This section specifies the guidelines that you must follow to carry out to sufficiently package your item and shipment. Remember that you need to follow this Packaging Guide.

The preparation of the packaging is essential to provide adequate protection to the item during the transport and distribution process. The packaging must protect the products from shocks, falls and vibrations, so it must act as a shock absorber.

These indications can be useful for all types of shipments, but pay attention to the type of item you are sending, as there are some specifications.

You MUST follow These 4 Simple Guidelines

• Find a sturdy cardboard box that is suitable for stacking during shipping.
• It uses shock-absorbing material according to the weight, dimension and type of item.
• Wrap the items individually with a shock-absorbing element appropriate to the type of item.
• Pay special attention to protecting the corners and sides. Items must be separated from each other (on the sides and corners), with sufficient filler material appropriate for the type of item being shipped.

1. External packaging.
2. Internal packaging.
3. Closing and sealing.
4. Documentation.
5. Item type.

External Packaging

• Choose a new corrugated cardboard box. Make sure the cardboard is robust and durable. Cardboard, paper, plastic and padded envelopes do not have shock-absorbing properties.
• Select the size of the box based on the size and weight of the item. Always use filler materials for empty spaces to prevent possible damage.
• Handling instructions (handle with care, this side up, fragile, do not fold/bend, do not stack, etc.). They do not guarantee any special treatment. The item is handled by automatic machines and must withstand a free fall of at least 1.50 m.
• Pallet. It is to be used only for shipping bulky and/or heavy goods.

Internal Packaging

The internal packaging protects the item during the sorting process. Good internal packaging should protect the product from shocks, vibrations and act as a shock absorber. Check the specific protective measures according to the type of item.

The internal protective materials required are divided into 3 main categories: shock absorbers, fillers and separators.

COMPLIANT SHOCK ABSORBER:

• Moldable foam.
• Inflatable packaging (Airbags).
• Expanded polyethylene- corners and profiles (aka EPE foam).

NON-COMPLIANT SHOCK ABSORBER:

• Corrugated fibreboard (aka cardboard)
• Newspaper.
• Clothes, blankets, quilts or similar fabric materials.

FILLER:

• Polyethylene foam.
• Moldable foam.
• Injectable foam.
• Foam rubber.
• Inflatable packaging (Airplus cushions).
• Foam chips or shavings

SEPARATOR:

• Moldable foam.
• Injectable foam.
• Sheets of expanded polyethylene.
• Bubble wrap.
• Thermoplastic polystyrene.
• Modular Packaging / Matryoshka (Russian doll) / Box-in-Box.  

Moldable foam - SHOCK ABSORBER, FILLER & SEPARATOR

Suitable for any kind of product; reinforces corners and protects edges. Highly recommended.

Inflatable packaging (Airbags) - SHOCK ABSORBER

It uses air pressure to protect products from outside temperatures and absorb shocks when transporting fragile goods. Not to be confused with Airplus Cushions.

Expanded polyethylene- corner and profiles - SHOCK ABSORBER

Protects the corners from possible impacts.

Injectable foam (EPS) - FILLER & SEPARATOR

It adapts to the shape of the item and fills the empty spaces of the box, immobilising the item and protecting it from vibrations. Does not act as shock absorber in the case of a fall.

Compression-resistant polyethylene foam (PE) thickness >10 cm - FILLER & SEPARATOR

Lightweight and compression resistant material with shockproof capacity. Does not act as shock absorber in the case of a fall.

Inflatable packaging (Airplus cushions) - FILLER

To immobilise lightweight objects and fill empty spaces in the box. Does not act as shock absorber in the case of a fall.

Foam rubber - FILLER

Medium density sponge material with shockproof capacity. Does not act as shock absorber in the case of a fall.

Foam chips or shavings - FILLER

They are filler materials that prevent scratches. They do not have shock-absorbing properties, therefore they do not act as a shock absorber in the case of a fall.

Sheets of expanded polyethylene, thickness <10cm - SEPARATOR

Surface protector that prevents scratches.

