When you ship internationally, your parcel moves through multiple facilities, vehicles, and aircraft before it reaches its destination. Every handling point is an opportunity for damage, and the right packaging is your first line of defence. These packaging tips walk you through how to assess your shipment, choose the right materials, seal and label correctly, and arrange collection with confidence.
DHL Express Singapore supplies boxes, flyers, and envelopes in multiple sizes, with guidance available from our Certified International Specialists at every step. Start by assessing what you're shipping.
1. Assess what you are shipping
Start by determining the size, weight and shape of your shipment to help you decide on a suitable external packaging. For smaller shipments, you may consider envelopes or flyers. Heavier shipments will require a more durable box or even a double layer of packaging.
For odd-sized shipments, you should select a box that can fit your shipment comfortably while leaving sufficient room for inner packaging materials to eliminate excess spaces.
For more valuable shipments, you might want to take the extra initiative to wrap your shipment and use two types of inner packaging material for added protection.
2. Packaging Materials
After having a better understanding of your shipment profile, you have to decide on the ideal external and internal packaging material that will garner optimal protection for your shipment from Singapore. Not sure how to pack your shipment for international shipping? Follow these best practices to keep your packages safe during transit:
EXTERNAL PACKAGING
Select a suitable, preferably new box that can fit the contents of your shipment with about 6cm of excess space. If you are unable to find a suitable box, you can self-lodge your shipment into one of our retail points, where you will have an option of eight different boxes to choose from.
INTERNAL PACKAGING
Lay the bottom of the box with protective inner packaging material. Some good examples include bubble wrap, foam blocks or chips, and cushions.
INTERNAL PACKAGING
Place the contents to be shipped on the bed of protection within the box and fill the void spaces with more protective materials until there is no empty space.
No boxes? No problem!
DHL Express offers a range of packaging supplies and boxes of different sizes. Let us know what kind of external packaging you need and we will provide you with the boxes. Please visit DHL Online Supplies Ordering website for the full list of packaging supplies we offer.
Supplies | Dimensions | Weight Max. Capacity |
| Envelope | 35 x 27 x 1 cm | 0.5 kg |
| Box 2 | 33.3 × 17.7 × 7.6 cm | 1 kg |
| Box 3 | 33.3 × 31.7 × 8.7 cm | 2 kg |
| Box 4 | 33.3 × 31.7 × 17.7 cm | 5 kg |
| Box 5 | 33.1 × 31.5 × 33.3 cm | 10 kg |
| Box 6 | 41.1 × 35.3 × 35.7 cm | 15 kg |
| Box 7 | 47.5 × 39.8 × 37.7 cm | 20 kg |
| Box 8 | 53.5 × 43.8 × 39.7 cm | 25 kg |
| Small Flyer | 41.5 × 31 cm | 2 kg |
| Big Flyer | 47.5 × 38 cm | 3 kg |
| Express Pallet Box | 79Â x 79Â x 83 cm | 250 kg |
3. Sealing
A properly packed box still needs a proper seal. Without it, even the best internal packaging can't stop contents from spilling during transit. Follow these sealing steps:
- Tape all edges and seams securely using strong packing tape.
- Reinforce corners and openings with extra tape, as these are the most vulnerable points under compression.
- Apply the H-taping method across the top and bottom flaps for maximum structural strength.
Some shipments need an extra layer of defence. If you are packing a shipment overseas that contains fragile, heavy, or high-value goods, double-boxing is worth the effort. Place the packed inner box inside a larger outer box, with at least 6 cm of cushioning material on all sides between the two.
One more thing to note before you seal up: If you are a non-account holder, do not seal your shipment until the DHL Express courier has inspected its contents upon collection.
4. Labeling
Stick on any special handling label you might have, our staff will take the necessary measures to adhere to it.
Paste your shipping label (DHL air waybill) on the top of the box for easy reference.
Ensure that no other older labels or duplicate labels are on the box as it might confuse our scanners, affecting the routing of the shipment.
Apply a plastic pouch to house any other documents that is necessary to the shipment, for example: your shipping invoice.
Handling Labels
These are more than stickers. Each one communicates a specific instruction to every courier and handler that touches your parcel. Apply the relevant ones based on your shipment contents:
Â
Keep dry
The package must be protected from excessive humidity and be stored under cover.
Fragile/Handle with care
The package is potentially breakable and must be handled carefully.
This way up
The upward arrow shows the direction that the package must be transported handled and stored.
Order packaging supplies from DHL Express now. As every shipment has different packaging requirements, this guide should not be perceived as a final solution for all customers. For advice on how best to pack and ship your items, speak to our team of Certified International Specialists now.
The final step before you entrust your shipment to DHL Express is scheduling your shipment collection.
How to Arrange a DHL Express Collection?
Once your shipment is within our care, you can go ahead and track your shipment. The information will show real-time updates of your shipment, giving you amply information for an accurate estimate on the delivery timing.
If you are new to shipping, read our step-by-step shipping guide to understand the process of international shipping, from shipment preparation to the tracking of your package. For further assistance, do not hesitate to call our friendly customer service team!
Access expert packing advice, priority support, and fast international shipping for your business.
Open an Account
Share
Similar Stories
