International shipping isn't like domestic shipping. For example, a shipment from India to Germany may be subject to many different security and customs checks, as well as multiple transport hubs. With so many different handling points, good packaging becomes essential to minimising damage.
You must be careful and proper when shipping anything from documents to clothing, gifts, food, home, and sample items, as well as other legal shipments. This means paying attention to boxing, packing, and sealing, as well as putting in the right customs declaration and protections. You also need to choose a dependable courier.
Use the following tips when packaging your shipment to Germany to make it as safe and efficient as possible.
What Happens if a Package is Poorly Packaged for International Shipping?
Packages shipped internationally have to travel across long distances and are often handled multiple times. Poorly packaged shipments are very likely to be damaged. Poor packaging means:
- Contents may shift and even be damaged upon landing.
- Packaging may be damaged by moisture.
- Packaging and contents may be further damaged due to handling and may even be lost beyond repair.
- Packaging helps support customs and makes sure the shipment looks good when it finally arrives at the recipient's address.
Poor packaging is even more troublesome for valuable or fragile items. Always package according to the item being shipped.
How to Pack an International Shipment to Germany
Shipping parcels to Germany requires extra care when packing fragile items. While the three-layer packing system is not the only option, it is the most straightforward packing strategy.
1. Pick the Right Outer Box
Crisp, dry, and unbent corrugated boxes are the best choice for an outer box, and should be sized such that items fit easily inside without needing to force them in. On the other hand, boxes should not have too much extra space, or items will be allowed to shift. If the box will be holding a large item, consider using a box designed to handle large loads.
2. Wrap Items Relatively
Items must be packed and cushioned individually to prevent loose shifting during transit. The protection selected is based largely on the item. Some examples of protection are:
- Bubble Wrap
- Foam Sheets
- Paper Cushions
- Air Cushions
- Protective Sleeves
- Inner Box Containers
Corners and edges of fragile items are typically the most vulnerable and should be protected the most.
3. Validate Protection
Items should not be allowed to shift; the protection provided should fill all remaining gaps and give the box a light shake. The box should be sealed when the contents can no longer be heard shifting.
Packaging items for shipment
Methods for packaging shipped items can differ. Selecting the best packaging for items can greatly increase the safety of shipped items.
Documents
Important, smaller documents or sheets of paper should be enclosed in a waterproof document sleeve or protective envelope. Rigid document mailers should be used for larger documents that should not be folded, like certificates, contracts, and photographs.
Documents should not be placed loose in larger boxes.
Clothing and Personal Items
Clothing should be packaged in clean, moisture-resistant inner packaging and then placed in the outer box. This helps prevent clothing from becoming damp during shipment.
Personal items should be grouped, and smaller items should be listed.
Fragile Items
Glassware, decorative items, and electronic items should be packaged with care.
Each item should be wrapped and cushioned so that no two items can touch. Fragile items should be placed as far away from the walls of the box as possible.
If an item can be broken apart, those smaller items should be packaged the same way.
Food and Homemade Items
Special care should be taken when shipping food because packaging and shelf life can affect whether shipping is acceptable.
Foods should be protected in clean, sealed, leak-proof packaging, and the same care should be taken to ensure that foods can be shipped to the destination.
Just because a certain food can be shipped to India does not mean that the same food can be shipped to Germany. Check before sending a package if the food can be shipped to Germany and if there are restrictions on food.
Business Samples and Commercial Goods
Business shipments demand more information than standard personal shipments. When feasible, different products should be packaged separately.
As part of the commercial invoice, clear and correct product descriptions and values assist customs with the shipment.
What Should You Check Before Sealing the Parcel?
Shipping preparation includes more than just packaging. Check the following before sealing the shipment.
Shipment Preparation Checklist
- Recipient's full name,
- Complete German delivery address,
- Correct postal code and city,
- Required contact details for the recipient,
- Sender's contact details,
- Contents list,
- Correct declared value,
- Permitted items,
- Proper packaging for all items,
- Sufficient cushioning for all contents,
- All openings secured,
- Shipment preparation documentation.
International shipments require a particular level of detail. Customs does not consider vague descriptions, such as “items” or “gift,” helpful.
Are Customs Documents Part of Packaging Preparation?
Customs and shipping preparation must be done in unison. A shipment may be delayed, even when packaged well, if the shipment information is incomplete or provided incorrectly.
Depending on the shipment, documents may include identification, invoices, packing lists, support documents, product information, and a host of others.
Business shipments require a level of detail that personal shipments do not. Additionally, some products may require specific approvals or certificates.
Before booking a Courier to Germany, ask what documents pertain to your shipment.
Courier Charges from India to Germany and the Role of Packaging
International shipments assess several different metrics to price a shipment. Packaging can impact the pricing of a shipment. Courier pricing can include the actual or dimensional volume, shipment category, destination, and service type.
