parcel packing guide booklet design6 - rasterized2

V20

2007

First Release Date: 1 September 2020

PackingGuidelines

• Safe transportation

• Safe processing as this willhelp prevent contents beingdislodge from the parcel,damage to the contents andother parcels and henceprevent damage to the postalmachinery

• Safe handling as it will helpprevent injury to peoplehandling the parcels and

• Safe delivery

2and examples on how you can pack your

helps to ensure:

This will ultimately improve your customer delivery service experience.

NOTE

The customer is

responsible to ensure

that the packing

requirements are

adhered to.

SingPost reserves

the right to reject

parcels that do not

comply with the

correct packaging

guidelines.

Items that are

improperly packed

and labelled may be

subjected to delay,

refused and returned

to the sender.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Choose a suitable container- Singapore Post packaging option- Special considerations in the packing forcertain items for processing- Size Guide- About Machinable Parcels

Packing- How to pack properly- Choosing of Internal Packing Materials-- Type of Internal Packaging Materials- Examples of non-compliance packing

Sealing- Sealing Notes

Preparing- preparation of shipping label- customs declaration for international shipping

Labelling

Handling- usage of special handling label for itemsthat requires special handling

2

helps to ensure:

Choose an appropriate container

Guide to a consistent B2C preparation of parcelsfor postage.

Use internal packing materials to ensure your content is secure and adequately cushioned

Do proper sealing

Prepare the shipping label / invoice

Indicate special instructions on handling

securely

3Parcel Journey2

Container > Packing > Sealing > Preparing > Labelling > Handling

Start

Container

Packing Materials

Sealing

Preparing

Labelling

Special Instructions

End

Safe

Packing

Safe

Processing

Secure Parcel Safely

Safe Delivery

ContainerSingapore Post Packaging Options

Choose suitable packaging

4


or online at for a list of products and prices.

For small items within letterbox size, consider our PolyM (non-trackable) or Smartpac (trackable) prepaid consumables.

Poly MSmartPac

Carton Packing Materials

Used boxes / packaging materials should only be reused if it is of durable quality. Previous shipping label must be completely removed or covered up.

For fragile or heavy item, use at least a double walled carton box.

Use new high quality, rigid, corrugated cardboard with no dent and punctures.

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Special Considerationswhen Packing of Special Items

54


Contents with liquids

Ensure that the liquid is put inside a leak free container and protected with strong internal materials such as Styrofoam. Seal in a leak proof plastic bag before putting in a machinable size double wall durable carton box

Liquid in glass bottle must be double or triple layered with bubble wrap

Seal semi-liquids, greasy or strong-smelling substances with adhesive tape and wrap in grease-resistant paper before putting into a strong double wall box

Powder

leak proof and strong plastic bags, securely seal and then packed in a strong box.

Household electrical gadgets, luggage and other electronic goods

up the empty space win internal packing materials

Pack items in hard boxes as soft boxes will not be able to withstand the rigour of transit and may even damage other parcels. If hard case is not available, place the item in a double walled cardboard box

Ensure that there are no protruding parts from the box or it will likely become damage in transit

Long tubes/pipes/ rods/sticks

For contents that are long in length, opt for triangular box packaging or spiral tube. After that put them inside a square outer box (for it to be machinable)

Long elongated shaped parcel wrapped with a just a plastic shrink-wrap or other bubble wrap and with no outer protective container is not acceptable for posting

Cartons of drinks or beer

Cartons of drinks or beer must be stacked neatly together and machine wrapped with strong leakproof and impact resistant materials and supported at the base with a hard carboard that can carry the weight of the drinks or beer. Prevent over-stacking of the cartons of drinks during transportation.

Carpets/textile rolls

Always roll carpets/fabrics along the shortest length

Wrap it around a strong and spiral wound cardboard tube for support

Protect the ends of the rolls from damage with heavy duty hardboard

Place roll inside a thick plastic bag or wrap the roll multiple times with strong plastic sheet, sealing ends and seams with tape or cable ties

For pieces less than 30 kg and /or 120 cm in length, place the wrapped items inside a double walled corrugated box suitable for stacking. Use H tape method to seal.

