This page contains the mandatory packaging rules for parcels for Plus and Direct consolidations, shipments via FedEx, UPS, DPD, and other services, to avoid fines and manual processing.
How to pack parcels correctly
Please note the packaging rules for Consolidation Plus, Direct shipments, FedEx, UPS, and DPD.
You can learn more about the different delivery options at the following links:
– UPS Express and UPS Ground Delivery
– About FedEx shipping
– Nova Global Delivery
– Nova Poshta International Delivery
– Delivery to Europe from Ukraine via DPD
– Consolidation Plus Delivery
– Consolidation Direct Delivery
– Consolidation Optimum Delivery
Also useful links for working with your shipments:
– Delivery cost calculator
– Western Bid shipment tracking
– Attachments for shipping
– How to cancel a label yourself?
– Shipping in KeyCRM via Western Bid
To ensure your shipments are scanned faster and do not require manual handling by postal staff (and thus reach your customers faster and do not incur extra handling charges), please follow the simple postal service packaging requirements:
- Do not wrap parcels with film, stretch wrap, or kraft paper (you may wrap only the item inside the parcel with protective film). Only cardboard boxes and/or courier bags are permitted for forwarding.
- Do not tape the parcel completely.
- Replace cylindrical packaging with square or triangular packaging.
- Do not pack in wooden, plastic, or metal boxes or in boxes made of plywood or particleboard, and do not wrap with kraft paper or bubble wrap.
The rules of the postal service allow:
- to send a courier package and seal it with tape in several places (but not completely!);
- to seal the corners of the box so the package keeps its shape;
- to wrap the item inside the cardboard box with film/plastic wrap;
- courier bags are allowed for shipments up to 2 kg actual or dimensional weight, with dimensions up to 30 cm on the long side and 25 cm on the other side.
Considering that the dimensions of courier bags are measured on the same strip together with the boxes, the scanner does not see any difference between them, and takes the dimensions by the extreme sizes. Please specify the dimensions for the courier bag, but not less than the minimum dimensions 10*15 cm. All readable information should be on one plane.
- For all other dimensions, boxes made of corrugated cardboard only, at least 3-ply cardboard, or, if the box is handmade, you can use 3-ply sheet corrugated cardboard, not less.
- You can cover a cardboard box with tape up to 30% of its surface. Given that tape often has a not-ideal adhesive basis, it is highly recommended that the tape ends at the start of the tape (not ending on the cardboard).
- If the packaging is of poor quality, it needs additional reinforcement by UPS or FedEx staff – this is considered “manual handling” – for this courier services charge additional funds.
- If the label is of poor print quality, smaller than the required minimum dimensions 10*15 cm – this label may not be scanned on automatic sorting lines, considering that scanning occurs dynamically (in motion), not in a static state of the parcel.
- If the parcel does not scan on the automatic line, it is redirected to “manual processing” – for this, courier services charge additional funds.
Please, follow these rules, since scanning the parcel dimensions is significantly complicated (and sometimes simply impossible) because the protective film (or the tape wrapping the entire parcel) “reflects” the laser beam on the scanning equipment.
If the packaging does not meet the requirements, the carrier will issue a fine of $45. The funds will be deducted from your account.
Examples of proper packaging in the photo:
You can use the following courier packages.
And this is how a tube package can be placed in a box:
It is prohibited to send a parcel that contains several packages tied together – this is considered unreliable packaging, and courier services may impose additional fines for it. Externally, the parcel must have intact packaging:
Label requirements
As for the labels, they also need to be affixed to parcels, in accordance with the postal company’s rules.
The label must be at least 10×15 cm.
A small parcel can be placed in a courier bag and a label of the minimum permissible size affixed on top.
Please do not reduce the label sizes, and also do not enlarge the barcodes during printing.
Because at the initial sorting, postal workers place parcels on a belt or conveyor rollers with the label (barcode) up in such a way that, as they pass through the scanner frame, the barcode is read automatically, however creases in the tape, several layers of it, the dark color of the tape, glossy and dark surfaces (onto which the labels are affixed) often hinder the automatic barcode reading process. And this is done manually by a postal worker. Manual handling takes more time and is priced by the postal company under a separate tariff, which is expressed as an additional charge for each parcel.
To avoid delays in delivery times and shipping rates, we kindly ask you to pay careful attention to the following rules:
To prevent damage to the label paper, they should be affixed with tape (across the entire surface of the label) on top of the boxes, but always with transparent tape and without creases/folds of the tape directly above the barcode.
Note: this requirement does not apply to labels printed on thermal printers, since the glue on the tape negatively affects the ink’s composition – it smears it. Therefore labels printed on thermal printers are best simply taped to the parcel in such a way that the tape does not come into contact with the printed information.
The packaging rules for parcels for Nova Poshta can be found here.
What is allowed and prohibited for parcel packaging
| Type of packaging / action | Status | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Courier package taped in several places | Allowed | Cannot be wrapped fully; only reinforce areas where tears may occur. |
| Three-layer corrugated cardboard box | Allowed | Suitable for most shipments; tape coverage up to 30% of the surface. |
| Tube without an additional outer box | Not recommended | It is recommended to place the tube in a square or triangular box. |
| Package completely wrapped in stretch film or tape | Prohibited | The film and tape reflect the laser, hindering automatic scanning. |
| Wooden, plastic, metal boxes, plywood, particleboard | Prohibited | Do not meet postal service requirements; may result in fines. |
| Several packages bundled together | Prohibited | Is considered unreliable packaging; the parcel must be intact externally. |
Basic requirements for labels
| Parameter | Requirement | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Label size | Not less than 10×15 cm | Small labels may not be readable on automated lines. |
| Placement on the parcel | In one plane, barcode facing up | The scanner must read the barcode without bends or distortions. |
| Tape over the label (paper) | Transparent, with no folds over the barcode | Creased or dark tape hinders readability. |
| Thermal printer labels | Do not cover the barcode with tape | Adhesive may damage the ink and make the code unclear. |
| Scaling during printing | Do not reduce the label size and do not enlarge the barcode | Changing proportions distorts the barcode and makes scanning more difficult. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Parcel Packaging
Why can't parcels be wrapped in film or kraft paper?
Why can't parcels be wrapped in film or kraft paper?
Protective film, kraft, and a solid layer of tape reflect the laser beam, which causes the package not to be scanned on the automated line. Such shipments are routed to “manual processing”, for which carriers charge extra.
What is “manual processing” and when is it used?
What is “manual processing” and when is it used?
Manual processing means that delivery service staff are forced to manually measure or scan the parcel due to incorrect packaging or labeling. This takes longer and is charged at a higher rate, which may be billed to the sender.
What are the consequences of improper packaging of a parcel?
What are the consequences of improper packaging of a parcel?
If the packaging does not meet the carrier’s requirements, the parcel may be subjected to manual handling, which will result in additional costs and delivery delays. In some cases, a fine may be charged and deducted from your account.
Why is it important to comply with the minimum label size of 10×15 cm?
Why is it important to comply with the minimum label size of 10×15 cm?
Smaller labels are more difficult to place correctly on the parcel and read at high speed. An insufficient size increases the risk of errors during scanning and transferring the shipment to manual processing.
Can it be shipped in tubes?
Can it be shipped in tubes?
Tubes are recommended to be placed in a square or triangular box. Such packaging is easier to measure and transport; it protects the contents better and reduces the risk of additional charges from carriers.
Please note: penalties and surcharges for manual handling are charged by the carrier and may be deducted from your account in the system. Compliance with packaging rules helps to avoid these costs and delivery delays.