Shipping Smarter Saves Time, Money, and Headaches
Whether you ship occasionally or run a small business, a few smart habits can dramatically reduce the chance of delays, damaged goods, or lost parcels. Here are ten practical tips every shipper should know.
1. Measure and Weigh Accurately Before Booking
Carriers charge based on either actual weight or dimensional weight (DIM weight) — whichever is greater. Dimensional weight is calculated from the package's length × width × height. Always measure your parcel before booking so you're not hit with unexpected surcharges at the counter or invoiced additional charges later.
2. Use the Right Packaging
Never ship fragile items in bags or thin envelopes. Use a rigid corrugated box with adequate internal cushioning (bubble wrap, foam peanuts, or air pillows). As a rule of thumb, there should be at least 5 cm of padding on all sides around the item. For very fragile goods, double-boxing is recommended.
3. Print a Clear, Waterproof Label
Smudged or water-damaged labels are a leading cause of misdirected parcels. Use a proper shipping label printer or at minimum print on waterproof label paper. Always cover labels with clear tape if using standard paper. Include both the delivery and return addresses clearly.
4. Always Include a Return Address
This seems obvious, but many parcels are shipped without a return address. If delivery fails, a parcel without a return address becomes undeliverable and may be disposed of. Your return address is your insurance against misdirection.
5. Choose the Right Service Level
Don't pay for overnight delivery if the item doesn't need to arrive tomorrow. Match the service level to the actual urgency:
- Standard/ground: Non-urgent personal or business items
- Priority/2-day: Time-sensitive documents or gifts
- Overnight/express: Urgent, high-value, or perishable items only
6. Insure High-Value Shipments
Basic carrier liability is limited — often to a fixed maximum regardless of what's inside. If you're shipping anything valuable (electronics, jewelry, collectibles), purchase additional shipping insurance. It's usually available through the carrier at checkout or through third-party insurers at competitive rates.
7. Use Signature Confirmation for Valuables
If you're sending something expensive or irreplaceable, add signature confirmation. This requires the recipient (or a household member) to sign for the parcel, significantly reducing the risk of porch theft or a "delivered but missing" dispute.
8. Verify the Delivery Address
Address errors are one of the most preventable causes of delays. Double-check:
- Street name and number are correct
- Apartment or unit number is included
- City, state/province, and postcode match
- Country code is correct for international shipments
Many carriers offer address validation tools — use them.
9. Track Every Shipment You Send
Even if you're the sender, keep the tracking number and monitor the parcel's progress. Catching a delay or delivery exception early means you can act before the customer or recipient contacts you. This is especially important for business shippers.
10. Know the Prohibited Items List
Every carrier maintains a list of items that cannot be shipped — or that require special documentation. Common restrictions include lithium batteries (quantity limits), certain liquids, aerosols, perishables, and regulated items like medications. Shipping a prohibited item can result in the parcel being seized, destroyed, or fined. Always check before you pack.
A Final Word
Good shipping habits take only a few extra minutes but can save hours of problem-solving later. Package your items properly, choose the right service, and track everything — and most deliveries will go smoothly.