Packaging your parcel extends way beyond boxed bicycles…
When it comes to courier delivery, packaging your item properly is key to ensuring it arrives at its destination in good condition. Proper packaging can also help prevent delays or issues with the delivery process. Below we’ll cover the do’s and don’ts of packaging your item for courier delivery. It’s quick and easy and fairly obvious and self-explanatory, but let’s jump through the do’s and don’ts of how to package your parcel for sending!
DO package your parcel like this…
- Use appropriate packaging materials: Make sure to use appropriate packaging materials such as a sturdy box or envelope, bubble wrap, packing foam, and packing tape. This will help to ensure your item is protected during transit. Use a proper standard cardboard bicycle box, found at any good local bike shop. Better yet, let them pack it for you.
- Choose the right size package: Choose a package that is the right size for your item. A package that is too large or too small can increase the risk of damage during transit. Don’t use and oversized e-bike box for a 12-inch kids bike. And don’t try to stuff a tandem into a single box, unless it is designed for it.
- Wrap your item/bike before it goes into the box: Wrap your item in bubble wrap or tissue paper before placing it in the package. This can help protect it from scratches or other damage. The best thing we found for wheels is an additional layer or carton inbetween the bicycle frame and the loose wheel(s) inside the box. Usually just the front wheel comes off.
- Label your package/bicycle box: Make sure to label your package clearly with the recipient’s name, address, and contact information. This will help to ensure your package is delivered to the correct person. And the easiest way to do so is just to print out the PDF waybill that we will send you or the bike shop prior to collection. Smart.
- Seal your package/box: Use packing tape to seal your package securely. This will help to prevent your package from opening during transit. We love seeing the custom Cyclelab white and blue tape all over the top of a bicycle box because it acts as a stamp of approval that the bicycle has been packed properly.
DON’T package your parcel like this!
- Overstuff your package: Avoid overstuffing your package as this can increase the risk of damage during transit. And make sure you take the pedals off to reduce the width of your boxed bicycle. Because you don’t want then sticking out of the box on either side. Not for your shin, or your wallet, as this may lead to a surcharge.
- Use old or damaged packaging: Don’t use old or damaged packaging materials as this can increase the risk of your item being damaged during transit. And yes the last thing you want when re-using old bicycle boxes is to forget to cover up or take off any previous shipping barcodes or labels and then have your bicycle being sent off to a previous destination. Which is why I always use fragile stickers to cover up any of these before shipment.
- Use inappropriate packing materials: Avoid using inappropriate packing materials such as newspaper or old rags. These materials may not provide adequate protection for your item. We prefer addition carton and bubble wrap inside the bicycle box. Brand new bicycle arrive with minimal bubble wrap, as new boxes are fit for purpose.
- Forget to label your package: Failure to do so can result in your package being delayed or delivered to the wrong address. Yes we do work on preloaded addresses in the system when it comes to boxed bicycle deliveries for safety, but do the right thing and print and stick that label onto the box pronto.
- Forget to seal your package: Don’t forget to seal your package securely with packing tape. This will help to prevent your package from opening during transit. Because the last thing you want is for a heavy e-bike box tear open at the bottom and then the contents come out in the rain!
Package your parcel, then ship it!
Quick and easy shipments for bicycles and more. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can ensure that your item is properly packaged for courier delivery. Remember, proper packaging can help to protect your item during transit. And ensure it arrives at its destination in good condition. And that is all that we can ask for.
Bicycle couriers to the rescue!
By the way, if you find this daunting, do consider one of our Ultimate bikeboxes, which will cover everything above. All you need is to print out the PDF waybill for collection and delivery each time! Easy peasy, whether we send you a waybill for DHL or Fedex or Aramex or more.
