DATE: 07/02/19
How to Package Small Items for Shipping
Are you tired of spending too much time and money trying to sort out the best method for shipping small packages? Let us breakdown the tedium of small package shipping point by point so you can find the best solution to your shipping needs. Here’s how to package small items for shipping.
But before we jump into shipping, let’s learn a little about cardboard boxes (the primary shipping unit). This will help you learn the best packing strategies with some information about packing units.
If you use small package shipping services frequently, you come into contact with cardboard boxes on a regular basis. Most of the time, you probably don’t give the box you use a second thought, but cardboard boxes really do have some interesting origins.
And there are probably a lot of little fun facts about cardboard boxes that you weren’t aware of. For examples, corrugated cardboard is actually made from three separate layers of kraft paper (this kind of paper is produced by chemical pulp during the “kraft” process). Paper mills send out loads of kraft paper, and this paper is then used to create the middle layer of cardboard.
Top and bottom layers are glued to the kraft paper, cut, and folded up to create the cardboard boxes so often used for small package shipping.
Did you know corrugated cardboard is used in shipping around 90 percent of all products in America? Cardboard’s first patent came in 1856, and it’s been used for shipping since 1903.
That’s more than 100 years of usage for small package shipping. Just imagine how many boxes have been used during this time period.
One of the key advantages of cardboard is that it’s very cheap to produce. When you compare cardboard boxes to plastic shipping containers, it’s clear that cardboard is the most cost-effective option for small package shipping.
In fact, the cost of cardboard is only about 1 percent of the value of the goods inside cardboard boxes during small package shipping. Cardboard is also very safe because it has no toxic constituents and is biodegradable. You can safely dispose of and recycle the cardboard.
Recycled cardboard uses just 75 percent of the energy needed to produce new cardboard as it has lower emissions of sulfur dioxide during production. Most corrugated cardboard boxes we use today for small package shipping are made of old, recycled cardboard.
Recycled cardboard is just as strong as new cardboard, so it really is best to use whenever possible.
Now that you know a little bit more about cardboard, here’s how to package small items for shipping.
Make sure the box is a few inches bigger than the contents being shipped—the size of the box is very important.
Obviously, the box needs to be big enough to fit the items you’re shipping, but it needs to be even bigger. Why? So you can pad the contents with strong packaging materials like packing peanuts, paper, Styrofoam, bubble wrap, etc.
Use newly recycled boxes, not old, worn out boxes. Reusing boxes is definitely a good thing, but you have to be careful when doing so. Be careful not to reuse boxes that are damaged, bent, or torn.
Don’t forget the packaging materials. Even the best cardboard box won’t protect your shipment on its own.
You need to use strong packaging materials, like bubble wrap and packing peanuts, to give your small package the highest level of protection.
Choose a good box for small package shipping success!
As a shipper, it’s important that you take the time to pack your shipments with care. When you pack your shipments properly, you give them the protection they need to survive the trip in excellent condition, so you can have peace of mind.
Of course, you might have some questions about how exactly you’re supposed to pack your small shipments. That’s why we’ve created a few simple guidelines that will help you out with your small package shipping preparation.
Choose a box that’s the correct size.
The size of the box you choose matters. The box should be big enough to allow for about 2-3 inches of room on each side of the item inside. This space will be filled with packaging materials to protect your goods. Also, make sure the box is in good condition (i.e. sturdy and has no holes).
Use plenty of inner-packaging materials.
You need to pack the inside of the box with ample padding so that the contents of the box are held in place and are fully protected. You can use bubble wrap, packing peanuts, Styrofoam, or a range of other materials for the job.
Tape up the box carefully.
Make sure you use packing tape (not any other kind of tape) to tape the box shut along the seams.
Now that you know how to package small items for shipping, here’s a breakdown on how to manage small package shipping costs.
If your small business does a lot of small package shipping to its customers, shipping cost may impact your bottom line. Every day, thousands of small packages are shipped to destinations all across the world; Amerijet offers one of the most economical international small package shipping services for airport-to-airport and airport-to-door shipments to its service region. Businesses requiring affordable flat rate small package shipping services to the Caribbean, Mexico, South and Central America need to look no further.
Amerijet’s small Package service can help your business in many ways, including:
Reach more customers.
As more consumers use the internet to guide their purchasing decisions, the opportunity for your business to reach a global audience becomes a reality. With a good small package shipping company, you can sell your products to customers in all parts of the world. Just make sure you choose a shipping company that offers service to a large number of destinations, so you can reach customers no matter where they live.
Improve customer satisfaction with reliable shipping.
A good shipping company can help you create a remarkable experience for your customers. Imagine how happy your customers will be when their order is delivered promptly, in excellent condition, and without any hassle. Now, imagine the opposite: a late shipment, damaged, and a total pain in the neck. Which do you think your customers prefer?
Reduce questions with order tracking.
Many of today’s small package shipping companies provide tracking numbers with each shipment. This lets the customer monitor the status of their shipment in real time online. Why is this beneficial? No longer will you have to answer customers’ questions regarding the status of their shipment, and your customers will appreciate not being left in the dark.
Gain a competitive edge over your customers.
Having a good shipping partner can certainly be an advantage over the competition. If your shipping company is faster, more reliable, and more affordable, that could be the difference between you getting the sale or one of your competitors getting it.
Pass shipping savings on to your customers.
A good small package shipping will offer fair rates that save you and your customer’s money. Ideally, you want to work with a shipping provider that offers low, flat rates for small packages.
This takes the guesswork out of shipping quotes, and it allows your customers to save big on their orders.
Now that you know how to package small items for shipping, and want to learn more about Amerijet’s small package service and general cargo shipping service. Contact us today at 1-800-927-6059.
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