This page contains general packaging guidelines illustrate the minimum recommended steps to adequately protect package contents. Depending on package contents, additional steps may be necessary to ensure that packages are securely packed
Package insufficiently sealed or closure failed
Specific claim denials that occur as a result of insufficient seal or closure are:
- The package closure was not sufficient and failed, allowing merchandise to fall out.
- The package was not sufficiently closed or sealed.
How to securely seal packages
Apply three strips of tape to both the top and bottom of the box so the middle and two edge seams are sealed.
Use a strong tape, such as:
- Pressure-sensitive plastic tape that is at least 2 inches (5.08cm) wide
- Nylon-reinforced filament tape that is at least 2 inches (5.08cm) wide
- Water-activated reinforced tape that is at least 3 inches (7.62cm) wide
Do not use masking tape, cellophane tape, duct tape, water-activated paper tapes, string, or wrap the box in paper because it will not provide a strong enough seal.
Insufficient packaging, cushioning, or protection
Specific claim denials that occur as a result of insufficient packaging, cushioning, or protection are:
- The merchandise was not properly placed within the packaging to sufficiently protect it.
- The merchandise was not sufficiently cushioned.
- The packaging was not sufficient to protect the merchandise.
How to properly cushion contents
Each item within the package should be wrapped separately with a sufficient amount of cushioning material. Each item should be surrounded by at least 2 inches (5.08cm) of cushioning and placed a minimum of 2 inches (5.08cm) away from the box walls. This prevents product-against-product damage and protects the contents from shock and vibration, which can pass from the outside of the box to the contents. Fragile items such as electronics, glass, ceramics, and artwork need separation from each other and from the corners, sides, top, and bottom of the box. These packages may require additional cushioning or a double (over) box.
Insufficient weight support
Specific claim denials that occur as the result of insufficient weight support are:
- The single-wall (or double-wall) box was not sufficient to support the product's weight.
How to determine if the box is strong enough to support the weight of the contents
We recommend choosing a box strength that is suitable for its contents. Never exceed the maximum gross weight limit for the box, which is printed on the Box Maker's Certificate on the bottom flap of most boxes.
The product's packaging closure failed, causing leakage
How to securely seal contents at risk of leakage
Make certain that caps or covers are secure to help ensure they do not loosen during transit and result in a leak. It is recommended that you add a heat induction foil seal to help prevent leakage.
When shipping liquids in a sealed bottle, it's important to apply closures with the correct application torque to ensure that the liner compresses and forms a strong seal. Proper application torque will also help prevent the closures from unravelling during vibration. Liquids in plastic bottles need to be separated from each other inside the corrugated shipping container. It is recommended that a corrugated divider be used to create cells for each bottle.
Damage to the external case due to no protective covering
How to ship cases using a protective covering
Some contents come with their own containers or cases. These may not be durable enough to protect contents during shipment. As well, the exterior of these cases might not be adhesive resistant, causing labels to unravel while in transit. To minimize these items being placed in the Courier Overgoods division, we recommend that you place cases into a corrugated shipping container.
The package lacked edge protection to prevent it from bending
How to protect package edges to prevent them from bending
Consider increasing the strength of the box or using angle-board (V-board) to increase the beam strength of the package. Either option will help prevent corners and edges from bending.
Damage or loss of property and goods in the course of an examination or investigation with Customs
Neither Spaceship or Carrier is eligible for the claim with customs.
If you would like to make a claim for property damage or loss, , you must file a claim or complaint against the Customs.