Securing customised shipments - how to do it right?

Shipping a standard parcel should not pose any major problems. The problem arises when we need to send items with unusual shapes and cannot put them in a conventional cardboard box. How do we pack and secure such items properly? How do you send car parts? Find the answers to these questions below!

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When is a shipment non-standard?

A non-standard parcel is one that does not fit within certain dimensions, weight or shape. The parameters are set by each carrier individually and will therefore vary depending on the courier company chosen. When it comes to an InPost non-standard parcel, one of its dimensions must exceed 120 cm or their sum (length + width + height) must be more than 220 cm. It is worth remembering that this type of parcel also includes all items with an unusual, irregular shape (e.g. round, cylindrical or oval), as well as those with protruding elements. The non-standard parcel option does not apply to long parcels. However, there are a few exceptions:

• tubes up to a size of 120 cm and a diameter of up to 10 cm;

• Tyres up to size 15" packed in pairs - one on top of the other, without rims;

• pet food (if the weight does not exceed 20 kg, it will be treated as a standard consignment);

• InPost foil packs - gluing them together to make a larger size is not accepted.

How do I pack a customised parcel properly?

Before we send a parcel to the recipient, we need to pack it correctly. This is a very important process, because with proper protection we can avoid unwanted damage in transit. This is also something that couriers care about, as they want to deliver the parcel without damaging the contents. There are a few general rules that work for all shipments - both standard and non-standard. These are:

Use robust, high-quality, shatterproof cardboard for packaging

Many people do not pay much attention to the box in which items will be placed for shipment. If we intend to send lightweight articles, then such packaging may be appropriate. The problem arises in the case of extremely vulnerable, delicate articles, such as glass. In this case, it would be better to opt for a decent cardboard box made of moisture-resistant cardboard. The heavier the parcel, the more robust the box should be.

2. Remove empty spaces in the parcel

Simply putting products in a decent cardboard box does not guarantee safety. Items should not move around inside, as they may get battered, broken or otherwise damaged. Fill all empty spaces with suitable material. Use polystyrene, bubble wrap or air-filled cushions for this purpose.

3. Secure the consignment from the outside

The next step will be to make sure the package is sealed tightly on all sides. Wrap it with packing tape to be sure. For heavier items, additionally wrap the parcel in foil. This way, it is guaranteed to arrive intact.

If you own an online shop and your product range includes large, heavy or irregularly sized items, consider establishing a partnership with InPost. The fulfilment service is not only about storing goods, but also about packing them for dispatch and delivering them to the end customer. Taking care of the delivery of various types of orders remains on our side. Fill in the form and we will answer your questions about InPost Fulfillment."

How do I send car parts by courier?

Speaking of non-standard consignments , it is worth mentioning the shipping of car parts, which can raise many questions and doubts. Not all courier companies take on this task, as it will be difficult to ensure such a parcel has the right level of security. With all smaller automotive products (filters, wipers, steering wheel), there should be no major problems. Couriers also allow the transport of tyres, rims, bumpers and even body parts.

Please note that car parts must be free of liquids, grease and fuel. They should be packed in airtight stretch wrap, then bubble wrap and put in a sturdy cardboard box. If they are only wrapped in sturdy foil, they may not be accepted by the carrier. Some people also use polystyrene to fill the empty spaces in the parcel, which is a very good idea. Car parts, due to their size and shape, are often assigned to the category of unsorted (non-standard) shipments, which increases shipping costs. The actual dimensions of the parcel also count when pricing. If you measure it accurately and carefully, you can avoid additional, unforeseen charges. Shipping of car parts courier does not have to be a complicated task. If you have any doubts or problems, e.g. with measuring a parcel, it is best to contact the carrier directly, who will provide detailed information. This will help us to avoid unpleasant situations and to choose a solution perfectly tailored to our needs.