6 packaging mistakes to avoid for safe and secure shipping

In logistics, optimal packaging is essential for the safe movement and delivery of shipments. This blog explores overlooked yet critical packing mistakes that compromise item integrity during transit, focusing on fostering better packaging practices to ensure your parcels arrive securely at their destination and reflect the professionalism of your service.

The importance of secure packing

Secure packing goes beyond merely protecting items during transit; it's a critical factor in building customer trust and driving business success. A 2021 LinkedIn survey indicates that 84% of consumers are swayed by packaging design in their purchasing decisions, emphasising its impact on sales and conversions¹. Therefore, prioritising effective mail packaging not only ensures the safe arrival of items but also bolsters market appeal and the professional image of a business, contributing positively to its financial outcomes.

Common packaging mistakes to avoid

1. Having insufficient filling materials

A central oversight in shipping packaging is not using enough filling materials. Proper cushioning is paramount to prevent items from shifting and incurring damage during transport. To ensure your package's integrity, explore a variety of packing materials, such as bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or crumpled paper, choosing the best option that fits the item's size and fragility. Effective use of these materials will keep your goods secure and maintain their condition from origin to destination, reflecting the care and professionalism of your service.

2. Overlooking lithium battery regulations

Navigating regulations for shipping products comprising lithium batteries, such as laptops, mobile phones, electric bicycles, medical devices, and drones, is critical for safety and compliance. These items require careful preparation due to their risks, and shippers are responsible for compliance, highlighting the importance of understanding these regulations to mitigate legal liabilities and safety risks². For secure shipment:

• Adhere to the United Nations regulations UN3480³ and UN3481⁴ and IATA regulations⁵ for air transport.
• Ensure batteries are at a 30% state of charge, as per IATA's mandate.
• Isolate batteries in packaging to prevent short circuits, thermal runaway, and interactions with other goods.
• Label packages as Class 9 dangerous goods, detailing battery specifics like type, weight, dimensions, and capacity.

3. Neglecting proper labelling for fragile items

Proper labelling for fragile items is essential for their careful handling during transit. Applying clear "Fragile," directional arrows, and "Keep Dry" stickers and labels communicate specific handling instructions, ensuring that delicate shipments are treated with the utmost care and arrive in pristine condition.

4. Selecting the wrong box size 

When packing products, choosing the right box size is crucial for the safety of your shipment. A box that's too large can cause items to shift and sustain damage, whereas one too small may burst under the pressure of the contents. When selecting a box, measure your item carefully and choose a high-quality, corrugated cardboard box that fits snugly, allowing for ample cushioning materials. For fragile items, consider double or triple-walled boxes to match the item's weight and enhance protection, reducing the risk of damage during transit.

5. Using subpar sealing methods 

Ensuring your shipment's integrity relies heavily on using high-quality sealing methods. Opting for robust tape, such as pressure-sensitive or water-activated tape, is crucial for keeping packages securely closed and resistant to tampering or damage during transit. Employing the right techniques, like the H-taping method, further reinforces package seals at vulnerable points, safeguarding against the risks of opening or damage as the package moves to its destination.

6. Forgetting waterproof measures

Incorporating waterproofing measures into your packaging process is critical for safeguarding shipments, particularly those containing fragile or moisture-sensitive items. Waterproof materials, such as plastic wrap or sealable plastic bags, provide an essential barrier against moisture and water damage. This preventative step is vital in maintaining the condition of the shipped items, ensuring they arrive at their destination undamaged by water-related issues.

Secure your shipments with DHL Express

Avoiding these packaging mistakes is essential to ship safely and maintain a professional image. DHL Express offers comprehensive packaging solutions and services, including shipping fragile items and advice on shipping insurance. Open a business account today to leverage our international shipping and package courier expertise to ensure your shipments are always safe and secure during delivery.