expands and forms a protective mold around contents)

Must be properly used, with even foam distribution around the contents
Select appropriate density of foam to meet packaging needs, which can range from void-fill applications to high-performance cushioning

Corrugated liners and inserts

May be added to the package to increase strength and improve package performance

Crumpled kraft paper

Used primarily as a void-fill material for light-to-medium weight, non-fragile items and items that are suitable for such packing materials
Must be tightly crumpled
Place at least four inches (10 cm) of paper between contents and outer box

Note: Fragile objects -- such as electronics, glass, ceramics, and artwork -- require special packaging for safe shipment. Packages containing these and similar items may require added cushioning or a double box.

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