Bubble wrap - SEPARATOR

Encapsulated air provides good protection for lightweight, non-fragile items. This material is flexible and allows you to wrap items of virtually any shape or size. Large encapsulated-air plastic (bubble) sheeting is highly recommended for higher shock absorption performance.

Thermoplastic polystyrene - SEPARATOR

Suitable for separating items from each other and from the edges of the box, preventing contact and possible scratches.

Modular Packaging/Matryoshka (Russian doll)/ Box-in-Box - SEPARATOR

Boxes of different sizes that can be inserted one inside the other to protect from scratches and impact. This type of packaging also enables the item to be immobilised and offers additional protection from vibrations and shocks.

Honeycomb cardboard (Flexi-Hex Sleeves) - SEPARATOR

It is used to separate light and non-fragile objects. This packaging material protects from scratches, but not from impact. It does not have shock-absorbing properties.

Corrugated fibreboard (aka cardboard) - NON-COMPLIANT SEPARATOR

Two or more layers of plain corrugated cardboard used as a separator do not guarantee sufficient protection between the item and the box. This material does NOT comply with our Packaging Guide.

Newspaper, clothes, blankets, quilts or similar fabric materials - NON-COMPLIANT SEPARATOR

These materials are not proper protective packaging. These materials do NOT comply with our Packaging Guide.

Closing and sealing

• Seal your parcel in the shape of a "H": draw the letter "H" with good quality and resilient adhesive tape, closing all the openings of the packaging, both at the bottom and at the top.
• Use good quality, strong adhesive tape: it should be at least 50mm wide and applied to both the top and bottom of the box.
• Protect corners: protect your parcel using impact-resistant expanded polyethylene, they distribute pressure evenly, preventing damage to the box.

Documentation

• Transport label: we recommend using adhesive labels. The label must be visibly located on the exterior of the box. It certifies that the postage of the parcel has been paid through Packlink and the recipient will not have to bear the cost of postage.
• Customs documentation: we recommend using a self-sealing adhesive plastic sleeve where the envelope with the shipping documents is affixed. It must be visibly located on the exterior of the box. For all shipments to or from non-European Union (EU) countries, you need to include customs documentation.

Item type

Correct packaging must be accordingly selected depending on the type of item being sent. Please see the list of items below:

• Fragile goods
• Glass bottles
• Aluminum Cans
• Frames
• Showcases
• Electronics
• Pallets
• Documents
• Vinyls CD
• Books
• Sports Articles
• Bikes
• Toys
• Spare parts, Wheels, Pneumatics
• Musical instruments 

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Glass bottles

It is recommended that bottles are shipped in adequate packaging that is approved by the carrier since they require packaging that allows them to be fixated inside the package without coming into contact with each other and causing damage:

1. Always verify that the bottles are in good condition, and make sure that the cork/plug is properly sealed.
2. It is recommended that bottles are wrapped in absorbing and/or waterproof material.
3. Introduce the bottles into the box using separaters, anchor points, sealed in polyethylene air chambers or polystyrene tubes.
4. The use of bubble wrap, styrofoam and/or newspaper will be considered inadequate for shipping.
5. It is recommended not to ship bottles along with other goods (clothing, books, etc.).

Materials to use

Foam

Polystyrene

Modular packaging

Materials to avoid

Bubble wrap

 

Aluminum Cans

With Packlink, you can send aluminum containers with a maximum of 5 liters. It is recommended not to ship more than 10 liters per parcel since, due to the fragility of the shipment, it's best to avoid heavier parcels and, therefore, harder to transport.

1. Always verify the condition of the containers and make sure that there aren't any defects and the cork/plug is properly sealed.
2. Use polystyrene sheets as a cushion and to fill any gaps.
3. Remember that the containers should not come into contact with each other
4. It is recommended not to ship containers (cans) along with other goods (clothing, books, etc.).

Materials to use

Foam

Polystyrene

Modular packaging 

Materials to avoid

Bubble wrap

 

Fragile goods

You can ship fragile goods if you are extra careful about the packaging. Since the parcel will travel through conveyor belts at different warehouses, they should be prepared to handle shocks and vibrations.

