Courier and freight shipments General Packaging Guidelines

Are your contents packaged correctly?

It’s really important that you package your items well, to keep them safe on their journey.

Wrapping your items

All items should be placed within an inner box and wrapped in bubble wrap. Multiple items within a parcel should not touch to prevent movement in transit. Contents should be placed in a rigid cardboard box and sealed to prevent opening during transit.

Fragile items

Fragile items need extra protection such as bubble wrap, foam sheeting, polystyrene surrounds and ends, moulded and shaped foam, cardboard, polystyrene peanuts or chips, ensuring reduced movement of packaged items.

Strong outer packaging - is it strong enough?

A corrugated fibreboard box with a quality outer wrapping is best. Make sure the outer packaging is strong enough for the weight of the parcel.

Sealing the parcel

Open edges of the parcel should be sealed, top and bottom, with plastic or reinforced carton tape.

Parcels must not be strapped together or bound to another parcel

Any strapping around boxes is not suitable as this can get caught and cause damage to the parcel. Either place all items in one box or send them in separate parcels.

Labelling of goods

Labels glued on to luggage items often become detached. Make sure you attach the label by using a clear plastic envelope and attach this envelope to a handle or strap on the item using a bag tie. It is also advisable to write the waybill no. on the package in case the actual waybill becomes detached in transport.

Clear, accurate addressing

Make sure the recipient’s address and postcode is clearly written on the parcel. In addition, write your own address, postcode and phone number on the outside and inside of the parcel, in case there are any queries during transit.

Correctly completed documentation

Check all documentation is accurately completed to avoid any delay in transit.

What is regarded as dangerous/hazardous goods?

Any goods that require a Dangerous Goods Declaration in respect of air travel which is not permitted on an airline in terms of Civil Aviation Authorities and if needs to be flown, requires specialized packaging.

The most common types of hidden Dangerous Goods are:

Automobile Parts (may contain old oil or ferro-magnetic material)

Camping equipment (may contain lighters or lighter-fuel, canisters of flammable gases, matches etc.)

Diagnostic specimens (may contain infectious substances or be on ‘dry’ ice)

Magnets or magnetic materials (affects navigation equipment of aircraft)

Household goods (may contain aerosol cans, or toxic substances)

Dangerous Goods are also flammable materials, batteries, detergents, corrosive agents, aerosol cans, paint, ammunition, explosives and fertiliser.

ICExpress reserves the right to inspect any and all consignments suspected of containing any of the above-mentioned items. It should be noted that failure to comply with the above instructions may lead to confiscation of the shipment as may lead to legal proceedings.