Your Guide To Proper Packaging
Your Guide To Proper Packaging
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Table of Contents
Thank you for choosing FedEx for your shipping needs. Our goal is to get your shipment safely to its destination in good condition. This quick-reference guide provides you with easy-to-follow tips for packaging, taping and labelling your FedEx shipments.
Section 1 Maximum Weight and Dimensions FedEx Express and FedEx Ground Maximum Weight and Dimensions
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Section 4 Restricted Shipments Shipping Liquids with FedEx Ground Section 5 Hidden Dangerous Goods
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Section 2 Packaging, Taping and Labelling Guidelines Type of Box to Use to Ship Packages Packaging Special Sizes, Shapes and Shipments Recommended Three-Strip Taping Method Restricted Taping and Sealing Materials General Labelling Recommendations General Labelling Donts Special Requirements for FedEx Ground Shipments Section 3 Product Packaging Methods Special Requirements for Non-Fragile Shipments Special Requirements for Fragile Shipments Recommended Box Packing Methods for Non-Fragile and Fragile Shipments Fragile Shipments
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Section 6 Guidelines for Large Shipments Shipping with FedEx Express Freight Services Forklift and Pallet Jack Base Securing Methods Tips for Skid Loading and Stacking Tips for Labelling Large Shipments Section 7 Packaging Lab Package Testing Procedures Section 8 Your Packaging Checklist
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Section 1
Maximum Weight and Dimensions for Shipping with FedEx Express 150 lbs. (68 kg) or less in weight. 119 (302.26 cm) or less in length. 130 (330.2 cm) in length and girth combined (use the length and girth formula). Place packages smaller than 7 x 4 x 2 (17.78 cm x 10.16 cm x 5.08 cm) in a FedEx Pak, except where otherwise restricted.
A package weighing less than 30 lbs. (13.5 kg) and measuring greater than 84 inches (213.36 cm), but equal to or less than 108 inches (274.32 cm) in length and girth is classified by FedEx Ground as an Oversize 1 (OS1) package. The shipping charges for an OS1 package will be the same as a 30-lb. (13.5 kg) package being shipped under the same circumstances. A package weighing less than 50 lbs. (22.5 kg) and measuring greater than 108 inches (274.32 cm), but equal to or less than 130 inches (330.2 cm) in length and girth is classified by FedEx Ground as an Oversize 2 (OS2) package. The shipping charges for an OS2 package will be the same as a 50-lb. (22.5 kg) package being shipped under the same circumstances. A package weighing 150 lbs. (68 kg) or less and measuring greater than 130 inches (330.2 cm) in length and girth is classified by FedEx Ground as an Oversize 3 (OS3) package. The shipping charges for an OS3 package will be based on the greater of the packages actual rounded weight or a 90-lb. (40.5 kg) minimum billable weight. An oversize charge per package will also apply to any package measuring greater than 130 inches (330.2 cm) in length and girth.
Maximum Weight and Dimensions for Shipping with FedEx Ground 150 lbs. (68 kg) or less in weight. 108 (274.32 cm) or less in length. 165 (419.1 cm) in length and girth combined (use the length and girth formula).
*The dimensional weight is based on International Air Transport Association volumetric standard. It is calculated by multiplying length x width x height of the package in inches and dividing by 166. If the measurements are in centimetres, divide by 6,000.
Measure Girth
Measure Length
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Section 2
You can pack your express shipments in either your own packaging or FedEx Express packaging. To keep the contents of your shipment safe and secure in transit, youll need to choose the right box size, strength and cushioning for your packages: Cushion fragile items inside one box, then put them into a larger box with a layer of at least 3 (7.62 cm) of cushioning material around the outside of the inner box. Cover sharp or protruding edges with taped corrugated panels or pads. If contents may be damaged or soiled in transit, place them in a protective container. Do not exceed the weight specifications for your box. Do not wrap the outer box with paper.
