How to pack

Given the nature of courier services, which are based on road haulage (domestically or internationally, depending on the route, or the need to protect shipments for delivery by couriers, please remember that it is vital for your parcel to be properly protected for its journey.

While on its way to its destination, your parcel, whether a standard one or an oversized one, will normally be moved from one vehicle to another twice or three times.

  • Parcels are sorted mechanically. At sorting facilities, there are usually carried by conveyor belts, which are machines, not humans. Therefore, no guarantee can be given that your parcel will placed vertically at all times.
  • In the vehicle, parcels are placed one on top of another, with heavy parcels placed close to the floor. For this reason, the cardboard box used to contain your items should be hard and sturdy. Please make sure that the box if filled up to prevent its damage under the weight of other, heavier parcels. If your parcel should not be placed on another, it means that that the packaging is not appropriate.

Please see below for a few useful tips. Follow them to pack your items quickly and properly to keep it protected at all times during its journey.

Things you should do

  • A suitable cardboard box should have a minimum of 3 layers (a thinner box can be damaged and will not protect your items).
  • The box should be sealed with a large amount of tape so that it is not possible to open it without leaving obvious traces.
  • For gluing, use only use packaging tapes and thick DUCT TAPE tapes.
  • You can also cover the entire box with stretch film (wrap) for added protection.
  • Avoid using a box that is too large or too small. If it is too small, it is more likely to break on the edges under the weight of its contents. A box that is too large may be damaged (crushed or even broken) under the weight of other parcels.
  • Do not place any small items loosely in the box, as they will move inside the box and may get damaged. If you have small items to ship, place them individually or in small groups into smaller boxes, all then place these boxes into a large one.
  • Use the filling material (described below) to make your parcel stiffer.
  • If are placing all your items in one box or, alternatively, in a few small boxes contained in a large one, if your boxes are not joined correctly, they may be separated during the journey, leading to late delivery.

Things you shouldn’t do

  • Please do not use boxes used for packets of crisps or popcorn or disposable nappies, as such boxes are intended for light items of up to 2-3 kg, and should not be used as the packaging for courier parcels.
  • Do not use painter’s tape or electrical insulating tape to pack your boxes.
  • Please do not use paper for wrapping boxes, as the address label glued onto the box may, if piece of the paper is detached, get lost easily, making the delivery of the parcel far more difficult.
  • For the same reason, do not use food-grade plastic wrap.
  • Do not ship half-empty boxes, as the boxes and/or their contents may be damaged.
  • Do not place any liquids in your box, as we liquids are among the items we do not carry. A leak may damage other parcels, which is something we need to prevent.
  • Do not place any glass items in either standard or oversized parcels. Glass items are also among the items we do not carry. A box containing glass may be crushed by other, heavier parcels, particularly if we do not know what is inside your box.
  • Joining boxes: if boxes are joined incorrectly, they may be separated, causing late delivery. In some situations, a part that gets loose may be lost.

Cardboard boxes

The basic protective packaging is an ordinary cardboard box, which you can use to pack most items easily (but not all items, of course! Different packing rules apply to non-standard parcels). You do not need a new box, but make sure that the one you are using is not damaged, worn through or torn partly, particular close to the lid.

Please remember that smaller boxes should not be joined to form a single package because, improperly joined, can be disconnected and, at the same time lost with little chance of being found.

Do not use overload your box, i.e. the contents of the box should not be heavier that the maximum load specified by the manufacturer (such information should be printed on the box). If there is a label on your box, e.g. a barcode label, consider removing it or covering it with paint to help automatic scanners used by courier and transport companies to identify your parcel.

Use double packing (i.e. a smaller box placed in a larger one) if the contents of your parcel are fragile. In such cases, it is essential to use some additional filling material that will absorb shocks. Make sure that this material fills the inside of the box tightly so that the items in the box cannot move.

