Selecting the perfect packaging for your goods can reduce shipping costs and save time. Also, proper packaging protects your goods while in transit and can prevent theft. Discover packaging strategies for small businesses that want to ship products.
1. Select the Correct Package Size
A package with the right size for the items doesn’t have unnecessary space. Also, most shipping companies factor in the size of the package when calculating the shipping cost. You probably don’t want to spend money on air and empty space.
Test different sizes of boxes to identify one that fits your goods. Once you identify the correct box, always use it to transport that item.
If you are still in doubt, do the shake test. After the items are securely in the bags, barrels, or boxes, give the package a solid shake. If you hear items moving inside the package, you have left unnecessary space and have to add more items. On the other hand, if you don’t hear any movement, the items are properly packed and ready for shipping.
2. Fill the Box With Cushioning Material
While your packages shouldn’t have unnecessary space, the package should have a cushioning material that is a few inches thick to protect the items. The cushioning material can be paper, bubble wrap, Styrofoam, or packaging peanuts. If you need to transport electronic items, include anti-static materials in the package before adding the cushioning materials.
3. Tape the Seams
After you fill the box, add packaging tape at the seams to prevent the parcel from someone inadvertently opening it. The duct or packaging tape is sticky and strong enough to seal the boxes throughout the shipping process. While you can tape the other sections of the box, always keep the top lid open and only apply the tape at the very end. Such a strategy is helpful in case you have to remove or add items to the box before shipping.
4. Pair Similar Products
If similar goods are in the same package, the chances of damage are lower. This is particularly important if you need to transport fragile items. The increased safety is because similar products have consistent weights, sizes, and shapes. Therefore, you can easily arrange the items during packaging.
5. Consider Corrugated Boxes
Corrugated boxes are stronger and provide extra security and protection for your products. The extra security reduces the risk of product damage while in transit. Corrugated boxes also optimize carrier space since you can stack multiple boxes on top of each other. This saves space and money during transportation and eventual storage.
6. Minimize Dimensional Pricing Weight
Major shipping companies now use dimensional pricing when determining shipping costs. Dimensional pricing is based on the package’s volume, size of the package, and actual weight. This pricing is meant to discourage overpackaging boxes and reduce shipment density during transportation. You can reduce the dimensional pricing by using small boxes and padded envelopes.
7. Use the Correct Material
Shipping boxes are more than just for protecting your products while in transit. The material you select determines the customers’ first impression of your products.
Cardboard is the most popular material for shipping boxes and envelopes. If you choose cardboard, ensure it’s of the best quality and type for your specific products. For example, lighter products can go into single-wall cardboard boxes, while heavier shipments require double-wall cardboard boxes.
Also, some materials may increase your carbon footprint and lead to environmental degradation. Therefore, select recyclable or reusable materials for your shipping packages.
Once you have settled on the packaging material, the next step is to choose a shipment company. JB Shipments has a database of more than 6,500 accredited and verified motor carriers. Contact us to learn about the best shipment deals for your company.