It’s always important to pack boxes carefully in order to avoid potential damage to the product. Damage will often increase the cost of returning and replacing a product. This can reflect poorly on your company, especially if it is an important item to your customer. To avoid the hassle of damaged items, use these tips to pack your boxes more efficiently.
- Find the right packaging size – When packing a box, the first priority is to find an appropriately-sized container. The box should have adequate space to fit the item in comfortably. Avoid using a too-large container. Not only is this wasteful, but the item can move around during transport, encouraging potential damage. Ideally, each item should have its own package to provide extra cushioning.
- Avoid fabric/cloth bags – For best results, use more robust materials for packaging (e.g. corrugated cardboard or chipboard). Cloth bags may look attractive, but they provide little to no protection or support for packaged items, even when materials like bubble wrap are used. Refrain from using fabric or cloth altogether in order to provide better protection.
- Use the right boxes – Ideally, you should use newer boxes for transport. Older, damaged boxes are often less sturdy and provide less protection. Use single-wall boxes for fragile items to lower your chances of damage in transit. Heavier items require double or triple-walled corrugated boxes that provide ample support.
- Employ cushioning – Even if the package is the correct size for the item, include impact protection inside the packaging. Traditionally, impact protection methods include bubble wrap or styrofoam, but there are now more environmentally-friendly options available (e.g. biodegradable foam or wood wool). This cushioning prevents shifting inside the box during transit and absorbs force if the package is dropped.
- Tape well – Use proper packing tape when securing a box. The tape must be strong and durable. For example, Sellotape is unsuitable for shipping large packages across long distances, and duct tape can dry out or fall off. Be sure to use industrial grade tape and cover every seam on the package to keep the box properly sealed.
- Label properly – To avoid any issues with the package, ensure that the box is labelled properly. Use “Fragile” notices if any items can be easily damaged during shipping. Significant damage can occur if the package is handled incorrectly. Proper labelling can avoid this altogether.
- Wrap your loads – A strong stretch wrap with strong retention capabilities can go a long way in protecting a load in transit, especially if the wrap used is a pre-stretched wrap, which tends to significantly increase load containment.
Proper packaging can go a long way to secure items in transit. While there may be extra cost involved with securing your packages, these costs are necessary to prevent damage.
For quality chipboard products and services, contact Hammond Paper Company Ltd. inVaughan, Ontario. We provide chipboard-related products, including edge protectors, pallet wrap and skid liners. Call us today at (905) 761-6867. We provide service to Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, the Northeastern United States, and beyond.