Tape

A special thick and wide tape is the best type of tape for packing. The standard adhesive tape used by office clerks or painter’s tape are hardly ever a good idea, as they can do more harm than good. Your items will be safe only if they are placed in a box or wrapped correctly and securely. It is best to use self-adhesive tape or self-adhesive nylon tape; the latter is more stronger.
Remember to use adhesive tape not only on the top lids of the box, but also on the bottom ones, to prevent them from opening accidently. Although most boxes come with glued lids, it is something insufficient, particularly in the case of heavy parcels.

Filling material

If you are shipping a parcel that contains fragile and/or valuable items, you are advised to use special filling material that will absorb shocks to protect the contents of the parcel. This will help protect your parcel better it is hit by something, falls down or turns to its side. The use of shock-absorbing filling material is also often a prerequisite for acceptance a package for delivery by many courier and shipping companies. What filling materials can be used?

  1. Flo-pak loose fill, which is a square piece of polystyrene foam, which is usually used to surround and secure heavy items. You can also use what is known as ‘chips’, which are useful for securing light items. However, the small size of these chips means that it is very easy for them to get stuck inside the items they surround. Flo-pak filling material is not used for electronics, because it produces static electricity (as a result of one piece of the foam getting rubbed against another), which may damage electronic circuits.
  2. Skro-pak is a type of flo-pak filling material, but it is not 100% biodegradable. It is also fully anti-static and, therefore, can be used to protect electronics. Skro-pak is free form toxic compounds and is water soluble, which is why it should not be exposed to precipitation (rain or snow).
  3. Air cushions: these are practically the cheapest protective material and the best choice for small items. However, it is useless if your parcel contains any short-pointed objects. They are not very common and they are used mostly to protect porcelain and glass items other without sharp edges.
  4. Newspapers / packing paper: these are useful only to wrap parcels and protect them from, for example, dust. They are, however, no good in terms of absorbing shocks. Pieces of newspapers or packing paper in a box will not protect the contents of the box against serious damage and should only be used as an addition to other protective materials.
  5. Polystyrene foam packaging materials are used mostly by manufacturers of electronics and household appliances. They are custom shaped for laptops, monitors, washing machines etc. They offer the best protection. No matter which type of filling material you choose, please make sure that no items inside the box touches any of the sides of box or any other item directly. The contents of the box should be secured in place so that they do not move inside.

Packing individual items

Your parcel may contain a few individual items. If this is so, remember to pack each of them separately. You can use the following methods:

  • a) bubble wrap: use this to wrap the item and secure it with adhesive tape. This is what we recommend;
  • b) fabric: wrap the item and secure it with adhesive tape. A piece of fabric, however, will be heavier than a piece of bubble wrap, adding to the weight of your parcel and, as a result, the cost of the service;
  • c) cardboard: use cardboard pieces mostly if you are packing large items (a bicycle, a nightlight etc.) to protect your items from scratches.

You are advised to protect each item with an 5-cm layer of protective material as a minimum.

Other shipments

For non-standard (oversized) parcels, (cardboard) boxes are also the most common choice. However, the boxes for such parcels are larger. Ask at your local DIY store for some.

A. Bicycles

The best way to protect your bicycle is to place it in special, large cardboard boxes. You might ask your local bicycle dealer for help. As you do with standard boxes, remember to check the condition of the lids, and remove all labels and stickers. See below for some practical tips.

The No.1 rule to follow when packing a bicycle is to make sure that the box contains only the bicycle. Your bike can be damaged by the weight of other items in the same box!

