Packing your parcel
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Packaging materials
Choose the packaging material that is best for the size and shape of your parcel. You can use corrugated card, polythene, containers and cardboard boxes. Always use new packaging, as used materials are not always resistant enough to damage. If you do use previously-used material to pack your items, remove all the old address labels and barcodes.
If you want the original packaging of your parcel not to be touched and you do not want any markings made on it during transit, use an additional layer of packaging.
You can be creative about your packaging materials, for example by using wallpaper, plastic bags and shoeboxes However, it is important that the packaging is resistant to damage, not ripped or torn and is suitable for writing the sender’s and receiver’s details on.
The packaging must have an area that is large and smooth enough to stick the address label onto or to write the sender’s and receiver’s details. Choose a packaging material suitable for attaching an address label. For example, address labels will not stick properly to some materials or could come off during transit. -
Size of packaging
Choose packaging of a suitable size. If a box is too large, the contents could move or get damaged. This can also happen if the packaging is too small. For example, if clothing is placed too tightly into a small plastic bag, the bag could tear. The contents of the parcel could also be damaged if the packaging is opened using a knife or scissors.
The contents of the parcel must not be able to slide around inside the packaging or protrude from it. The packaging must be large enough to add filling material, if necessary.
The parcel must measure at least 2 cm x 9 cm x 14 cm, as open-cell containers are used during transit and parcels that are too small can slide out. If you want to send a very small item, it is best to put it in a larger packet and fill the empty space with filling material. -
Using filling material
If you want to make sure that the contents of your parcel will not break, always use filling material. Special granules and bubble wrap are suitable materials. Paper can be used for lighter parcels. A layer of filling or packaging material less than 5 cm thick can be placed on the bottom of the box.
Parcels with fragile and breakable items
Valuable parcels
Parcels weighing more than 65 kg
Liquids
Remember!
If your parcel will include breakable items, choose our additional ‘FRAGILE’ service. If there is no marking regarding careful handling on the packaging, we will not be responsible for the condition of the parcel.
Our staff will handle all parcels marked ‘Handle with care’ with special care; these parcels will be sorted manually and will not be stacked.
Remember!
Do not send valuable items in packaging that reveals the content.
Do not use packaging made from several elements, completely transparent packaging or packaging with a transparent area for the address.
Remember!
We include the packaging when we calculate the weight of the parcel!
Remember!
Mark parcels containing liquid with an arrow sign so our staff know which way up to store the parcel. This will reduce the risk of leakage.
Writing an address on the parcel
Write the receiver’s name and address on the parcel, as well as your own name and address. Make sure it is clear and legible. Provide the following information:
- Name (name and surname of private individual or name of company)
- Street, house and apartment number, or house name if located outside the city, town or village
- Village and parish name
- Postcode (to be written in the last row, before the name of the city or district)
- Name of city or district
- Name of country (for international parcels)
If you register a parcel in our online self-service environment you will have the option to print out an address label and stick it on your parcel. Stick the address label on a smooth surface of the packaging.
You can write the address on the parcel by hand. We recommend that you also include, clearly and legibly, the receiver’s phone number and the name of the parcel machine you are sending the parcel to.
Write your address on the top left-hand corner of the longest side of the parcel, and write the receiver’s address on the right-hand corner. Write the address using the Roman alphabet and Arabic numerals. If a different alphabet and numbers are used in the destination country, write the address using that alphabet and numerical system as well. Write the name of the destination country in English or French on international parcels.
The address should not contain abbreviated names, letters, digits or symbols that are not commonly used because this may cause difficulties when delivering your parcel. Please also try to avoid dividing words between lines, making corrections or crossing out any parts of the address.