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How To Prepare for Shipping

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 above box strengths are only guidelines to help assure the containment and protection of products transported through single-package distribution environments. They are not to be considered packaging specifications, and all packaged products should be tested in accordance with industry-recognized performance tests to ensure the most appropriate level of product protection is achieved.

*Note: Maximum size limit specified on the Box Maker's Certificate and the box strength guidelines chart is NOT the same as the UPS combined length and girth measurement. Calculate the maximum box size by adding the length, width and depth dimensions of the box together.

Provide Internal Protection

It's important that you cushion the contents of your package properly. 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. 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. Instead, please use the materials listed below to cushion and protect your shipment:

• Air-encapsulated plastic (bubble pack)
• Inflatable packaging (air bags)
• Expanded polystyrene "peanuts"
• Engineered foam enclosures
• Foam-in-place (a foam, sprayed into the box or mixed in packets, that expands and forms a protective mold around contents)
• Corrugated liners and inserts
• Crumpled kraft paper

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.

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

Use Proper Labeling

For fast and efficient delivery, keep these points in mind when labeling your package:

• Always include the recipient's postal code with the complete street address. For international shipments, include a contact name, telephone number, and postal code.
• You must make every effort to obtain a street address. If a shipper should use a P.O. Box address, the recipient's telephone number must be included on the label. Your package that is addressed to a P.O. Box may be delayed, will not be covered by any UPS Service Guarantee, and will require an address correction charge. Army Post Office (APO) and Fleet Post Office (FPO) addresses are not accepted.
• Please include the apartment or unit number, if applicable.
• Place the shipping label on the top of the package. To avoid confusion, place only one address label on the package. If you are using a packing slip, place it on the same surface of the package as the address label.
• Do not place the label over a seam or closure or on top of sealing tape.
• Remove or cross out old labels or markings on a used box.
• Always include your complete return address, including full street address and postal code. For international shipments, include a contact name, telephone number, and postal code.
• Place a duplicate label or other form of identification inside your package.

Note: If you are using a mailing tube, place the label horizontally, with each end of the label pointing toward the ends of the tube, so the bar code can be scanned.

UPS (United Parcel Service) in Ely, MN