  • a) Remove all dirt, dust and mud from the bicycle. This will make it look nice and easier to dismantle it.
  • b) Prepare the box you want to use. Even if the bottom lid looks well protected, make it stronger with some adhesive tape to prevent an accident.
  • c) Remove the pedals first and adjust the saddle to the lowest position. If the bicycle has a bell, a speedometer or lights, remove them, protect them properly and place them in the same box. Pack all other parts (the pedals, wheels etc.) in the same way.
  • d) Place the handlebars along the frame to reduce the amount of space needed for the bicycle inside the box. If the bicycle is still too large for the box, remove the wheels, but remember to release the brakes cables first.
  • e) Once you remove the wheels, use some fabric or bubble wrap and adhesive tape to protect the bicycle, including the sprocket wheels. In the same way, secure the frame and the handlebars. You can add some cardboard to protect the bicycle against scratches. It is also important to protect the chain, preferably with the use of some plastic wrap, which always offers good protection.
  • f) Place the removed parts of the bicycle, together with the frame, into a box and make sure that all the parts inside the box are secured in place. You can use some adhesive tape to join the different parts or use some anti-shock material to fill in the empty spaces in the box.
  • g) Now close the box and seal with adhesive tape, making sure that both lids are secured in place. If you see any bulging of the box, use some more tape.

Remember that the cost of delivering a bicycle is EUR 50.00, provided that it is placed in one box. If you ship it into more than one box, additional charges may apply.

B. Televisions, monitors, computers and laptops

Another category of items that require special care is electronics, including televisions, monitors, computers and laptops. For all these objects, the best method of protection is the original packaging with shock-absorbing polystyrene materials. You can also place the original box into another box for added protection. Label it with the words “Ostrożnie! Szkło!” (Polish) and “Caution! Fragile!” (English).

Things are a little more complicated if you are shipping a computer or a laptop. Before you pack your desktop computer, remove the hard disk and wrap it with anti-static wrapping material and protect it with bubble wrap. Now you can place it inside the box, together with the computer.
You are also advised to make a back-up of the disk. As with televisions and monitors, make sure that the box is labelled with warning phrases in Polish and English.

Please note that we will not collect any equipment that is not placed in its original packaging. No insurance is provided for such shipments.

C. Glass and porcelain

Parcels that contain fragile items, such as glass and/or porcelain, are special shipments. Many transport companies refuse to carry such shipments and those that do accept them for delivery will normally accept no liability for any loss or damage and require that the shipment is properly protected. Follow these rules to protect your glass / porcelain items:

  • a) It is essential to use a type of packaging that is large enough for the items. The packaging must not be damaged or too delicate if it is to protect your items from mechanical damage. Always check the maximum weight load of the packaging you want to use.
  • b) Make sure to use shock-absorbing materials suitable for the contents of your shipment, and pack each item separately using bubble wrap or fabric. Never use any newspapers, cardboard or packing paper. Place the wrapped items into a box with shock-absorbing materials (polystyrene foam, sponges, fabric etc.) for added protection.
  • c) Make sure that each item is separated from any other with some filling material. Remember to use such material between the item and the sides of the box as well. Do not leave any empty spaces inside the box to prevent the contents from moving.
  • d) Remember, too, to label your parcel with warning phrases, such as “Fragile! Glass!”. You can use special film with such phrases printed on it. It is also important to mark the top and bottom of the parcel.

D. Lamps

The rules for packing lamps are not the same as the rules for packing glass or porcelain, but you should take as much care. To begin with, prepare a box of the right size and rigidity

  1. Place an additional strip of adhesive tape on the bottom of the box for extra protection.
  2. Remove the lampshade and the bulb, and wind the cord round the lamp.
  3. If possible, remove all large parts of the lamp to save some space inside the box.
  4. Tie all the parts together into a bundle, particular if you are packing a multi-arm lamp so that they are secured in placed throughout the journey.
  5. Use bubble wrap or other shock-absorbing material as the main packing method. Once you wrap the lamp, secure it with adhesive tape. Repeat this with each part of the lamp, e.g. the lampshade. Now place all these parts into a box.
  6. Use some shock-absorbing materials (polystyrene foam, sponges, pieces of fabric etc.) to fill in all the empty spaces in the box.
  7. Wrap the box with adhesive tape and label it with a warning phrase (“Fragile!”).

