Product shipping requirements
Protect your goods in transit by using suitable external packaging, internal cushioning and secure closure.
As the sender, you are the person who knows exactly what is inside the parcel. It is therefore your responsibility to make sure the item is packaged correctly and does not contain prohibited or hazardous goods.
A courier accepting a parcel does not mean that the packaging has been confirmed as adequate or that the contents have been accepted as suitable for transport.
Use a sturdy, strong carton, preferably a corrugated box with all flaps intact.
Avoid boxes that are damaged, thin, old, worn or damp. Choose packaging that is strong enough for the weight and type of item being shipped.
Avoid making a single carton unnecessarily heavy. Heavy parcels may be more difficult to handle and may also be placed with larger bulk freight during transport.
A very heavy carton may:
If the parcel is heavy, clearly mark it HEAVY and write the weight next to the marking.
If the item cannot be divided into lighter parcels, make sure someone is available at the collection and delivery addresses to assist the driver with loading or unloading where needed.
If you still have the original box and protective packaging for the product, it is recommended that you use it. The original polystyrene or protective inserts were designed specifically to protect that item.
If you reuse an existing box, remove all previous barcodes, shipping labels and address labels to prevent sorting errors or delays.
Check that the box has no holes, tears, damaged corners or other weaknesses that could cause it to fail during transport.
Avoid placing too many items or too much weight into one carton.
Where possible, package multiple items individually and use more than one box if required. This allows each item to receive proper cushioning and protection.
Suitable cushioning materials include:
Fill any empty spaces inside the box. Items should not be able to move around when the parcel is shaken or bumped.
A general recommendation is to provide at least 5–8 cm of cushioning around the item. Fragile items require additional protection.
Packaging recommendation
A common transport industry recommendation is to package goods so that they can withstand a drop of approximately one metre.
Proper closure is essential for safe transport. Use wide, pressure-sensitive plastic tape of at least 38 mm.
Tape around the box and along the seals, particularly when using a reused carton, to reduce the risk of the package opening during transit.
Want more packaging tips?
Watch the full Bob Go Packaging Series for more practical guidance on preparing parcels for shipping.