For example, if you were to use a large, lightweight box, considering the shape, it could take up more space compared to a larger, compact box. This is why you should try to minimise the size of the box, as packaging tends to take a hit on pricing.
When comparing the shipment charges from India to Germany, look at the complete offering from the courier service and not just the base price. Look at the complete offering from the courier service, including pickup, packing, shipment tracking, documentation, and delivery.
The Right Courier Service Features
A key part of international shipping is picking a Courier service. Different shipments will have different requirements, and because of this, you should evaluate the services for the shipment you plan to send.
Atlantic International Express offers International Courier and Air Freight Services. They offer a unique set of services, including packaging support, door-to-door shipment services, shipment tracking, and documentation support. Their services are tailored to personal parcels, documents and/or business shipments.
Their service to Germany offers door-to-door shipment services, packaging support, online tracking, and guidance on German customs clearance.
If you would like to know how different pickup and delivery services function across different regions of India, you can check out the information for other international courier locations.
How to Choose the Best Courier Service
The cheapest courier service isn’t always the best courier service. To begin, figure out what you’re sending.
For Documents
Consider the secure handling of documents, the reliability of transit, and the capability to track the shipment.
For Personal Parcels
Determine if the courier service provides convenient pickup, adequate packaging, and/or assistance with preparation of customs documents.
For Business Shipment
Typically, the lowest cost option isn’t the most adequate. Instead, focus on the availability of/assistance with documents, customs, shipment tracking, and service reliability.
A courier service that provides door-to-door pickup and delivery can be beneficial, as it eliminates the need to go to the courier office.
Common Packaging Mistakes
Often, international shipping issues stem from the same few careless packing errors.
Using a Weak/Re-Used Box
A box that is weakened and is at the end of its life will not adequately protect your shipment for a long journey.
Leaving Empty Space
Contents that are loose in the box can shift and/or impact the walls of the box.
Overpacking
Overpacking can increase the overall shipment weight and size, without providing adequate protection.
Mixing Heavy and Light Items
Placing heavy and light items in the same package is a bad idea. Heavy items can shift and crush fragile items. They should be packaged separately.
Using Bad Quality Packing Tape
Weak tape can't be used to package an international shipment. Seal the openings and tape the edges with packing tape.
Providing a Poor Description of Shipment Contents
Providing a vague or generalised description of shipment contents can cause problems at customs. Provide an honest and accurate description of the shipment contents.
Not Considering Shipment Restrictions
Shipping regulations should be considered before a shipment. Certain items can be restricted, prohibited, or require additional shipping documentation.
Can You Track a Courier After It Leaves India?
International shipping is complicated as a shipment goes through many different networks. After a company provides you with a shipment, keep the tracking or AWB number.
A good tracking system will allow you to see updates and important events, such as customs processing and shipment transit. Customers can track their shipments through Atlantic International Express.
The shipment provider's customer support and contact section should be used for any questions you have about a shipment, the required documentation, or the delivery itself.
One Last Check Before the Courier Arrives
Make sure you check all sides of your shipment after sealing, and before a courier picks it up.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Is the box strong enough?
- Are the contents protected from movement?
- Is the package sealed securely?
- Is the address of the recipient correct?
- Is the declaration of the contents correct?
- Is the required documentation present?
- Have I checked if the items can be shipped legally?
If you answered ‘yes’ to all seven questions, your shipment is much better prepared for international transport.
If you would like to know more about the company, their services, and how they deal with international shipping, you can check the company info and service background prior to your booking.
Conclusion
Good packaging is one of the easiest ways to protect a shipment during its international journey. This applies whether you are sending documents, gifts, personal items, food, or business samples.
Don't forget about the customs information, accurate declarations, recipient info, and shipment restrictions. Each of these is equally as important as the box the contents are placed in.
When looking to book a courier to Germany from India, compare the services based on the shipment you are sending, the packaging, the documentation, the tracking, and the delivery. Taking a few minutes to prepare everything correctly can greatly improve the experience of international shipping.
FAQs
1. What is the best box for sending a parcel to Germany?
A strong corrugated cardboard box is suitable for many ordinary shipments. The box should match the size and weight of the contents and leave enough room for protective cushioning.
2. How should fragile items be packed for a courier to Germany?
Wrap fragile items individually with suitable cushioning material and prevent them from touching one another or the outer walls of the box. Fill empty spaces to limit movement.
3. Can I send food items from India to Germany?
Some food items may be shipped, but restrictions can apply depending on the product, quantity, ingredients, packaging, and German or EU import rules. Always check the current requirements before booking.
4. What affects courier charges from India to Germany?
Charges can depend on factors such as shipment weight, dimensions, destination, service type, and the nature of the shipment. Dimensional weight can also matter when a package is large compared with its actual weight.
5. How can I track my courier to Germany?
After booking, you normally receive a tracking or AWB number. Enter that number into the courier provider's tracking system to check the latest available shipment updates. Atlantic International Express provides an online tracking facility for international shipments.
