We know how important it is that your parcel is delivered safely and undamaged.  Packing your parcel carefully gets it off to a good start.

These reminders may help you:

Please check that we can accept your parcel
Prohibitions or restrictions may apply to your goods. These are detailed in our prohibitions and restrictions page. Ignoring them may lead to delays, accidents or damage to other parcels.  You will be asked to accept the Parcelforce Worldwide conditions of carriage, which include a declaration that the parcel you are sending does not contain dangerous or prohibited goods. For parcels being sent to non EU destinations you will need to declare the contents on the Customs Pack/pages.

> Back to top

Wrap each item in the parcel individually
This takes a little longer, but offers better protection when there’s no movement of contents. Place all items within an inner box and wrap them in bubble wrap.  When sending printers, ink cartiridges must be removed from the printer and packaged separately in a manner that cannot contaminate any other item.

> Back to top

Protect fragile items on their journey
Expanded polystyrene chips; polythene foam; bubble wrap air cushions or crumpled paper around all items is a good cushion against knocks and vibration. Please ensure that polyblock  surrounds are used on all electrical items.

> Back to top

Use a strong outer container
A corrugated fibreboard box with a good quality kraft outer wrapping is best.  Sub-standard and damaged cartons can cause problems.

> Back to top

Seal the parcel well
Make a ‘H’ seal with 48mm/50mm-wide plastic or reinforced carton tape on both the top and bottom of your package.  Ordinary household adhesive tape isn’t usually strong enough.

> Back to top

Strap and tape for extra protection
For heavier items you will need a strong outer carton, closed with tape.  String around boxes isn’t really suitable, but can be used around other wrappings.

> Back to top

Transporting electrical items
When transporting electrical items - e.g. laptops, DVD players etc - please make sure that they have the original manufacturer's transport screws properly secured to ensure that elements/components do not move.

> Back to top

Do not strap multiple boxes together
This may cause them to become damaged.  Place all boxes in one outer carton.

> Back to top

Prevent movement of items in transit
Please ensure that multiple items within a parcel do not touch. Place contents in a firm cardboard box, closed so that it cannot come open during transit. Guitars and other musical instruments should be packaged in a hard case with sufficient internal packaging to ensure that the instrument cannot move during transit. Please note that if the instrument hard case is used as the external packaging then the case itself will be treated as packaging and not contents, as a result the case will not be covered for damage compensation. Any instrument strings should be loosened. Musical instruments will only be covered up to £150 of compensation for loss or damage.

> Back to top

Is the carton strong enough?

The table below may help you choose the most suitable carton material.  The letters ‘gsm’ are the standard measurement for paper/card thickness.  We also recommend an inner cushioning lining of at least 50mm as further protection against damage. 

A compensation claim for damage of contents will be deemed invalid if the parcel is inadequately packed or if the packaging is not retained for verification.