Original Manufacturer's Packaging

The original manufacturer's packaging is usually designed for shipments on pallets instead of single-piece shipments. Additionally, this packaging is designed to ship the product once, not a multiple amount of times. Therefore, reusing the original equipment manufacturer's packaging to ship through the single package environment increases the risk of product damage. The manufacturer's box should only be used if it is new or almost new and has been specially designed to withstand impact.

Using Only Original Manufacturer's Packaging

Use an original manufacturer's package only if it is new or almost new. The more a box is used, the more it loses its original protective qualities and may not adequately protect your shipment. Make sure that the box is rigid, is in excellent condition with no punctures, tears, rips, or corner damage, and that all flaps are intact. Shoeboxes or paperboard boxes should never be used. Remove old address labels, Hazardous Materials indicators such as diamond labels and markings, as well as delivery markings and bar codes from the previous shipment. Make sure that the internal foam is not cracked or broken. If the foam is broken, replace it with a new foam insert.

Double Boxing the Original Manufacturer's Packaging

Another option that includes the use of original manufacturer's packaging is double (over) boxing. All electronic equipment should be double (over) boxed unless it complies with the special reuse conditions outlined above. To double (over) box the original manufacturer's packaging:

Make sure that the original packaging is in good condition, and that the internal foam is not cracked or broken. If the foam is broken, replace with new foam inserts or repair with two-inch (5.08 cm)-wide pressure-sensitive tape. It is important that the shipment cannot move within the original manufacturer's shipping container.

Select a new shipping container that is at least six inches (15.24 cm) longer, wider, and higher than the original manufacturer's box.

Fill the bottom of the new shipping container with at least two inches (5.08 cm) to three inches (7.62 cm) of foam-in-place, polyethylene corner or edge pads, inflatable packaging, loose fill peanuts, or other suitable dunnage material.

Place the original manufacturer's box on top of the cushioning material and in the center of the shipping container, allowing for at least two inches (5.08 cm) to three inches (7.62 cm) of cushioning around the remaining five sides of the package.

Fill the remaining empty space in the package with foam-in-place, polyethylene corner or edge pads, inflatable packaging, loose fill peanuts, or other suitable dunnage material.

Seal the shipping container with either two inches (5.08 cm) or more width of pressure-sensitive or nylon-reinforced tape, or 60-pound, three-inch (7.62 cm)-wide water-activated reinforced tape. Close the box securely, applying three strips of tape to both the top and bottom of the box, so the middle and two edge seams are sealed.