FAQ | Prepare my parcel

It is not every time simple to get the weight of an article, the weight of a package, particularly when you do not have any scales. So here are some tips and suggestions to determine the weight of the objects you are sending: It is helpful to remember that most transporters base their prices on tranches of weight of 500 g.

We constantly recommend bring in the weight of your package to the nearest kilo. Another suggestion for articles of more than a kilo; if you have normal scales, weigh yourself carrying the article in your hands, then weigh yourself without the article - the difference will be the weight of the parcel.

It is very important not to underestimate the weight of your parcel, as if it is minimized, there is a risk of the carrier refusing the parcel, or its delivery being blocked. An additional payment may be claimed from the receiver. We recommend you to always round up the weight of your shipment to the next price threshold, and add about 15% to cover the packaging. Be accurate to measure the dimensions carefully.

We always measure the dimensions of an article after being packed for transport. If your item is in a cardboard box:

• L = length of the longest side
• W = width of the next longest side
• H = the height of the shortest side

If your article can't be protected in a box and is round, the diameter is taken for both the height and width.

To send a letter, measure just the length and width (L x W). Here are some measurements as a guide:

• A shoe box, L x W x H: 35 cm x 22 cm x 13 cm
• A ream of A4 paper = L x W : 29.5 cm x 21.5 cm
• A postcard = L x W : 16 cm x 11 cm

It is crucial to review your parcel before sending

Verify that the weight and dimensions are accurate

If the dimensions or weight displayed on your package are not really exact, you risk having your package held at the depot; you will then be charged for its return and will not be due a refund for the delivery service.

Review the names and addresses of the sender

The addresses displayed should be as comprehensive as possible

• Full name or company name
• Street number, Street name
• Floor, Entryphone
• Postcode, Town
• Country
• Telephone number (ideally mobile)
• E-mail address

You should be informed that if the express company cannot access the registered address, he may judge to store the package in a depot.

Note: delays due to missing information are not the carrier's responsibility. Be as specific as possible and do not skip to give the addressee's phone number. In the case of absence, the transporter usually drop a card in the letterbox, showing the number of the package and the phone number to contact them to reschedule pick up or delivery. The requests for detail may also be sent by e-mail.

Deliveries are made during the day, so consider having your parcels delivered to your office; it costs less and the packages will be delivered in time.

Check your article and the packaging

Keep in mind that you are officially responsible for the goods that you send; so items should not be prohibited. Your package should be accurately labeled. It should be simple to ship without risk for its parcels or for the handlers. If the packaging rules are not followed, the parcel may be held at the distribution center; the sender will have to pay for its recovery and the delivery charge will not be refunded.

Some rules and tips to help you protect your shipment

Package your consignments

There are some practices to respect to wrap your goods in the right way. It is obvious that the vast majority of damage to packages is due to weak or inappropriate packaging. Here is some advice to follow for article packaging and to guarantee the shipment of your goods in perfect condition.

Protection of your goods:

• If your package weighs more than 20 kilos we recommend you use a double or triple folded cardboard box.
• If your package weighs more than 50 kilos we recommend you use a wooden, metal, or solid plastic box, as well as a molded foam interior security.
• Verify that your packaging is hermetically sealed, especially if the contents are sensitive (e.g. books, electronics goods).

Protection of your parcel against shocks

The golden rule is to immobilize your goods within the packaging. A 'floating' item is probably the best way to damage your goods! We suggest that you use shock-absorbing, packing supplies such as bubble-wrap, polystyrene, newspapers and rags. Especially, if you are sending a delicate item, the rule is: package volume = 2 x item's volume.

Note: never put two breakable articles in touch in their packaging: use packing between each item.

Think about the transport and handling of your parcel

When you are doing the packaging of your parcel, try to visualize how it will be carried among other packages. It needs to be protected. Usually talking, it is better to assign different small packages than one large which is much more difficult to manipulate. It is favored to bypass using string or cord. Keep in mind that it is your duty to verify that the goods you are shipping are not on the list of prohibited or controlled items.

Products requiring special packaging

• Glass containers and breakable objects must be moved in special cases with individual sections that allow a division of 2 inches with the side of the container and between each item.
• The effects should be wrapped in plastic film or adhesive tape.
• Tires must be protected in plastic film to bypass direct touch with other parcels.
• Paintings / frames need proper packaging according to the size of the goods.
  • For a large product: the face and the corners of the item must be protected with a rigid material that prevents degradation or distortion (use inside foam protection for fragile items). Ideally, use a wooden box.
  • For a small product: use a rigid special-sized cardboard.
• The furniture must be packed dismantled in a regular box with the needed protections to guarantee the security of the item for express delivery services.

Protect your shipment

1 - Exterior packaging

Use a new box with entire flaps and corners.
For heavy or large items = very thick triple-corrugated cardboard.
For light or fragile items = double-corrugated cardboard

2 - Padding

With fragile items, each article should be individually protected and padded to prevent them apart with no space between them.The rule is :

• Light items = flexible, thick padding
• Heavy items = dense padding

The article should not be in contact with the exterior packaging.

3 - The position of the item

Do not let any space in the package, the article should be stable; if you shake the package no movement should be observed.

4 - Sealing

Use wide parcel tape, 5 cm minimum, durable, and weather-resistant. Use to all the openings, and on all the edges of each facet of the cartons.

5 - The transport label

For trouble-free delivery, stick the label on the parcel on a clean and flat surface (usually the top). Do not use the adhesive surface of the label to close the parcel, never position it over an opening or in the corner.

For sure!

DocShipper is before all that we call an "international freight forwarder". Our job is to ship any kind of goods from any origin to any destination.

You have over 200 Kgs to ship? Our freight services will be the option you should consider if you want to get a competitive price.

Sea freight, air freight, rail freight, trucking... Just contact us to get your price!