1. When shipping fragile goods, it is strongly recommended to always use double corrugated cardboard boxes to protect the goods from impact and ensure the box maintains its rigidness even when stacked on other parcels.
2. Include stuffing on the top, bottom, and sides of the fragile item, with a thickness of at least 5 centimeters to avoid movements inside the parcel.
3. Always use foam pads on the top and bottom of the item, and ensure it adjusts perfectly to the shape of the item, so it is protected during transportation.

Materials to use

Foam

Polystyrene

Inflatable packaging 

Materials to avoid

Bubble wrap

Packing paper

 

Frames

If the picture is protected by glass, hold it with packing tape forming an "X" shape to sustain the glass in case of breakage.

1. Wrap the whole item with two layers of bubble wrap. It's important that protection is abundant to absorb possible impact.
2. Use pieces of polystyrene to protect the corners from possible shocks
3. If you ship several paintings, use modular packaging that is made of double corrugated cardboard, with internal padding.

Materials to use

Bubble wrap

Modular packaging

Materials to avoid

Thin cardboard

 

Showcases

It is recommended that showcases are protected using a cardboard or plywood container.

1. Use at least 5 centimeters of polystyrene as cushioning on all sides of the container.
2. Use polystyrene shavings and/or air shock absorbers to fill the gaps and immobilise the goods inside the container.

Materials to use

Pallet

Molded foam

Angular corner protectors

Materials to avoid

Bubble wrap

Thin cardboard

 

Electronics

If you have the manufacturer's original packaging, we recommend you use it, introducing it inside an additional box with additional protective material.

1. The original package is usually used for a single shipment, keep in mind that re-using the packaging may offer lesser protection to the goods.
2. To avoid damage during shipping, it is strongly recommended to protect your item using this kind of "foam pads".
3. Make sure the goods are not in direct contact with the edges of the box, with a minimum of 5 centimeters on each side. The vibration and shocks experienced during transit may cause damage to the articles.
4. Avoid the use of polystyrene that may conduct static electricity and damage electronic devices.

Materials to use

Foam

Molded foam

Materials to avoid

Polystyrene

 

Pallets

The services offered by Packlink are not specialised in relocations or furniture transportation. However, for your shipment to successfully arrive, please follow the next steps:

1. Use a flat platform as surface, this way it will be easier to move the package, from collection to delivery.
2. Use expansive polystyrene to protect the edges and corners.
3. Cover the furniture with foam and/or cushions.
4. It is strongly recommended that furniture be placed inside a firm package, with a plywood structure. Use at least 5 centimeters as a cushion base and fill any empty space with shock absorbers.
5. Wrap the packages on the pallet with elastic tape to prevent movement and make sure they don't stick out on any side.

Materials to use

Angular corner protectors

Pallet

Materials to avoid

Packing paper

 

Documents, folders, pamphlets.

To ship documents, maps, cards, drawings, etc., it is recommended to:

1. Wrap the item with a transparent bag to protect it from humidity.
2. Use perforated cardboard protection, with adhesive sealing or a triangular tube that can hold and protect larger documents while rolled, instead of folded.

Materials to use

Modular packaging

Materials to avoid

Bubble wrap

Packing paper

 

CD's or Vinyls

To ship CD's or vinyls, it is recommended to:

1. Wrap the article with perforated cardboard with adhesive sealing.
2. For external packaging, a double-corrugated cardboard box is recommended, filling the gaps on all four sides with polystyrene foam sheets of at least 5 centimeters, to serve as protection during transportation.
3. It is recommended that each article is wrapped individually and separately.

Materials to use

Modular packaging

Materials to avoid

bubble wrap

Packing paper

 

Books

Wrap the article with perforated cardboard with adhesive sealing.

1. For external packaging, use a double-corrugated cardboard box, using polystyrene sheets with a width of at least 5 centimeters to serve as protection during transportation.
2. It is recommended that each article is wrapped individually and separately.

Materials to use

Modular packaging

Materials to avoid

Bubble wrap

Plain envelope

 

Sports articles

Wrap each item individually with bubble wrap sheets to provide sufficient protection to surfaces against possible scratching.

