Packaging and Shipping Supplies
Order supplies and learn how to package your shipment to keep it protected
DHL Express is here to help you get your goods from A to B safely, compliantly, and in perfect condition. Read our packing tips to get a head start.
How to Pack Your Shipment
Follow these packing tips for smooth DHL Express shipping
Assess Your Packing Needs
The first step to successful packaging is to work out how your item needs to be protected.
- Assess the weight, dimensions, shape, and fragility of each item to decide on appropriate packaging.
- Items of higher value may need additional padding and protective measures.
- Fragile goods should be clearly marked with appropriate handling labels.
- Certain products may be subject to regulations and require specialized packaging solutions.
Choose Suitable Materials
The packing materials inside the box play a major role in protecting goods during shipment.
- Use high-quality, durable corrugated cardboard cartons; double-walled boxes are advised for heavy or delicate items.
- Avoid reusing worn or damaged boxes, as they may not provide sufficient strength.
- Ensure boxes are correctly sized to prevent crushing, splitting, or movement in transit.
- Look out for the manufacturer stamp which tells you information about the construction type and strength of a box.
Pack like a Pro
Different packing techniques offer varying levels of protection depending on the item.
- Items should be positioned centrally with at least 6cm clearance from box walls.
- Completely fill empty space within the box to avoid contents moving during transit
- The box-in-box method offers added protection for fragile items by using an outer carton.
- When shipping multiple items in a single package, wrap each item individually and separate with divider material.
- Liquids and powders require additional protection - and possibly paperwork - as they may be classified as Dangerous Goods.
Seal and Label Your Package
Correct sealing and labeling are essential for safe and efficient transport.
- Use strong pressure-sensitive adhesive tape; avoid Kraft paper or masking tape.
- Seal all seams and edges using the H-taping technique.
- Place shipment label(s) clearly on the top of the box to support efficient handling and processing. You can create a shipping label through your DHL Express account.
Further Information on Packing
For further advice, including breakdowns of packaging by goods type and the DHL Express supplies available to you, read our detailed guide.
Assess Your Packing Needs
The first step to successful packaging is to work out how your item needs to be protected.
- Assess the weight, dimensions, shape, and fragility of each item to decide on appropriate packaging.
- Items of higher value may need additional padding and protective measures.
- Fragile goods should be clearly marked with appropriate handling labels.
- Certain products may be subject to regulations and require specialized packaging solutions.
Choose Suitable Materials
The packing materials inside the box play a major role in protecting goods during shipment.
- Use high-quality, durable corrugated cardboard cartons; double-walled boxes are advised for heavy or delicate items.
- Avoid reusing worn or damaged boxes, as they may not provide sufficient strength.
- Ensure boxes are correctly sized to prevent crushing, splitting, or movement in transit.
- Look out for the manufacturer stamp which tells you information about the construction type and strength of a box.
Pack like a Pro
Different packing techniques offer varying levels of protection depending on the item.
- Items should be positioned centrally with at least 6cm clearance from box walls.
- Completely fill empty space within the box to avoid contents moving during transit
- The box-in-box method offers added protection for fragile items by using an outer carton.
- When shipping multiple items in a single package, wrap each item individually and separate with divider material.
- Liquids and powders require additional protection - and possibly paperwork - as they may be classified as Dangerous Goods.
Seal and Label Your Package
Correct sealing and labeling are essential for safe and efficient transport.
- Use strong pressure-sensitive adhesive tape; avoid Kraft paper or masking tape.
- Seal all seams and edges using the H-taping technique.
- Place shipment label(s) clearly on the top of the box to support efficient handling and processing. You can create a shipping label through your DHL Express account.
Further Information on Packing
For further advice, including breakdowns of packaging by goods type and the DHL Express supplies available to you, read our detailed guide.
Create a Shipment
Start shipping with DHL Express to enjoy fast delivery, smooth customs clearance, and end-to-end tracking.
Packing and Supplies FAQs
We provide a range of specialized boxes for shipments up to 25kg, envelopes for documents, and polybags for lightweight items. Most of these supplies are 100% recyclable and include GoGreen Plus options to help reduce your carbon footprint.
Select a high-quality corrugated cardboard box that's rated for the weight of your contents. We recommend double-wall constructions for items over 10kg and suggest avoiding used boxes that have lost their original rigidity.
Liquids must be in leak-free containers, sealed in plastic bags, and placed inside a strong double-wall box. Powders should be securely sealed in plastic bags and packed within a rigid fiberboard box to prevent leakage.
For fragile goods, use the box-in-box method by placing your item in an inner container and then into an outer box that is at least 14cm larger in all dimensions. Use internal materials like bubble wrap, air bags, or foam peanuts for cushioning, and apply a "FRAGILE" handling label to the exterior.
Place your items in the center of the box with at least 6cm of separation from all external walls. Fill all empty spaces with void filler to prevent movement and seal all seams using the ‘H-taping’ method. Place one strip of tape along the center seam and two strips across both edge seams on the top and bottom of the box. This technique secures all seams and prevents the box from bursting or opening during transit.
No, you should use pressure-sensitive polypropylene, vinyl, or fiber-reinforced tape. Avoid using masking tape, cellophane tape, or string, as these materials do not provide the strength needed for express transportation.
Always ensure your shipment label is placed clearly on the top surface of the box. Do not cover the label with tape or paperwork, as this can delay your shipment during the automated sorting process. Make sure that any other labels, such as special handling labels, are on a different surface from the label. If you need to attach invoices for international shipping, use a plastic self-adhesive clear window pouch.
Choosing a box size that closely fits your items prevents you from paying for excess volume and reduces the amount of void fill needed. Proper packing also prevents damage, which avoids the extra costs and carbon emissions associated with shipping replacement items.
Yes! DHL Express Business Account holders can order a full range of supplies through our Online Supplies Ordering portal. If you don't have an account, supplies are usually available at DHL Service Point locations.
You can read our Essential Packing Guide for general instructions or check our Logistics Advice pages for a range of specialized guides including electronics, fashion, and temperature-sensitive goods. For items that are classed as Dangerous Goods, it’s best to contact the DHL Express Customer Service team for specific regulatory requirements.