Packaging Advice

Guidelines for Good Quality Packaging

Archive Business Centre Limited is committed to delivering your parcels with speed and care. However, during the transit process parcels may be handled several times. It is therefore important that all items are adequately packed. Below are some tips that will help you make sure your package arrives at its destination in the best possible condition.

Archive Business Centre Limited Packaging

At Archive Business Centre Limited we carry a wide assortment of consignments which can range from letters to pallets. Many of our customers use their own packaging, but we also offer two secure, free of charge, packaging options. For the smaller items.

Mail Pack

A bag measuring 30cm x 38cm with a side seal. The Mail pack must not exceed 1kg.

Courier Pack

A bag measuring 46cm x 54cm with a side seal, up to A3 in size and must not exceed 5kg.

Archive Business Centre Limited Packing advice

Here are some helpful tips for packing your items to for safe delivery:

1. Always use strong, good-quality boxes or packaging materials
2. If you are reusing packaging, always remove old labels including any hazardous materials information stickers
3. Always use the correct-sized box for your items – if the box is too large it could collapse and, likewise, if the box is too small it could burst during transit
4. Be sensible about the weight of items that you put in a box – don't overload boxes
5. Pack items in the centre of a box with plenty of cushioning, to stop any movement during transit. Use bubble wrap, shreds, packaging chips, even old newspapers
6. Protect data storage media with appropriate cushioning and ideally wrap each item separately
7. Pack smaller items in larger boxes and remember that some attractively packaged gifts are not always suitable for shipping directly - they will usually require separate outer packaging and protection
8. Make sure that liquids, semi-liquids, powders or strong smelling substances are properly sealed in leak-proof containers and further wrapped in plastic bags and held upright in a strong box and correctly labelled with ‘arrow up’ signs
9. Wines and spirits – firstly pack bottles into an inner box, and then add rigid outer packaging for extra protection. Use corrugated cardboard or foam dividers, ideally use bespoke packaging when shipping bottles.
10. Fragile items should be well cushioned from the sides and particularly at the bottom of the boxes. Label boxes as fragile and include ‘arrow up‘ stickers.
11. Always protect sharp items securely, carefully wrapping any scissors or knives to protect them from piercing through packaging materials
12. Use strong packaging tape or a strapping machine to secure parcels (not domestic adhesive tape), making sure all flaps are securely fastened
13. Write all labels clearly (using capitals) and never cover them up with tape or film
14. Include both address and sender details inside so that even if the outer label becomes detached, APC Overnight can still safely deliver your parcel.
15. Always pack small items in Mail or Courier packs as appropriate
16. Repack your items properly. Many goods are sold in the original manufacturers packaging which may not be suitable for carriage.
17. Please note that ABC will accept no liability for the packaging advice that it provides. The Customer remains responsible for ensuring packaging and labelling is adequate for transportation.