Single Wall Corrugated Containers 30 40 50 65 80 75 75 85 95 105 200 200 250 275 350 32 40 44 55 NA
Double Wall Corrugated Containers 60 80 100 120 140 150 85 95 105 110 115 120 200 275 350 400 500 600 48 51 61 71 82 NA
What type of box should you use to ship your contents? It is important that your box is appropriate to hold the contents of your shipment. Check for the maximum content weight allowed for an outer box. An outer box should be a rigid carton in good condition, flaps intact. (See Fig. 2) Use the box strength guidelines on this page to determine the maximum content weight allowed for the outer box. Note: The printed weight on the box stamp may not be appropriate and may differ from the FedEx maximum recommended limits.
Fig. 2
*The dimensional weight is based on International Air Transport Association volumetric standard. It is calculated by multiplying length x width x height of the package in inches and dividing by 166. If the measurements are in centimetres, divide by 6,000. Restrictions may apply.
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Section 2
Luggage and Bags When shipping items with a finish that may be damaged by adhesive labels and soiled during transit (e.g., luggage, garment bags, carrying cases), protect them by placing them in an outer shipping container. FedEx will not be liable for damage to unprotected items.
Sealing your package properly keeps your box intact and the contents secure inside.
Recommended Three-Strip Taping Method Use pressure-sensitive plastic tape at least 2 (5.08 cm) wide (3 [7.62 cm] width preferred) for lightweight packages. Use water-activated paper tape (minimum 3 [7.62 cm] width, 60-pound grade) or water-activated reinforced tape to seal heavier packages. Distribute the tape evenly across flaps and seams, using the H taping method shown. Apply at least 3 strips of tape to the top and bottom sides of the carton. (See Fig. 4) Tape across all seams and flaps. H Taping Method
Irregular Shapes When shipping items that cannot be packed into cartons (e.g., auto pipes, mufflers, tires, duffel bags), wrap any sharp edges and protrusions. Plus, wrap the address label securely around the object. Special Requirements for FedEx Ground Shipments Wrap pressure-sensitive tape completely around the object to provide a wide, smooth surface to apply the bar code and address label.
Quick Tip:
Do not ship shirt boxes or retail gift boxes, unless you place them inside a strong, corrugated box. (See Fig. 3)
Fig. 4 Fig. 3
Note: Sealing your package is as important as cushioning. If the box flaps open in transit, youre likely to lose the cushioning and the contents.
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Section 2
Restricted Taping and Sealing Materials Avoid kraft paper tape, household cellophane tape, masking tape, string or rope. Using these materials may result in torn or missing labels and damage to the package. (See Fig. 5)
Fig. 5
General Labelling Recommendations Use an address label that has the recipients as well as your complete address clearly marked. (See Fig. 6) Make sure country or state, postal code or ZIP code and street addresses are correct. Identify floor, suite or apartment numbers for multi-unit addresses. Remove or cross out any old address labels on the carton. Include duplicate delivery information inside the package. (See Fig. 7) Apply package labels and packing slips facing the same direction on the same side of the package. Avoid seams and closures when applying your address labels. Avoid photocopied or stenciled labels unless you cover them with clear pressure sensitive tape; they can smear and cause Fig. 6 delays in delivery.
Fig. 7
Quick Tip:
FedEx cannot ensure compliance with orientation symbols or verbiage such as Up arrows or This end up descriptions. However, placing labels on the top surface of the package increases your chances for preferred orientation.
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Section 2
General Labelling Donts: Do not cover sender or recipient information with labels or an air waybill. (See Fig. 8) Do not place tape or shrinkwrap over labels. (See Fig. 9) Do not wrinkle, scratch or mark the label or bar code. (See Fig. 10) Do not place labels on air waybill pouches. Do not wrap a label around the corner or directly on the edge or seam of the package. (See Fig. 11)
Clear, complete labelling will help get your package to its destination quickly and safely. Heres what you need to know about properly addressing your package: Provide complete sender and recipient addresses, including phone numbers and postal codes or ZIP codes. Include your address and the destination address inside the shipment (business cards are ideal). Remove or cross out any old shipping labels from the carton. Orientate package labels and markings in the same direction, on the same side of the package. (See Fig. 13) Shipments addressed to P.O. boxes in Canada and to other select countries are accepted by FedEx only if a recipient phone number is indicated on the air waybill.
