Packing Irregularly Shaped Items
Use these guidelines and tips to help you pack your irregularly shaped items correctly.
This document contains:
Bundled and Strapped Boxes
Packing
- You may only strap same-sized boxes together.
- Please use a minimum of four crossed bands with two bands in each direction.
- When strapping boxes together, please make sure that each box is strong enough to hold the total weight of the strapped bundle. So, when two boxes that each weigh 40 lbs (18.1 kg) are banded together into a package that weighs 80 lbs (36.3 kg), both boxes must have a minimum weight capacity of 80 lbs (36.3 kg).
Labeling
- Please put your address information on every box.
Fabric and Wallpaper
Packing
- Please pack your rolled goods in corrugated boxes for the best results.
- If you ship your fabric or wallpaper roll in a bag, please use a bag with a minimum thickness of six mils.
- Make sure the bag is tightly wrapped and taped against the roll to reduce the risk of tearing.
Labeling
- Please tape the address label securely on the flattest surface of the item that you are shipping.
- Cover the entire label with clear tape.
- Do not use "flying tags" (tags that hang from the item that you are shipping).
- Place your duplicate address labels inside roll cores or between top layers of material.
Tires
Packing
- Please apply a wide band of pressure-sensitive tape through the center of the tire and then completely around the body of the tire, so the tape is attached to itself.
Labeling
- Please attach your completed address label to the strip of tape where it covers the tread.
- Cover your label with clear tape.
Bare Metals and Other Irregularly Shaped Items
Packing
- Please tape corrugated cardboard pieces to all sharp or protruding edges for protection.
- Cover the other surfaces of the item as needed.
Labeling
- Please tape your address label securely on the flattest surface of the item that you are shipping.
- Cover the entire label with clear tape.
- Do not use "flying tags" (tags that hang from the item that you are shipping).
Large Packages
Packing
- Use new boxes of strong construction whose strength has not been compromised by humidity or prior-use wear and tear.
- Weight limits printed on the Box Maker's Certificate (found on the bottom flaps of most boxes) are intended for palletized freight shipments, not for shipments through small parcel carrier environments. Following the UPS Box Strength Guidelines will help ensure your package is of adequate strength to provide sufficient protection.
- Check the Box Maker's Certificate to make sure the size limit of the box has not been exceeded. The size limit specified on the Box Maker's Certificate and in the Box Strength Guidelines chart is not the same as the UPS combined length and girth measurement. Calculate the size limit by adding the length, width and depth of box together.
- Seal with heavy-duty tape, preferably reinforced, by applying three strips to both the top and bottom of the box so the middle and two edge seams are sealed.
Labeling
- Tape the address label securely on the box.
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Package Preparation
To find out more about preparing your package for shipping, please see:
Related Links
Additional Handling Charges
UPS has specific additional handling charges for shipping irregularly shaped items. Find out more about those charges and how they may apply to your package.