If there are multiple pieces and/or pieces greater than 30 kg, do not bundle them together. Pack the items separately and place them individually in cardboard tubes

Usage of polybag

provided they are made of durable strength, impact resistant, anti-static, tear resistant and non-glossy

The plastic must wrap tightly around the

free.

snugly and the seam can hold/stretch without tearing when the content is inserted

If there are more than 1 item, wrap items individually with bubble wrap it before putting in the bigger plastic bag to avoid damage during processing and transit

All articles in the wrapper are securely bound or taped or tied together as well as wrapped

Fold and tape down at the side and seams of

snugly inside the bags

There must not be any uneven, odd ends or protruding parts from the plastic

Cling wrap, supermarket and recycled plastic bags are not acceptable

All odd shaped contents are to be packed in boxes and not in plastic wrapper

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Restricted Goodsposting conditions & packing requirements

There are some items that can only be sent by post when certain requirements/restrictions are met, including in relation to quantity, volume, packaging, and labelling. We call these restricted goods.

Aerosols for personal grooming or medicinal purpose (e.g. body sprays, deodorants, hair sprays, shaving cream, hair removal creams, asthma inhalers)

Openings to be protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent leakage of the contents during transport.

Must be tightly packed in strong outer packaging and must be secured or cushioned

The sender’s name and return address must be clearly written on the outer packing

ITEM PACKAGING LABELLING

Alcoholic beverages


Lithium battery handling label to be applied.


Mark as “FRAGILE”

Must be securely closed and placed in a leak-proof liner, such as a sealed polythene bag.

Surround with absorbent material such as newspaper

from breakage.

Electronic items sent with lithium batteries of any kind(including laptops, mobile phones,digital cameras, MP3 players, portable DVD players and Sat Navs etc) when not installed in the electronic item


Lithium battery

Cells and batteries must be packed in inner packaging that completely enclose the cell or battery. They must be protected against short circuit, including protection against contact with conductive materials within the same packaging that could lead to a short circuit.

The equipment sent with cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation.

Nail varnish or nail polish or paint or other


Bottles of nail varnish /paint must be placed in strong outer packaging and be secured or cushioned in such a way that they cannot break, be punctured or leak their contents into the outer packaging.

Perfumes and aftershave (including eau de parfum and eau de toilette)


The perfume or aftershave must be within its original retail packaging and then placed in strong outer packaging. The inner packaging must be secured or cushioned to prevent breakage or leakage of their contents into the outer packaging.

and used lithium ion andlithium polymer when contained in equipment(e.g. rechargeable batteries)

Equipment containing cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation.

Cells and batteries must be protected against short circuit, including protection against contact with conductive materials within the same packaging that could lead to a short circuit.

The equipment sent with cells or batteries must be packed in strong rigid packaging and must be secured against movement within the outer packaging and packed to prevent accidental activation.

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76


Size Guide

What are Machinable Parcels?

Machinable parcels are parcels that can be processed by our processing machine. It reduces manual handling

processing. In turn, the customers get to enjoy our best delivery standards.

Machinable parcel must be packed in durable carton boxes. Other than getting the size and weight within the machinable guidelines, packing of the parcel and ensuring that the internal contents are protected and conform to

important.

How to measure and determine the correct weight of your parcel.

There are two methods to calculate the maximum dimensions of your parcel:Length x Width x Height or Length + (Width x 2) + (Height x 2)

For item to be collected at POP Station and Lockers

SingPost will check and verify the weight of the item declared and the final chargeable weight shall be determined by SingPost.

MACHINABLE

Min: 0.3m x 0.2m x 0.05m Max: 0.8m x 0.6m x 0.6m

Max. Weight: 300kg Min. Weight: 30kg

Max. Size: 0.8m x 0.6m x 0.6mand up to:

( 0.5m + 2W + 2H ) < 3m

Max. Weight: 30kg

NON-MACHINABLE

RECTANGULAR PARCEL

ODD SHAPED & NON-RECTANGULARPARCEL

width length

height

width length

height

For odd shaped and non-rectangular item, the measurement is taken from end to end at the widest point.

POPStation

Collection Point Machinable Weight

Min. Size: 30cm x 20cm x 5cmMax. Size: 80cm x 60cm x 6cm


Locker Alliance Min. Size: 30cm x 20cm x 5cmMax. Size: 80cm x 60cm x 6cm


For International Shipping

Machinable Weight

Max. Size:

( 150cm + 2W + 2H ) < 300cmMax. Weight: 300kg Min. Weight: 30kg

PackingKeep your content protected.

8


When packing, the objective is to keep the content secured in the centre inside the box, such that movement is minimized within the box during transportation.

This will ensure there is no damage to the items and container during transportation.

Use suitable strong

surround and protect the items.

boxes may collapse.

may burst during transit.

Use a second outer box to provide added protection for more fragile items like electronic parts (double box packing)

Secure any sharp or protruding edges. Unsecured, the edges could damage the box, the processing equipments as well as posing a safety hazard to handlers.

