It's in your best interest to make sure your parcels are packaged properly. If your parcel is not packaged adequately, it could result in damage to the item or the people handling it. Follow this list of tips to ensure your package won't get damaged during transit and to lessen the risk of paying extra fees.
Suggestion and Advice for Packaging Your Items
Exterior Packaging
- Use strong and durable materials for the outside of your parcel.
- Cardboard boxes are generally suitable for items of average size and weight — refer to carton grades to ensure your box is appropriate.
- For heavier items, we recommend using wooden crates for added strength.
- Do not use previously used packaging, especially if it has been used:
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Plants or soil
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Animal matter (e.g., meat)
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Fertiliser or chemicals
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You can explore our range of courier bags here.
Interior Protection
- Use cushioning materials like:
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Bubble wrap
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Thick cardboard
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Packing peanuts
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Foam
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- Avoid using plant-based materials or wood shavings unless done carefully.
- Ensure the item is completely surrounded and cushioned — a good test is that you can’t feel the shape of the item through the packaging.
- The item should not move around inside the box or bag. Secure it tightly to prevent damage from movement.
Multiple Items
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Wrap each item individually with protective material (e.g., bubble wrap or thick newspaper).
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Separate them inside the box to prevent items from bumping into each other during transit.
Heavy Items
- Use extra inner cushioning to prevent damage to the outer packaging.
Sealing Your Package
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Use strong, self-adhesive tape that is at least 38mm wide.
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Tape over all open edges and foldable flaps to ensure the package stays securely closed.
Important
Before sending, please check whether your item is prohibited or restricted under shipping regulations.
Measuring your Parcel
It is very important to measure and weigh your parcels correctly to avoid an under-ticketing charge and possible penalty charge. More about Under Ticketing here.
On our system, you will see the fields Length, Width, Height, KG, and Cubic.
As a suggestion to avoid under-ticketing, if your package has measurements such as 17.3cm x 21.7cm x 32.9cm, you could input them as 18cm x 22cm x 33cm
The same rule of rounding up to the next whole number applies to the weight of the package as well. If the package weighs 17.4kg, you input the weight as 18kg.
Calculating the Volumetric Weight
Shipments are generally charged on the greater of volume or weight (except for some NZ Post international services).
There is a 200kg to 1 m3 ratio that can be used to work out which one is greater. For example, if a package is 0.012m3, the equivalent weight is 2.4kg (0.012 x 200). This is called Volumetric Weight.
Our system will automatically work this out for you based on the weight and dimensions you enter.