Packing

The UPS Store, Northeast Philadelphia, provides professional packaging which is guaranteed to get your belongings to their destination safely. We can package your item for as little as $3. If, however, you wish to pack yourself, here are some guidelines to follow, which are straight from UPS's website.

Remember, if your item is not packaged correctly and it is damaged, UPS may not pay a damage claim, regardless of how much additional insurance you purchase. We have many customers who insist on shipping in old, ugly boxes, using blankets and newspaper as cushioning in an effort to save money. You won't save money if your items are damaged and UPS refuses to pay the claim due to insufficient packaging.

How To Prepare for Shipping - Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Use a Corrugated Box
2. Provide Internal Protection
3. Close the Box Securely

Step 1. Use a Corrugated Box

Whenever possible, use a new box. The more times a box is used, the more it loses its original protective qualities, so a previously used box may not adequately protect your shipment.

If you must reuse a box, make sure it is rigid and in excellent condition with no punctures, tears, rips, or corner damage, and that all flaps are intact. Remove any labels and all other shipment markings from the box.

Choose a box strength that is suitable for the contents you are shipping. Never exceed the maximum gross weight for the box, which is usually printed on the Box Maker's Certificate on the box's bottom flap.

The UPS Store has a wide variety of boxes for purchase, should you prefer to do your own packaging. Or we can safely package it for you.

Step 2. Provide Internal Protection

It´s important that you cushion the contents of your package properly.

Please be sure that you wrap each item separately. Fragile articles need both suitable separation from each other and clearance from the corners and sides of the box.

Each item should be surrounded by at least two inches (five cm) of cushioning and be placed at least two inches (five cm) away from the walls of the box. This will protect your items from product-against-product damage and shield them from the shock and vibration that can be conducted from the exterior of the box to its contents in transit.

Please use proper cushioning material, combined with a strong outer container, to protect your shipment fully. Make sure you use enough cushioning material to ensure that the contents do not move when you shake the container.

Improper cushioning material includes clothing, blankets, and pillows, and newspaper. Instead, please use the materials listed below to cushion and protect your shipment:

• Air-encapsulated plastic (bubble pack)
  Designed to protect and cushion lightweight items
  Used in multiple wraps and layers to ensure that the item is completely protected, especially on corners and edges
• Inflatable packaging (air bags)
  Used primarily as void-fill materials for lightweight items
  Not recommended for items with sharp corners or edges
  Extreme hot or cold temperatures may affect the ability of air bags to provide adequate product protection.
• Expanded polystyrene "peanuts"
  Used primarily as void-fill material for lightweight items
  Overfill the box with peanuts, gently close the flaps, and seal securely
  Do not use with flat or narrow products that may move to the edge or bottom of the carton in transit
  Due to the shifting and settling properties of peanuts, it is recommended that a minimum of three inches of cushioning be used around the contents
• Engineered foam enclosures
  Materials may include expanded polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, or copolymers
  Enclosures should be pre-engineered for specific products
• Foam-in-place (a foam, sprayed into the box or mixed in packets, that expands and forms a protective mold around contents)
  Must be properly used, with even foam distribution around the contents
  Select appropriate density of foam to meet packaging needs, which can range from void-fill applications to high-performance cushioning
• Corrugated liners and inserts
  May be added to the package to increase strength and improve package performance
• Crumpled kraft paper
  Used primarily as a void-fill material for light-to-medium weight, non-fragile items and items that are suitable for such packing materials
  Must be tightly crumpled
  Place at least four in. (10 cm.) of paper between contents and outer box
  DO NOT USE WITH FRAGILE ITEMS!!!

Note: Fragile objects -- such as electronics, glass, ceramics, and artwork -- require special packaging for safe shipment. Packages containing these and similar items may require added cushioning or a double box

Step 3. Close Your Container Securely

Proper closure of your container is just as important as proper cushioning for the safety and security of your shipment.

To close a box securely, do not use masking tape, cellophane tape, duct tape, string, or paper over-wrap. Instead, use a strong tape -- two inches (five cm) or more in width -- such as these types:

• Pressure-sensitive plastic or nylon-reinforced tape
  Generally the easiest, most convenient tape to use
  Versatile because it adheres without water and sticks to a variety of surfaces and shapes
  Apply three strips to both the top and bottom of the box
• Water-activated reinforced tape
  Use 60 lb (27 kg) grade tape at least three inches (eight cm) wide
  Requires only two center-seam strips of tape for both the top and bottom of the box, due to the reinforcing fibers