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Quick Tip:
Save time by processing your shipments using FedEx Ship Manager at fedex.ca, our online shipping application.
TM
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Special Requirements for FedEx Ground Shipments Place bar-code label on the largest side of your package as close to the address label as possible. (See Fig. 12) Try to keep the label more than 4 (10.16 cm) from the edge of the package. Affix the bar-code label to the longest side of an elongated package or to the largest side of a package that does not have a flat top. Avoid placing the bar code on a fly tag or on the end of a long package, top of a tall package or corner of a large package. Avoid placing the bar code over an edge, on a seam or on a rough package surface. Fig. 12 Avoid shrinkwrapping or placing straps or clear tape over or near the bar-code label.
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Section 3
Proper packaging of shipments ensure they arrive intact and on time. To select proper packaging materials, use the chart below to determine if your shipment is non-fragile or fragile. Non-Fragile Aircraft parts Automotive parts Doors External body parts Fenders Interior body parts Moldings Trunks Canned products Carpeting Durable, malleable plastic products Engines Farm machinery Film* Footwear Furs, skins, felt Granular products (e.g., grain, salt, powder) Hardware tools (e.g., hammer, screwdrivers) Household goods Luggage, show cases Machinery parts Medical instruments Metal Nuts, bolts, nails, screws* Printed material* Products made of human hair Sporting goods Textiles Wearing apparel Wigs Wood products X-ray films Fragile Artwork Audio tapes, records, CDs Bottled products Brittle plastic materials and products Calibrated medical instruments Ceramics, pottery Circuit boards Computer systems and peripherals Crystal products Diskettes Display equipment, signs Electronic appliances Electronic equipment, parts Eye glasses, contacts Furniture Glass products Laptops Musical instruments* Office equipment (e.g., copiers, fax machines) Paintings Photographic equipment Scale models* Sculptures Video tapes Watches and clocks X-ray tubes*
*An asterisk indicates additional packaging or restrictions apply to product shipment via FedEx.
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Section 3
Printed Matter Ship printed matter like reports, legal briefs or correspondence in FedEx packaging. Use a FedEx Envelope for packages weighing up to 0.5 lbs. (227 grams) and a FedEx Box for packages weighing up to 20 lbs. (9 kg). For FedEx Express shipments only. Bundle large quantities of loose printed matter by shrinkwrapping or banding to hold individual units in place, in case the box splits open during transit. Place stacks of printed matter in double-wall, full-overlap (See Fig. 14) or telescopic corrugated boxes. (See Fig. 15) Single-wall corrugated boxes, gift boxes, banker boxes or bulk paper supply boxes are not recommended. Fill voids with filler to prevent movement inside the box. Tape the seams and the perimeter of the box using plastic packing tape or reinforced fiberglass plastic packing tape (kraft or reinforced paper tape not recommended). See box strength guidelines on page 3.
Stringed Musical Instruments Loosen the tension on the strings to remove the stress on the neck of the instrument. Place the instrument into its case. Fill any voids under the neck, around the body and on top of the instrument with Bubble Wrap to prevent movement within the case. Place the instrument in a larger box with a minimum of 3 (7.62 cm) of Bubble Wrap or loose-fill materials between the inner and outer boxes if the instrument is in a soft-sided case. Wrap hard cases with 3 (7.62 cm) thickness of Bubble Wrap before placing in the outer box. Then fill voids with additional Bubble Wrap .
Computers and Peripherals Use the box-in-box packing method with manufacturers original packaging. Wrap the equipment in Bubble Wrap and use the box-in-box packing method using loose-fill materials if the manufacturers original packaging is unavailable.
*Plexiglas is a registered trademark of Rohm Gesellschaft & Haas Co. Bubble Wrap is a registered trademark of Sealed Air Corporation.
