A parcel sent overseas is handled many times on the way: collected from your door, sorted at our hub in Yuen Long, loaded, unloaded and delivered. Good packing is what keeps the contents safe through all of it. None of it is complicated, and most of it uses things you probably already have at home.
Start with a sturdy box
Choose a strong box in good condition, without tears, dents or soft corners. A box that has already travelled once may have lost some of its strength. Pick a size that fits the contents with a little room for padding, rather than one that is far too big.
If you are reusing a box, remove or cover any old labels and barcodes completely. An old label left showing can confuse the people sorting your parcel.
Protect what is inside
Wrap fragile items individually, so they do not knock against each other. Bubble wrap, packing paper or soft clothing all work.
Then fill every empty space so nothing moves. Give the box a gentle shake before you close it: if you can hear or feel things shifting, add more filling. Crumpled paper, air pillows or packing peanuts are all fine.
Put heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top. If you are sending several small things, group them together in a smaller bag or box inside the parcel, so nothing goes missing if customs open it for inspection.
Seal it properly
Use strong packing tape, not household sticky tape or string. Seal all the seams, not just the strip down the middle of the top: tape along the edges of the top and the bottom as well, so nothing can catch or split open on the way.
Weigh, measure and label
Weigh and measure the parcel after packing, not before. The price depends on the weight, and for some services on the size too, so the figures you enter when you book should be those of the finished parcel.
Once you have paid and the collection is booked, download the label from the order page, print it and check that the details on it match your order, and stick it flat on the largest side of the box, not folded over an edge. Then the parcel is ready for the Cainiao courier to collect.
What not to send
Some things can never go in a parcel, however well they are packed:
- Flammable or explosive items, such as lighter fluid, fireworks and aerosols with flammable gas
- Weapons
- Illegal drugs
- Cash
- Perishable food
- Live animals
Lithium batteries are heavily restricted by airlines. If anything you are sending contains a battery, check before you book.
Some destinations restrict more, for example food, medicines or cosmetics. If you are unsure whether something can go, contact us before booking. It is much easier to sort out before the parcel leaves your hands than after.