Good shipping companies will help you pack your items to ensure safe delivery.
A shipping container is any package that contains objects during transport from one location to another. They range from very large steel containers to small brown cardboard boxes. Companies like the United States Postal Service, Federal Express and United Parcel Service specialize in sending smaller boxes, while international shipping companies like Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd and American Presidents Line tend to use larger containers for large items or large quantities. Items can be shipped on trucks, trains, airplanes or boats. Knowing properly ship your item can save you a lot of time, money and hassle.
Instructions
1. Select an appropriately-sized container. Most shipping companies offer a variety of boxes which can fit nearly any item, but if you have an oddly-shaped item, your shipping company can create a special box for an extra fee. Ask for free boxes from a local liquor or book store: they usually have extras that they are willing to give away. Extremely large or heavy items will need a special container. Contact your shipping company to determine the best way to ship these items.
2. Pack the item securely in the container. Use bubble wrap, newspaper or recycled packing materials to keep the item from jostling and being damaged. Avoid styrofoam packing materials, as these are very harmful for the environment. Shipping companies will help you pack your item if you do not have the appropriate packing materials. Large items should be entirely bubble-wrapped and all loose pieces should be secured. The shipping company will take care of securing it in the container when they pick it up.
3. Tape small boxes securely closed. Fold the two smaller flaps in first, then fold the two larger flaps over them. Do not fold the flaps such that each one is half-over half-under another, as this weakens the box and is more likely to pop open. Use sturdy, wide masking tape, either clear or brown.
4. Write the address of the recipient in the middle of the top of the box and write your address on the upper left hand corner. Some shipping companies require that you use their labels to affix the addresses. Fill out these labels at the shipping company or print them from the company's website and tape them to the package. Items traveling in large containers with other people's items should be appropriately marked with your name and contact information.
5. Take your item to the shipping company or request that the company pick it up from you if it offers that service. Pay the appropriate amount, which is generally based on weight. Purchase insurance on the item if it is valued at greater than $100 or if it is breakable. Insured items are handled much more gently.
6. Track your item on the shipping company's website with the tracking number the company provides. Contact the shipping company if you do not receive your package on time. Make sure that someone is home to receive the package or that the shipping company can leave the package in a secure area.
