A parcel sent abroad is handled many times on its way. It is collected from your door, sorted at our hub in New Taipei City, carried to the destination and delivered at the other end. Good packing is what keeps the contents safe through all of that. Here is a simple guide to packing a parcel well, and to what must never go inside.
Choose a sturdy box
Start with a strong box in good condition. A soft, torn or crushed box will not protect anything, however carefully you pack it.
If you reuse an old box, check the corners and seams first. Remove or cover any old labels and barcodes, so that nobody along the way reads the wrong address or scans the wrong code.
Pick a size that leaves some room around the contents for padding, but not so much that things can slide around inside.
Pack and seal it properly
- Wrap fragile items individually, so that they cannot knock against each other.
- Fill every empty space with padding such as bubble wrap, crumpled paper or air pillows.
- Close the box and shake it gently. If you can feel anything move, add more padding.
Seal all the seams with strong packing tape, not only the join across the middle of the top. Tape the bottom of the box the same way, because that is where the weight of the contents presses.
Weigh and measure, then label
The price depends on the weight of the parcel, and for some services on its size as well. So weigh and measure the parcel after it is packed, with the padding and tape included, and enter those figures when you book. That way the price you see when you press Get prices matches the parcel you are actually sending.
After you have paid, we book the collection with our courier partner. Once it is booked, a Download label button appears on your order page. Print the label and stick it flat on the largest side of the box, where it is easy to see and scan. Try not to fold it over an edge or across a seam.
What you must never send
Some things cannot go in a parcel at all:
- 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. Check before you send anything with a battery inside, including phones, laptops, power banks and electronic toys.
Some destinations restrict more, for example food, medicines or cosmetics. What is fine to send to one country may be refused by another.
If you are unsure about anything, contact us before you book. It is much easier to check first than to have a parcel held up or sent back.