E. Prams

To avoid additional costs, it is better to pack your pram into a box. If you do so, you will not have to pay for an non-standard parcel and your shipment will be much safer. Please remember that the cost of delivering a non-standard parcel is significantly higher. Therefore, it is good spend some time and pack your pram into a box. The best idea is to use the original box that the pram was packed in when you bought it. Otherwise, follow the instructions below.

  1. Use only a quality, hard box with no damage. If you can get hold of a multi-layer cardboard box, do so! Secure the bottom of the box with adhesive tape to make it stronger.
  2. Check that the pram is clean; remove even small amounts of dry mud or sand.
  3. Dismantle the pram into as many parts as possible. Remove all toys, bags or nets (if any) and fold down the canopy. If removing the wheels can make it easier to pack the pram, do it!
  4. If you can separate the frame with wheels from the gondola (in the case of prams for babies), do so! You will find it easier to pack the pram and wrap it with plastic.
  5. Wrap it with use bubble wrap or cardboard for extra protection of your shipment against serious damage. Use the plastic wrap to protect not only the frame or the canopy, but also all the individual parts you have removed.
  6. When placing the pram into a box, make sure it is positioned centrally, with the wheels, canopy and any accessories around it. If there is any empty space left, fill it in with some shock-absorbing materials.

F. Travel bags and suitcases

We will carry bags, suitcases or rucksacks only if they are placed in cardboard boxes. If you ship your bag or suitcase other than in a box or without any packaging at all, we will carry it but at your sole risk.

Make sure to protect all cords, fasteners, grips and zips in your bag or rucksack. You can do it by wrapping the item with plastic (bubble wrap is not necessary, as a few layers of stretch wrap round the bag will do). On the exterior of the parcel, place a label with your address and the address of the recipient and make sure that the details are visible.

Never combine two or more bags, suitcases or rucksacks into a single shipment (by placing them one next to another and wrapping them with plastic or packing them into a single box). There is not only a risk of damage to such a shipment, but it may simply fall apart during the journey. If this happens, some parts of the parcel may get lost or there may be identification issues.

G. EUR-pallets

Some parcels can be shipped on pallets. If the dimensions of your parcel are 120 x 80 cm and not more than 180 cm in height, it can be classified as a pallet shipment. All items must be placed within the confines of the pallet. Otherwise, our driver may refuse to accept the shipment for delivery.
Please remember that it is your responsibility to load and unload the pallet. It is not the driver’s responsibility to do, unless your arranged otherwise with a member of our personnel. The pallet must be loaded using a fork-lift truck. Placing the items on the pallet inside the vehicle is not allowed.
The parcel should be well prepared for loading. If it turns out that your parcel is oversized, poorly packed or otherwise inconsistent with your description, you will have to pay an additional charge of EUR 25 for each full or partial hour of the vehicle waiting for the loading to be completed.

Address details on the parcel

If your parcel is be delivered to its recipient, it is necessary to label it with the recipient’s details. The label must show the following:

  • the recipient’s full address, including the postal code;
  • the recipient’s phone number;
  • the date of sending.

In addition, place a copy of the label into an envelope and put the envelope into the parcel. The information on the label must be legible, preferably printed.

Sender’s obligations

By placing your order with us, you are deemed to have read the Terms & Conditions of Transport Services. In particular, you warrant that your parcel is properly packed and labelled, and that meets the size requirements. You also state that the parcel contains no illicit or illegal items or items we do not carry, such as:

  • cigarettes
  • alcohol
  • narcotic drugs
  • anabolic steroid
  • liquids
  • weapons and ammunition (including historical weapons)
  • any chemical substances, including caustic substances
  • antiques, works of art, paintings
  • precious stones or noble metals

If we find that you have failed to comply with the terms and conditions, you will be fully liable, both legally and financially, for shipping any of the following items.