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Section 3
Laptop and Notebook Computers Use the specially designed FedEx laptop kit when possible. To order a laptop kit, call 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339 or visit your nearest FedEx World Service Center. Monitors Remove the base and any attachments and ship the monitor face-down. Follow packing tips for the box-in-box packing method. Printers Remove printing cartridge before shipping. Place cartridges inside sealed plastic bags to prevent ink or powder leakage. Tape down moving parts. Remove any paper trays and pack separately. Follow packing tips for the box-in-box packing method. Servers, Routers Call the FedEx Packaging Design and Development Department at 1.800.633.7019 for appropriate packing recommendations, since values, weights and sizes vary. Magnetic Storage Devices Allow 3 to 6 (7.62 cm to 15.24 cm) of voids inside the shipping container to reduce intensity of magnetic fields that may come into contact with the shipment. Shipments containing magnetic media can be affected by magnetic fields and should be labelled as such (e.g., floppy discs, diskettes, tapes).
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Section 3
Fragile Shipments
Box-In-Box Packing Method for Delicate or Thin Parts Wrap product(s) individually with Bubble Wrap and snugly fit inside the smaller box. Restrict product movement inside the box using filler like crumpled newspapers, Bubble Wrap or loose-fill materials. Close and tape box to prevent accidental opening. Wrap smaller inner box with at least 4 (10.16 cm) thickness of Bubble Wrap and place inside a sturdy outer container. (See Fig. 17) Seal box. Smaller inner box wrapped in 4 (10.16 cm) of Bubble Wrap
Bubble Wrap Packing Method for Large, Thick or Flat Surfaces Wrap product(s) individually with at least 4 (10.16 cm) thickness of Bubble Wrap cushioning. (See Fig. 18) Place the wrapped item(s) inside a sturdy outer box. Fill all voids with additional Bubble Wrap cushioning so that the wrapped item(s) fit(s) snugly inside the outer box. Seal box. Fragile product(s) wrapped in a minimum 4 (10.16 cm) thickness of Bubble Wrap material Sturdy outer container
Fig. 18 Bubble Wrap Packaging Method
Box-In-Box Packing Method Using Loose-Fill Materials Start with an outer box that is at least 6 (15.2 cm) longer, wider and taller than the original box. Fill outer box with 3 (7.62 cm) of loose-fill materials. Place inner box in the centre of the outer box. Fill all spaces around the inner box and top with 3 (7.62 cm) of loose-fill materials. (See Fig. 19) Seal box. Packing material (e.g., loose-fill materials) minimum of 3 (7.62 cm) thickness on each side Inner box Packing material (e.g., loose-fill materials) minimum of 3 (7.62 cm) thickness on each side
Fig. 19 Loose-fill Materials Box-in-Box Packaging Method
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Section 4
Restricted Shipments
FedEx has restrictions on shipments of certain commodities because of regulatory laws or for the safety of its personnel. This list only contains some of the commodities that fall under such restrictions. Consult the current FedEx Service Guide at fedex.ca for additional information on shipping these and other commodities.
Shipping Liquids with FedEx Ground To ship liquids, follow these packing guidelines: Avoid containers sealed with friction-top closures. Choose screw caps, clips or containers that have been soldered close. Note, a manufacturers tamper-evident seal over the bottle opening is recommended. Select internal packaging that will contain any leakage that may occur during transit. Get verification in writing from your cap and bottle supplier that the application torque and heat seal are compatible with your product.
