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Guidelines For Good Packaging
(Courtesy of United Parcel Service)
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Rigid carton with flaps intact.
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Items wrapped separately. |
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Adequate cushioning material. |
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Strong tape designed for shipping. |
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No string or paper over wrap. |
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Single address label. |
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A clear, complete delivery address. |
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Duplicate label inside carton. |
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Follow These Steps To Good Packaging
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1.
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Use a corrugated box. |
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For best results, use a new box large enough to allow room for adequate cushioning material on all sides of the contents. If a box is reusable, remove old labels or other previous shipment markings from the box. Never exceed the maximum gross weight of the box, which is usually printed on the bottom flap. |
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Protect it inside. |
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To properly cushion the contents of your package, wrap each item separately. Fragile articles need proper separation as well as clearance from the corners and sides of the box to prevent damage.
A wide variety of materials can be used for cushioning and protection including:
Air encapsulated plastic (Bubble Pack)
Expanded polystyrene (Peanuts) *
* May not be suitable for heavy products that can shift while in transport.
Foam-in-place (A foam, sprayed into boxes to form protective molds around contents)
Corrugated dividers
Paper (Crumpled craft paper or newspaper)
Use enough cushioning material to ensure that the contents won't move easily when you shake the box.
Note: Extremely fragile objects require special packaging for safe shipment. |
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Close it securely. |
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Proper closure is just as important as adequate cushioning. For best results, use one of these types of tape:
Pressure sensitive plastic or nylon reinforced tape.
Water activated paper tape.
Use 60 lb. grade tape at least three inches wide.
Apply three strips to the both the top and bottom of the box as shown in the illustration.
Water activated reinforced tape.
Similar to plain paper tape, except that reinforcing fibers have been added for strength. This tape requires only two center seam strips, in contrast to the six strips necessary for paper tape. |
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Use proper labeling. |
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For fast, efficient delivery, keep these points in mind when addressing your package:
Always include the receiver's ZIP Code with the complete street address.
When addressing to a P.O. Box or Rural Route destination, provide the recipient's telephone number on the on the label whenever possible.
Include the apartment or unit number, if applicable.
Place to delivery label on the top of the box. To avoid confusion, place only one address label on the box. If using a packing slip, place it on the same side of the box as the address label.
Do not place the label over a seam or closure or on top of sealing tape.
Remove or cross out old address labels or markings on a used box.
Always include your complete return address including full street address and ZIP Code.
For added protection, place a duplicate label or other form of identification inside the package. |
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