Protecting your parcels

At Orbital Express we understand that it’s vital that your package reaches its destination quickly and safely. While we do all we can to ensure that this happens every time, poor or inadequate packaging can result in damages.

Keep in mind that an efficient express delivery service often relies on automated equipment. Depending on its destination your parcel may be travelling on conveyors or packed onto pallets for transit, so robust packaging is essential.

One stop packaging shop

To avoid any potential problems and as part of our commitment to offering a world class delivery service we offer a free, comprehensive packaging advice shop.

One call and our expert advisors are on hand to offer help and advice on a range of packaging problems; from how to package fragile or delicate items safely to ensuring that your packages are labelled correctly and, if applicable, meet international legislation on content declaration.

Call 01924 439977 to talk to one of our advisors. Alternatively see our hints and tips for good packaging below.

Here are a few tips to ensure your packages reach their destination safely and quickly.

Do's and Don'ts

• Do check any prohibitions or restrictions on transporting goods especially for overseas deliveries
  
  
• Do use a strong outer container such as corrugated fibreboard with a good quality kraft outer liner
  
  
• Do put protective wrapping around each individual item
  
  
• Do use expanded polystyrene chips, polythene foam, bubble plastic or shredded paper to cushion fragile items during delivery
  
  
• Do seal cartons top and bottom with a ‘H’ seal using 38mm or 50mm wide plastic or reinforced carton sealing tape
  
  
• Do strap (with non-metallic strapping if possible) and tape large or heavy items, use an outer carton strong enough to withstand fully tensioned strapping
  
  
• Do include the sender's address on the outer carton/wrapper, as well as inside the parcel
  
  
• Do read and sign the declaration on the Orbital Express despatch pack regarding ‘prohibited and dangerous articles’
  
  
• Don’t send dangerous or prohibited goods as you may be liable to prosecution
  
  
• Don’t use substandard or damaged cartons
  
  
• Don’t allow contents to move within their packaging
  
  
• Don’t allow fragile items inside a package to touch each other
  
  
• Don’t use domestic adhesive tape
  
  
• Don’t use string around boxes (it can be used around other wrapping mechanisms)
  
  
• Don’t send consignments without the full address, postcode or zip code or telephone number of the addressee