Using this guide, you begin to understand the importance of how and why electronic goods need to be carefully prepared for shipping in order to minimise the risk of damage occurring whilst in transit. Keep these things in mind to get the most out of shipping electronic goods by international air courier.

How to adequately protect goods whilst in transit

Following these basic packaging tips can help maximise the safety of electronic goods and prevent damage whilst in transit:

• If the goods to be shipped are already contained in original packaging, then it’s best to leave the packaging as it is. It’s often contained within the package may be anti-moisture packets which are essential when shipping large volumes of goods in confined spaces.
• Oftentimes, it may be best-practice to split the product into different pieces and isolate the biggest piece of the equipment separated from the smaller items. For example, if the item is a sensitive ultrasound reader, it makes sense to keep any cables and external devices separated and packaged well.
• It pays to also remember that when splitting up those parts, it’s good practise to protect these items by putting them into separate plastic bags with a sealable top.
• When shipping larger items, it’s best to add a double layer of protection with ample bubble wrap, then use a heavy-duty wrapping tape around the bubble wrap
• Next, we’ll look at how to protect the items by choosing the correct box, carton size. Its important to remember that the bigger the box you choose, the greater the volume. To find out more about how this can affect the total price you pay for air freight, read our blog on “How to avoid extra freight charges”.
• Take an appropriately-sized cardboard box, carton etc and choose how you’ll fill the gap between the walls of the box and the contents.
• The obvious choice for filling the box would be polystyrene beads as they are effective and lightweight, although any paper-based product (scrunched paper for instance) will suffice.

• When the main item is surrounded by packing, leave enough space to add any other pieces of equipment. Electronic equipment contains fragile circuit boards and other fragile elements which can be damaged by constant battering from items which  have been thrown into the box, so take extra care to ensure any additional pieces are separated from the main piece and don’t collide.
• Before sealing the box, add any additional protection to the inside of the box. Rolled up bubble wrap works well as a cushion because it is durable and holds its shape for long periods of time.
• Another good tip is to lift the box and give it a quick shake to make sure there is nothing rattling inside. If it looks like it could be an issue, repack the contents and repeat the process..
• Before finalising the next step, think about what paperwork you may want to add into the box, such as a an invoice, receipt of purchase or user instructions.
• Finally, when you’re satisfied with how you’ve packed the items, it’s time to tape it up with a good quality packing tape. Use as much tape as you feel comfortable with. Want more packing tips? Read our guide on how to make sure your carton and boxes arrive at their destination.
• For extra protection, you can take this box and place it inside another box. To make t his extra box worth the effort in protecting the original box, it should be a few centimetres larger on all sides.
• Now fill the remaining gaps with either bubble wrap or polystyrene beads and peanuts. Once again, give it a final shake to make sure nothing rattles around.
• When you’re satisfied everything is tight and secure, follow the same procedure as before and tape the box securely shut.
• Now it’s time to place a “fragile” label on the box as well as attache shipping and address labels. For international air courier shipments, it’s always best practice to insert the shipping labels and air waybills into a clear plastic sealable bag and securely tape that to the one side of the box.
• Finally, and this is one of the most important steps, is to weigh the package and accurately measure the final dimensions to calculate the shipping price. Everything you need to arrange pickup and delivery of the item(s) is contained inside the One World Courier booking platform.