UPS® Packaging Guidelines
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Shipping with UPS
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If you’re new to shipping packages online or with UPS®, don’t worry, it’s a very simple process and we're here to hold your hand. Not sure where to start? Follow our simple guide to help you ship your package with UPS®.
Firstly you need to know the weight and size of the item you are trying to ship, you will need this to generate an accurate shipping quote. Remember to note this information down as you will also need this information later on when you select packaging for your item.
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How to Measure Your Package Correctly
Determine the length, width and height. The longest side of your package is your length. Round up and make sure that you’re rounding up to the nearest centimetre when taking your measurements. Keep the measurements handy, you'll need these when you create your quote.
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Weight and Size Limits for Packages
- Packages can be up to 70 kg.
- Packages can be up to 274 centimetres long.
- Packages can be up to 400 centimetres in length and girth combined.
- Packages that weigh more than 31.5 kg (25 kg within the EU) require a special heavy-package label.
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How do I measure the actual weight of my package?
The actual weight is the package weight rounded up to the next half kg. Use a scale to determine the weight of the package. Round any fractions of a kg to the next half kg.
How to Pack Items for Shipping
When you ship a package through a courier network it will be travelling with thousands of others, going through depots, sometimes airports and loaded on and off trucks. With this in mind, it's essential that your item is suitably packed and protected for travel.
Always use a heavy-duty corrugated cardboard box. It's ok to reuse an old box, but reinforce corners and joins with tape and make sure you remove any old shipping labels. Double boxing is another good option for adding extra protection.
Items inside the box should be wrapped individually and all gaps should be filled to minimise movement during transit. You can find more packaging advice in our full guide on how to wrap a package for shipping.
You can help to ensure that your package arrives safely and on time with these packaging guidelines and procedures listed specifically by UPS for good packaging techniques to follow:
- Use a rigid box with flaps intact.
- Remove any labels, hazardous materials indicators, and other previous shipment markings on the box that are no longer applicable.
- Wrap all items separately.
- Use adequate cushioning material.
- Use strong tape designed for shipping.
- Do not use string or paper over wrap.
- Use a single address label that has clear, complete delivery and return information.
- Place a duplicate address label inside the package.
Packaging your Shipment Properly - Insurance Claims
It is important to follow the UPS packaging guidelines to ensure that your insurance does not get hindered. Should you have to claim, UPS will determine if your shipment was packaged in accordance with their guidelines and if guidelines haven't been followed then they may deny the insurance claim based on 'insufficient packaging'.
UPS Packaging
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UPS Express Envelope 9.5” x 13”
UPS Express Envelop is designed specifically for urgent correspondence and documents only. If your thinking what is included in this specification, a document is generally defined as a written, typed or printed communication with no commercial value. Export documentation is not required for shipments to other countries. Please note that there will be an additional fee if the 0.5 kg weight limit is exceeded.
Key Information:
Weight Limit - 0.5 kg -
UPS Express Tube 38” x 7.5” x 6.5”
The UPS Express Tube is a triangular shipping tube that accommodates and protects larger documents, which should be rolled rather than folded. This packaging can be used for a range of products or documents, for example, blueprints, charts, maps, drawings, or posters. Charges are based on the billable weight and zone. Export documentation is required except when shipping nationally or when shipping goods in free circulation within the EU.
Key Information:
Size - 38" x 7.5" x 6.5" (970mm x 190mm x 165mm)
Weight Limit - N/A -
UPS Express Pak 12.75” x 16”
UPS Express Pak is for flat, non-breakable articles including heavier document shipments. If you are shipping heavier, bulkier documents then UPS Express Pak is the right packaging option. You won't need to worry about your flat items potentially being damaged during transit with the extra protection. Charges are based on weight and zone. Export documentation is required except when shipping nationally or when shipping goods in free circulation within the EU.
Shipping heavier, bulkier documents? UPS Express PAK is made for flat, non-breakable articles. There is no need to worry about your flat items potentially being damaged during transit; UPS Express PAK can safely get your documents from Point A to Point B.
Key Information:
Regular - 12.75" x 16" (325 mm x 408 mm)
Large - 17.73" x 16.15" (450 mm x 410 mm)
Weight Limit - N/A -
UPS 25kg Box 16.5” x 13.25” x 10.75”
UPS 25kg Box should be used for UPS Worldwide Express shipments. Holds up to 25kg (55 lbs). Export paperwork included. Charges are based on flat rate and zone.
Shipping Details:
This Packaging exceeds UPS Drop Box size limitations and should be taken to a staffed retail location.Key Information:
Size - 19.375" x 17.375" x 14" (484mm x 433mm x 350mm)
Weight Limit - 25kgOrder Information:
Min. Qty. - One pack of two boxes
Increments - One pack of two boxes. Orders above five have different increments. Your orders may be adjusted accordingly. -
UPS 10kg Box 19.375” x 17.375” x 14”
UPS 10kg Box should be used for UPS Worldwide Express shipments. Holds up to 10kg (22 lbs). Export paperwork included. Charges are based on flat rate and zone.
Shipping Details:
This Packaging exceeds UPS Drop Box size limitations and should be taken to a staffed retail location.Key Information:
Size - 16.5" x 13.25" x 10.75" (410mm x 335mm x 265mm)
Weight Limit - 10kgOrder Information:
Min. Qty. - One pack of two boxes
Increments - One pack of two boxes. Orders above five have different increments.
Your orders may be adjusted accordingly. -
UPS Express Box - 3 Sizes Available
The UPS Express Box is suited for a wide range of items, including computer printouts and electronic parts and more. Charges are based on the weight and zone. Export documentation is required.
Key Information:
UPS Small Express Box - 13” x 11” x 2”
UPS Medium Express Box - 16” x 11” x 3”
UPS Large Express Box - 18” x 13” x 3”
So what's next? Next, you need to get a shipping quote from our free shipping calculator, set the size, weight and packaging you would like to use and then off you go. Parcel Monkey will give you the cheapest shipping rates for your package. Once you select your shipping service you then simply follow the instructions on the screen.
But don't worry if you need any help Live Chat can be accessed from any page on the Parcel Monkey by clicking the Live Chat icon.
Need more help?
If it's your first time shipping a package, there's really nothing to it. You can find more helpful information on shipping packages through the links provided or please feel free to contact our customer support team on Live Chat and they'll be happy to help.
Need help shipping your UPS package? Click here to contact UPS directly for more information.
Live chat can be accessed from any page on the website by clicking the Live Chat icon.
More helpful information for shipping packages: