Before you ship
Labelling and packaging criteria
A parcel has to survive a conveyor, not a shelf. Use a rigid box no more than 5 cm larger than the contents, immobilise what's inside, seal all six seams, and put one flat label on the largest face with every old barcode removed. Cross-border parcels also need a commercial invoice on the outside.
The five criteria
Choose a box that fits the contents, not the void fill
Use a rigid, single-use corrugated box no more than 5 cm larger than the contents on each axis. Oversized boxes cost more in volumetric weight and crush more easily because the void fill shifts.
Immobilise the contents
The contents should not move when the box is shaken. Use at least 5 cm of cushioning on every face for fragile goods, and double-box anything glass or ceramic.
Seal on the H-pattern
Apply at least 5 cm wide packing tape along the centre seam and both edge seams, top and bottom. Never use household or masking tape, and never leave a seam unsealed for inspection.
Apply the label flat, on the largest face
One label, flat, on the largest unbroken surface, not wrapped around a corner or over a seam. Remove or fully obscure every previous label and barcode.
Attach the paperwork
For cross-border shipments, place the commercial invoice in a document wallet on the outside of the parcel, and keep a copy inside the box.
Size and weight limits
Limits are per carrier and per service. The quote screen enforces the specific limits for the carriers on your lane.
| Limit | Typical range | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum weight per parcel | Commonly 30–70 kg | Varies by carrier and service; over-limit parcels are rejected or surcharged as freight. |
| Maximum length | Commonly 120–175 cm | The single longest side. Exceeding it triggers an oversize surcharge. |
| Maximum girth | Length + 2 × (width + height) | Most carriers cap combined girth at around 300–330 cm. |
| Minimum size | Around 15 × 10 cm | Smaller items need to go in a larger outer to carry a scannable label. |
Shape matters as much as size. A cylinder, an unboxed suitcase or anything with a protruding handle is classed as non-conveyable regardless of dimensions, because it cannot travel on an automated sorter. Non-conveyable parcels carry their own surcharge — see prices and surcharges.
FAQ
Packing questions
Where should the shipping label go?
Flat on the largest unbroken face of the parcel, away from seams, edges and tape. A label folded over a corner or covered by shiny tape cannot be scanned, and an unscannable label is handled manually — which is where delays and address-correction fees come from.
Do I need to remove old labels?
Yes, every one. Reused boxes are fine structurally, but an old barcode will be scanned by an automated sorter and can route the parcel to the wrong hub. Remove them or cover them completely with opaque tape.
What can't I ship?
Prohibited categories are broadly consistent across carriers: cash and bullion, live animals, perishables without a cold-chain service, illegal goods, and most aerosols and flammables. Lithium batteries, alcohol, cosmetics and food are restricted rather than banned — they ship on specific services with extra declarations.
Do I need to double-box?
For anything fragile, yes. Put the item in an inner box with cushioning, then suspend that inside an outer box with at least 5 cm of cushioning on all six faces. Single-boxed glassware is the most common damage claim we see.
What has to be on the commercial invoice?
A specific goods description (not 'gift' or 'samples'), quantity, unit value and currency, HS code, country of origin, reason for export, and the full sender and recipient details including a contact phone number. Three copies is the safe default.