Step 1. Use a Corrugated Box
Whenever possible, use a new box. The more times a box is used, the more it loses its original protective qualities, so a previously used box may not adequately protect your shipment.

If you must reuse a box, make sure it is rigid and in excellent condition with no punctures, tears, rips, or corner damage, and that all flaps are intact. Remove any labels and all other shipment markings from the box.

Choose a box strength that is suitable for the contents you are shipping. Weight limits printed on the Box Maker’s Certificate (found on the bottom flap of most boxes) are intended for palletized freight shipments, not for shipments through small parcel carrier environments.

Improper packaging may result in the alteration of a package’s dimensions during transit which can affect the package’s dimensional weight and result in a shipping charge correction.

Step 2. Provide Internal Protection
It is important to cushion the contents of your package properly.

Please be sure that you wrap each item separately. Fragile articles need separation from each other, and from the corners, sides, top, and bottom of the box.

Each item should be surrounded by at least two inches (5.08 cm) of cushioning and be placed at least two inches (5.08 cm) away from the walls of the box. This prevents product-against-product damage and protects contents from shock and vibration, which can pass from the outside of the box to the contents.

Please use proper cushioning material, combined with a strong outer container, to protect your shipment fully. Make sure you use enough cushioning material to ensure that the contents do not move when you shake the container.

Improper cushioning material includes clothing, blankets, towels, newspaper/newsprint, and pillows. Instead, please use the materials listed below to cushion and protect your shipment:

Air-encapsulated plastic (small and large cell bubble sheeting)

Designed to protect and cushion lightweight items
Used in multiple wraps and layers to ensure that the item is completely protected, especially on corners and edges

Inflatable packaging (air bags)

Used primarily as void-fill materials for lightweight items
Not recommended for items with sharp corners or edges
Extreme hot or cold temperatures may affect the ability of air bags to provide adequate product protection.

Expanded polystyrene “peanuts” (loose fill)

Used primarily as void-fill material for lightweight items
Overfill the box with loose fill, gently close the flaps, and seal securely
Do not use with flat or narrow products that may move to the edge or bottom of the carton in transit
Due to the shifting and settling properties of peanuts, it is recommended that a minimum of two inches (5.08 cm) of cushioning be used around the contents
It is recommended that flat pieces of corrugated fiberboard be used between contents and peanuts to help prevent migration through the peanuts
Peanuts cause static electricity and may damage electronic items. Anti-static peanuts should be used for electronic items. Use plastic bags, bubble sheeting, or other items to wrap the item so peanuts will not work themselves into areas that may cause harm to your merchandise.

Engineered foam enclosures

Materials may include expanded polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, or copolymers
Enclosures should be pre-engineered for specific products

Foam-in-place/Foam-in-bag

A foam, sprayed into the box or mixed in packets, that expands and forms a protective mould around contents
Must be properly used, with even foam distribution around the contents
Because this material is offered in varying densities, it is important to select the most appropriate foam to meet the requirements of the product

Corrugated liners and inserts

May be added to the package to increase strength and improve package performance