1. Be especially careful with the protection of corners and edges.
2. It is strongly recommended that articles are separated from each other and not be in contact with each other.
3. Each item should be wrapped in at least 5 centimeters of bubble wrap and be at least 5 centimeters away from each other. This will help prevent possible damage due to a collision between items, as well as protect them from shocks and vibrations during transit.
4. Use enough bubble wrap sheets to ensure that the contents are sturdy. You should verify it beforehand by gently shaking the parcel.

Materials to use

Bubble wrap

Angular corner protectors

Foam

Materials to avoid

Packing paper

 

Bikes

To correctly ship your bicycle, the pedals, wheels, saddle, and handlebar need to be removed and packaged separately.

1. Wrap each part individually. Use bubble wrap to ensure they are correctly and fully secured
2. Use a cardboard box, preferably a double-corrugated one, and fill all sides with polystyrene to protect the goods during transportation.
3. Make sure the ends do not touch each other and that there aren't any empty gaps.

Materials to use

bubble wrap

Modular corner protectors

Espuma

Materials to avoid

Packing paper

 

Toys

Wrap each item individually with bubble wrap sheets to provide sufficient protection to surfaces proper protection against possible scratching. Aside from being a good padding material, it can also be used to wrap almost any kind of item regardless of its shape or size.

1. Be especially careful with the protection of corners and edges.
2. The articles need to be separated from each other.
3. It is strongly recommended that each item is wrapped in at least 5 centimeters of bubble wrap and be at least 5 centimeters away from each other. This will help prevent possible damage due to a collision between items, as well as protect them from shocks and vibrations during transit.
4. Use enough bubble wrap sheets to ensure that the contents do not move. You should verify it beforehand by gently shaking the parcel.

Materials to use

Bubble wrap

Angular corner protectors

Foam

Materials to avoid

Plain envelope

 

Spare parts, wheels, and pneumatics.

Wrap each item individually with bubble wrap sheets to provide sufficient protection to surfaces against possible scratching.

1. Be especially careful with the protection of corners and edges.
2. It is strongly recommended that articles are separated from each other, as well as the corners, sides, top, and bottom of the container.
3. Each article should be wrapped with at least 5 centimeters of foam or bubble wrap in the sides of the parcel.
4. Use enough sheets and/or protection to ensure that the content does not move during transit.
5. For the shipment of doors, bumpers, car fenders, etc., it is necessary to use rigid and non-deformable packaging that offers sufficient protection to the items and ensure their fixation within the parcel.
6. To ship spare parts, you need to first confirm with the carrier that these kinds of goods are permitted.

Materials to use

Bubble wrap

Angular corner protectors

Foam

Materials to avoid

Packing paper

 

Musical instruments 

Paying extra care in the preparation of shipping a musical instrument is very important. Musical instruments are expensive and delicate, it is crucial to dedicate some time to read our instructions carefully when packing any type of musical instruments for shipping.

1. Start by placing your musical instrument in its original case or a proper size box. Cushion it properly until it is firm and rigid. 
2. If you are shipping a violin, a viola, a guitar, a mandolin make sure your musical instrument is safe for transit. Wrap the tailpiece with foam wrap and secure it. Protect the bridge by using two foam blocks. Cover the scroll with bubble wrap and secure with tape. Wrap the item including the scroll with bubble-wrap. Fill any extra space with additional packing material to ensure pieces are unable to move.
3. To send percussion instruments safely, make sure that they are appropriately protected with bubble wrap, immobile in the box, and sealed carefully. Remove the drum hoops and heads. Wrap the bass drum hoops with bubble-wrap and slide them into the shell. The box needs to have a layer of bubble wrap and additional cardboard on the bottom and sides.  Pack the snare drum, the cymbals separately and smaller hardware separately by each other. Fill any extra space with cushioning: to ensure nothing can move around during transport.
4. Packing and shipping a harmonica, flute, clarinet, or oboe is not tricky, but you also need to prepare such musical instruments properly. Make sure that the item is immovable by putting plenty of packaging materials and tightly sealing the box.

Materials to use

Bubble wrap

Angular corner protectors

Foam

Polystyrene

Inflatable packaging

Materials to avoid

Packing paper