How to Pack Your Shipments

Packing might sound simple—throw a product in, seal the box, attach your label, done. But poor packing can lead to damaged items, customs delays, or rejected shipments.

Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen to you.

Here’s how to pack your shipments the right way so your items arrive safe, sound, and to ensure your products arrive intact.

1. Choose Strong, Secure Packaging

The box or envelope you use needs to protect your product through its entire journey.
If you're shipping soft or non-fragile items like clothing, a FedEx Large Pak (polymailer) is a great lightweight option—and you can request free paks from UrShipper, just contact us.

For most products, especially anything solid or breakable, we recommend:

  • A sturdy, double-walled cardboard box

  • No old or reused boxes (they’re more likely to collapse or get rejected)

2. Eliminate Wiggle Room

Loose items = damaged shipments.
Always fill empty spaces inside the box to keep items from shifting. You can:

  • Add bubble wrap, foam peanuts, or kraft paper

  • Trim down oversized boxes to fit your items snugly

Shake test: Pick up the box and give it a shake. If you hear movement, add more padding.

Packing compactly also reduces your volumetric weight, which helps lower shipping costs. Learn more →

3. Don’t Rely on "Fragile" Labels

Carriers handle thousands of packages daily—and they don’t treat "fragile" or "handle with care" labels any differently. The best protection is good packing.

If your items are delicate:

  • Wrap each one individually

  • Use dividers or foam inserts inside the box

  • Consider the Box-in-Box method (a padded box inside a larger outer box)

4. Seal It Right & Stick the Label Properly

Use strong packing tape—never masking tape or string.
Apply tape using the H-taping method (one strip across the center seam, and one across each edge) on both top and bottom flaps.

Before you drop off:

  • Make sure the UrShipper shipping label is attached flat

  • Nothing should cover the barcode—not tape, folds, or flaps

Labels are required for processing. If it’s not attached, it can’t ship.

Using FedEx Pak

If you're shipping soft goods or non-fragile items like clothing, documents, or paper-based products, FedEx Paks (polymailers) are a lightweight, efficient option. You can request "FedEx Large Pak" supplies from UrShipper for FREE—just contact us or pick them up directly at UrShipper Office.

FedEx Large Pak Details

  • Material: Polymailer (flat and flexible)

  • Flat size: 39 x 30 cm

  • Recommended load size: ~30 x 20 x 10 cm

  • Max weight: 2.5 kg

Good to know when using FedEx Large Pak:

Single-Box Packing

  • Use a new, sturdy outer box—avoid soft, reused, or damaged cartons.

  • Fill all empty spaces with cushioning material like crumpled kraft paper, packing peanuts, or bubble wrap to prevent movement during transit.

  • Wrap fragile items individually with at least 5 cm (2") of air-cellular cushioning or foam padding on all sides.

  • Protect moisture-sensitive items (like fabric, paper, or cosmetics) by placing them inside a sealed plastic bag.

  • Contain small parts or powders in a spill-proof container (like burlap or sealed plastic), then place it in a strong outer box.

  • Seal using the H-taping method—apply tape along the center seam and edges on both the top and bottom flaps. This prevents accidental openings.

Box-in-Box Packing

For fragile or high-value items, the Box-in-Box method adds an extra layer of protection:

  • Wrap each product individually with at least 5 cm (2") of bubble wrap or foam cushioning before placing it into a strong inner box.

  • Fill empty spaces in the inner box using crumpled paper, loosefill peanuts, or other padding to restrict movement.

  • Seal the inner box using the H-taping method to prevent it from popping open in transit.

  • Choose an outer box that’s at least 15 cm (6") longer, wider, and deeper than the inner box.

  • Cushion the inner box inside the outer box using either:

    • 8 cm (3") of bubble wrap all around, or

    • at least 8 cm (3") of loosefill or foam peanuts on all sides.

  • Ensure no empty space remains between the two boxes—fill any gaps with more cushioning material.

  • Seal the outer box with the H-taping method for a secure hold.

Sealing Your Package

A secure seal keeps your shipment intact from pickup to delivery. Here’s how to do it right:

  • Use strong tape like pressure-sensitive plastic tape or water-activated paper tape (at least 60-lb or 27kg grade), with a minimum width of 5 cm (2").

  • Seal using the H-taping method—apply tape across the center seam and both edges of the top and bottom flaps.

  • Avoid using cellophane tape, duct tape, masking tape, string, or rope. These can fail during transit.

  • Do not wrap your box in shrink wrap, stretch film, or bubble wrap. This can trigger a Non-Standard Packaging surcharge if you're shipping with FedEx or UPS:

Please note that UrShipper only provides “FedEx Large Pak” supplies. We do not offer other packaging supplies and also not provide packaging services. Please ensure all shipments are already packed and labeled properly before you handing them over to UrShipper.

The Basics