If a bigger size box is used, put the items in the centre with at least 6 cm away from

the empty spaces with suitable cushioning materials to restrict movement of the contents during transport as covered in the earlier section.

If two or more items is packed in the same box: wrap, pack and cushion each item separately, to protect items from crashing into and damaging one another.

6cm

8

98


Internal Packing Materials

Dos & Don’ts

Choosing the appropriate internal packing materials is essential in protecting, cushioning and reinforcing the contents of the parcel.

Wrap items with bubble wrap with a recommended thickness

of 1-2 inches before placing into carton packaging.

For heavy items, use double-walled box

or double box packing

Make sure empty

secure items.

Bubble wrap Air bags Cardboards

Corrugated board Polysterene foam peanuts

Cotton wool

Crumpled craft paper

SealingHow to seal your parcel?

H Taping Method

12


Good sealing is vital in protecting the contents of your parcel during transit.

Below are some guidelines to follow in sealing your parcel.

Use strong tape like polypropylene tape (brown plastic tape) that is wide enough to close the covers

Do not use transparent scotch tape, strings or ropes (as they are not strong enough to secure the box)

Do not use paper-thin wrap to wrap the

machine processing.

Ensure all seams are sealed and taped for extra protection

Strapping over parcel is not recommended unless the weight of carton is less than 30 kg as this will damage the box

Use H Taping method for maximum strength

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PreparingPreparing your shipping label.

1312


E.g Portage / Company Logo / other details

Other details

( 4 0 8 6 0 0 B )

Receiver Address

To: XXXStreet Name, Block, Unit-NumberSingapore AAABBB

Sender Address

From: YYYStreet Name, Block, Unit-NumberSingapore ABCDEF

AAABBB

Filling in your shipping label correctly and legibly will ensure that the item is delivered to the correct address as the parcel goes through our high-speed optical character reader processing machine.

Address Format

Recipient address must be legible with a minimum font size of 10 points. Avoid italic, bold and pseudo handwriting.

Address must include key information (in a descending order):

a) Name of recipient

b) Street or Road Name

c) Level/Unit Number

d) Building Name

e) Correct 6-digit postal code (Singapore to

be spelt in full)

f) State and/or country for overseas items

g) Telephone Number of sender and

recipient (Very Important)

h) Note: “Attention of or other reference

details” like

Telephone

Telephone should be written

For example:

Attn: Ref No 123456/Tel No: 94567891Name XXXXSingapore Post Limited10 Eunos Road 8#01-38 Singapore Post CentreSingapore 408600

Return Address

All Item must carry a return address. Any undelivered items without any return address shall be sent for destruction.

Font Size: below font size 8.

Must have the word “From : YYY”

Solid Black Print

All shipping label must be printed in solid black print check.

Barcode print quality is not optimal when printed with dot matrix printers, thus should be avoided.

Shipping Label Size

Shipping label must meet the minimum size of 105 mm x 148 mm to facilitate speedy and correct OCR reading

Recipient and Senderaddress to be distinguished each other.

Recipient address must be clearly distinguished from the “return/sender” address.

Ensure that the barcode is printed legibly and with the full length of the barcode laid horizontally across the longest surface of the item.

Reproduction and use of barcode must comply with our barcode guide indicated below:- min. module width: 0.4 mm (thickness of the bar)

- min. length of the barcode: 15mm

- min. vertical quiet zone: 2mm

- min. horizontal quiet zone: 5mm

A barcode (code 39) will be assigned for each item to be posted.

Recipient Address

The recipient address should be placed centrally on the connote or address label with a larger font from the “return/sender” address.

Font size: above font size 10

Must have the word “To: XXX ” or “Send to: XXX“

4-state barcode for the receiver postcode preferred.

Barcode (code 39)

Sample 1:Receiver Address On Top

Sample 2:Receiver Address At The Bottom

E.g Portage / Company Logo / other details

Other details

Other details or instructions

( 4 0 8 6 0 0 B )

To: XXXStreet Name, Block, Unit-NumberSingapore AAABBB

Sender Address Receiver Address

From: YYYStreet Name, Block, Unit-NumberSingapore ABCDEF

AAABBB

Quiet Zone

Quiet Zone

70mm

74mm

20mm 30mm

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Customs DeclarationFor International Shipping

with the following information:

Sender’s information: Name Address including country/state/ area code Phone number

Date

Addressee Information: Name Address including country/state/area code Phone number (very important)

Content information: List each item Describe item in detail including materials Purchase price of each item Weight Country of origin of the content

Any other necessary information to help with the transportation of your items

Declaration (CN23) and commercial invoice.

