A lost package isn’t the end of the world. But it’s awfully inconvenient, and if it’s part of a pattern of similar outcomes it may be rather a serious problem.
So what can you do to make sure you’re giving every item you ship the best possible chance of reaching its destination? Let’s put it this way: Loss prevention starts all the way upstream. Let’s take a closer look.
The box
Choose a box with enough room for cushioning material around whatever you’re putting into it. Sturdy paperboard or corrugated fiberboard boxes are best for packages weighing up to 10 pounds. If you’re reusing a box, you’ll want to completely remove whatever labels and markings had been affixed to it previously. If they won’t come off, strike them out with a heavy black marker.
Where to find boxes
You can purchase boxes and tubes of various sizes at most post offices. Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail boxes are available free at the post office for items sent using either of these services.
While you’re not required to use the free packaging these services provide, you must use the address label provided by the post office for Priority Mail Express. To order Priority Mail Express or Priority Mail boxes at no extra charge, call 1·800·222·1811 or visit www.usps.com/store.
Cushioning
We’ll repeat this–because it bears repeating: Nest all items snugly amid cushioned materials. Try using these, for example:
- Newspaper
- Foam peanuts
- Shredded paper
Wrap them around the item you’re shipping and close it up in the box. Then shake it around a bit to make sure the item is properly cushioned. If you hear it shifting, clanking, jangling or scraping, add more cushioning until the noise stops. A silent package is a safe package.
Mailing heavy items
Start with a sturdy box, then pack contents securely with a strong material that will brace the item and prevent shifting (see above); tape edges together with reinforced tape. Note: Packages heavier than 70 pounds cannot be mailed; they must be handled by a third-party courier service.
Sealing
Tape boxes shut with reinforced two-inch-wide tape. Use clear or brown packing tape or paper tape. Do not use cord, string, twine, masking or cellophane tape or glue. Then place a strip of clear packing tape over your label to prevent the address from smearing or otherwise becoming illegible.
Delivery address
Follow these steps when labeling your package:
- Do not use commas or periods
- Make sure you’re using correct abbreviations (e.g., MO is Missouri, not Montana)
- Make sure the shipping label is securely attached with high quality adhesive labels
- Protect both the delivery address and the return address from water damage and smearing by using clear packaging tape
(Source: http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm100/preparing-packages.htm)
International considerations
To minimize delays and problems when shipping internationally, make sure the item you’re shipping is allowable through customs in the destination country.
Prohibited items
Go to http://pe.usps.com/text/imm/immctry.htm and select the destination country for specific prohibitions.
Prohibited recipients
Mailers may not send items to certain countries or to a “blocked person.” Blocked persons include individuals and entities (regardless of the mailing destination) that are listed on the OFAC Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list available online at https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/SDN-List/Pages/default.aspx.