FedEx Express
Human parts Live fish Tobacco Used medical devices Wine shipments
FedEx Ground
Alcoholic beverages Animal products, non-domesticated Articles of unusual value, such as priceless art, jewellery, collectibles, and antiques Cash, coins, currency, stamps, negotiable stocks, bonds, bank drafts, cash letters, and other negotiable instruments equivalent to cash Common fireworks Cut flowers Dangerous goods: Corrosives, explosives, toxics, or other substances including ORM-Ds controlled by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and/or Transport Canada and Environment Canada Firearms, ammunition, and gun parts
Flammable goods Furs Hazardous materials Jewellery Live animals Otherwise Regulated Material-Dangerous (ORM-Ds) Perishables, including food, pharmaceuticals Personal effects Plants, plant materials, seeds Pornographic materials Tobacco, cigarettes, tobacco products Unaccompanied baggage Any articles which require a U.S. Department of State import license or a Canadian Export Permit Any shipment moving under an A.T.A. carnet
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Section 5
The following products may not be obvious to shippers but are classified as hidden dangerous goods. If you have questions, call FedEx Customer Service at 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339 and ask for the Dangerous Goods hotline.*
Products
Aerosol sprays Breathing apparatus Camping gear Car batteries Cylinders Dental apparatus Fireworks Household goods Matches Nail Polish Nitrogen refrigerated liquids Photographic supplies
*Please note that FedEx Ground does not accept Dangerous Goods.
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Section 6
Maximum Dimensions for Shipping with FedEx Express Freight 70 (178 cm) in height. 119 (302 cm) in length. 300 (762 cm) in length and girth combined (use length and girth formula). Skids exceeding 70 inches (178 cm) in height or 119 inches (302 cm) in length or 80 inches (203 cm) in width require prior approval. Forklift and Pallet Jack Base All FedEx Express Freight and FedEx international air cargo shipments weighing more than 150 lbs. (68 kg) must be secured on a forkliftable base and be compatible for pallet jack usage. Each skid or pallet should weigh no more than 2,200 lbs. (997 kg) without prior approval by FedEx. The minimum specifications for a typical base for forklift or pallet jack configuration are illustrated below. (See Fig. 20) Pallet jack entry is required on two sides of either type base and a minimum of 27 inches (68.58 cm) for pallet jack entry is recommended.
Securing Methods Shipments must be securely banded, bolted or stretch, shrinkwrapped to the forkliftable base. Use 70 gauge minimum stretch or shrinkwrapping and have it secured to the base of the skid. Banding material can include steel, rayon, polypropylene, nylon or polyester strapping. Use a minimum of two bands (tightly secured) through the skid or pallet voids and around all boxes. If applicable when bolting, consider using shock absorber connections or cushioned skids. Tips for Skid Loading and Stacking Attempt to follow all carton orientation symbols or verbiage (e.g., TOP LOAD ONLY, DO NOT STACK, THIS SIDE UP). Distribute weight evenly on the skid or pallet to avoid excess weight being placed on box contents. Stack boxes squarely on the skid or pallet to the edge (do not overhang) and corner to corner to maximize compression strength. Top of skid or pallet must be flat to minimize chances of lost or damaged boxes (pyramid stacking is unacceptable). (See Fig. 21) Place angleboard (corner protectors) along the edges of boxes to prevent crushing. Cover the top layer to protect the unitized load from the weather.
Angleboard
70 (178 cm)
Do not overlap
27 (68.58 cm) minimum width, 3 1/2 (8.9 cm) minimum height for pallet jack entry
Tips for Labelling Large Shipments Individual boxes should include the origin and destination addresses whenever possible. Remove or mark through all old labels.
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Section 7
Packaging Lab
Is your packaging sturdy enough to get your FedEx shipment to its destination in great shape? FedEx has just the service to help the FedEx Packaging Lab. Package Testing Procedures If you have any concerns about the sturdiness or suitability of your current packaging, send your packaging to the FedEx Packaging Lab. We will test your current packaging, at no extra charge, and let you know what changes, if any, are necessary to better protect your shipments. Just follow these simple steps: Send us a sample package, exactly as you would ship it, but over box the test sample in a larger box with cushioning between the test package and the larger over box. If your package sample fails the test, well recommend a more appropriate packaging option for that shipment. For more details or to request your packaging testing or evaluation, please contact your FedEx account executive. Get Reassurance Is your packaging durable enough? Could you save money by avoiding over-packaging and cutting packaging weight? To use package testing and evaluation services, complete and submit a Packaging Services Application.
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Section 8
Before you drop off your package or arrange to have it picked up by FedEx, take a moment to do one more quick check.
Did you wrap contents properly? Did you use adequate cushioning material for your
packaging method?
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