Labelling

1514


wrinkle free on the largest side of the parcel

Shipping label must not wrap around edge of item or

scanning and reading the address

For item smaller than the shipping label, wrap the label around the edge while ensuring the barcode and

Do not put the label over a seam, box closure, or wrapping tap that will crease the label, resulting in wrong reading of the barcode and the address

Label should be paper based. Do not tape or over label

adhesive onto the item.

the shipping label.

the plastic cover

during processing

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Special Handling LabelsFor Items Require Special Handling

THIS WAY UPShows the direction which

the parcel should be handled.

FRAGILE HANDLE WITH CARETo be handled carefully.

KEEP DRYTo be protected from environment

factors and stored under cover.

Examples:Non-Compliance Shipping Labels

Application of special handling label should be used appropriately for parcel that require special care and not applied indiscriminately across all parcels.

Notwithstanding the use of such labels, parcels must still be

the rigours of handling.

shipping label not pasted fully onto the surface of the box

loose paper will jam the processing machine

ensure shipping label is securely pasted on the largest surface of the box

CORRECTION

wrap-around shipping label not securely pasted onto the surface of the carton

shipping label need to be fully secured on the surface of the parcel

shipping label should not dangle outside the box

CORRECTION

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1716


Examples:Non-Compliance Shipping Labels (cont’)

shipping label partially hidden by the red coloured portion of

covering

will cause wrong OCR reading and wrong sorting

shipping label should be clearly visible to allow full and correct OCR reading

shipping label should not be covered in

CORRECTION

torn barcode /shipping label

shipping label is toobig for the parcel

item cannot be sorted by the machines, slows down processing and delivery

shipping label should be printed the right size to

shipping label should not be pasted over the edge to avoid damage to the label, especially to the barcode

CORRECTION

shipping label will causewrong reading by the sorting machine

use matte label if the label must be plastic protected

CORRECTION

shipping label with faded print that will cause OCR reading and even delivery issues

shipping labels must be printed in solidblack print.

barcode print quality is not optimal when printed with dot matrix printers, thus should be avoided.

CORRECTION

multiple shipping labels on the parcel will confuse the parcel sorting machine as it may read the wrong barcode and the wrong address.

only one shipping label with the assignedbarcode and recipient information is to bepasted on the parcel

any commercial invoice to should be placed in aplastic pouch, that is intended for such purpose

CORRECTION

shipping label that does not meet the minimum size of 105 mm x 148 mm to facilitate speedy and correct OCR reading

use the right sized shipping label of minimum size 105mm x148mm.

CORRECTION

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Special Considerationsin palletisation of packed parcels for transportationFor transportation of large number of heavy box or bags parcels

Below are some key handling considerations when packing parcels on pallets:

<1.5m<1.5m

In Singapore, most common used pallets are the of the wooden type.

Do not use pallets with unstable boards or other protruding parts

The pallet must not exceed in 1.5 m length and 1.5 m width and should allow a four-way and a two-way entry by a pallet jack.

Do not use old boxes or bags

Boxes or bags used must have enough strength to withstand stacking

DO NOT overload such that it exceeds the pallet carriage capacity AS THIS WILL DESTABLISE THE PALLETS AND CAUSE THE BAGS OR PARCEL TO TILT/FALL OFF DURING HANDLING /TRANSPORTAITION such as when using a pallet jack and transportation in a truck

Choose a pallet that is durable and with large enough capacity to hold the boxes or bags.

Choose pallets that has more closed deck boards and a bottom bracing to improve the transportation and handling by a pallet jack

Choosing A Pallet

Added Consideration

18

1918


Heavy items must be on the bottom and lighter items on the top.

Putting On Pallet

Securing The Goods

Bags and boxes must be fully contained within the footprint of the pallet, no overhang of the bags or boxes outside the edge of the pallet.

Secure the goods on the pallets with shrink wrap or strapping.

For strapping, unbreakable plastic can be used. Loop the strap at least 3 rounds or more spread across the goods from top to bottom. Finally secure the packing with shrink wrap to protect the pallets from environmental elements.

If goods are fully stacked on the pallets, edge protectors across all edges of the pallet are recommended to further provide protection and give stability during transportation

For shrink wrap, wrap at least four or more rounds extending from top to bottom to stablise the goods

Leave no gap among the boxes or bags

Parcels in boxes or bags must be stacked in an orderly manner on a pallet to allow for safe and damage free handling.

If there are

of pallets, align the boxes and bags from corner to corner, edge to edge to improve stability

Do not stack the boxes or bags in a pyramid manner, keep the top layer

stability to the pallet and reduce risk of fallen contents or injury

Edge Protectors

parcel packing guide booklet design6 - rasterized2

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