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.  Customers must sign a receipt to accept the Parcelforce Worldwide UK or International Conditions of Carriage for Retail Services. Customers sending to non-EU destinations will need to declare the parcel contents on the customs pack. For globalexpress this is a requirement for all destinations.

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.

Protect fragile items on their journey
Expanded polystyrene chips; polythene foam; bubble wrap air cushions or crumpled paper around all items are good cushions against knocks and vibration. All electrical items should be packaged in their original retail packaging, or better, including all travelling screws and polyblock surrounds.

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.

Seal the parcel well
Seal all open edges of the parcel 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.

Strap and tape for extra protection
For heavier items you will need a strong outer carton, closed with tape.  String around boxes is not suitable as this can get caught and cause damage.

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.

Do not strap multiple boxes together
This may cause them to become damaged.  Either place all items in one box or send them in separate parcels. We will not pay compensation for items that are strapped together.

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 the maximum amount of inclusive compensation included with the service.

Packaging supplies available at your local Post Office® branch
You'll find parcel tape, bubble wrap and protective boxes on hand at major Post Office® branches. Call 08457 22 33 44 to find your nearest one-stop-shop.

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 inner and outer packaging is not retained for verification.

Addressing and documentation

• Clear, accurate addressing
  Using the full address and postcode/zip code is essential to ensure correct delivery.  The phone number of the recipient is also essential and for globalexpress the telephone numbers of the sender and the recipient must be written on the customs pack.  Include your own address and phone number on the outside and inside of your parcel too, in case there are any queries during transit.

•  Labelling of goods (luggage)
  Labels glued on to luggage items often become detached. Make sure you attach the label by using a clear plastic envelope and attach this enevelope to a handle or strap on the item using a bag tie.

• Correctly completed documentation
  It is important to make sure that all necessary documentation is fully and accurately completed for all parcels, to avoid any delay in transit. Make sure the address labels are securely attached to the parcel and are clearly visible.