Packaging solutions

Packaging tips

Follow these simple tips to ensure your shipment is delivered to your customer in perfect condition:

PACKING BOXES

• Use (new) boxes that are rigid, in a good condition (not damaged or wet) and do not tear easily. Used and damaged boxes lose their strengths which can damage your shipment.
• Ensure the box is large enough for the content. Items sticking out can get damaged. Sharp objects should be packed with extra care to avoid injure or damage.
• Protect (delicate) items with additional protection. Ship fragile products individually, wrapping them in a minimum 3 in (8 cm) thickness of air-cellular cushioning material such as Bubble Wrap®. Use cushiniong material to cover the items as much as possible. This avoids the content is touching the box. Heavy items should even have more protection and support.
• Use high-quality adhesive parcel tape or shrinkwrap to seal your parcel across all openings and strap tightly.
• Ensure the box can hold the weight of the content. 
• If you are shipping heavy boxes above 55 lbs (25 kg), put a 'Heavy' mark on the box. 
• Parcels above 75lbs (34kgs) should have a yellow and black safety label. Check the GSC catalogue for on how to get these.
• Place shipping labels on the top surface of the box. Do not cover them with tape or shrink wraps. 
• The GSC barcodes have to be placed flat on the surface (not around the corner or partially covered).
• Remove old shipping labels or barcodes that were used for previous shipments.
• Include duplicate labels/consignment notes inside the box, in the event that address information on the box is missing.

PACKING PALLETS

• Items weighing 150 lbs (70kgs) or above, should be put on a pallet for safety, ease of handling and protection
  Use pallets that can be lifted by common forklifts.
• Be aware of the conditions of the pallets you use. Corrugated pallets are popular, but have to be water repellent in order to keep its strengths when getting wet.
• Ensure the pallet is not damaged or can cause injuries (no broken blocks or pins sticking out).
  Ensure the boxes fit properly on the pallet and do not go beyond the dimensions of the pallet. Build a pallet that will ensure stability and strength.
• GSC will stack pallets. Build the pallets in order to be stackable (flat surface on the top).
• Avoid building 'pyramids'. This reduces the stability and strength.
• Secure the boxes and items using straps, shrinkwraps or crate constructions (Especially when shipping 'oddly' shaped items). Again, ensure stability of moving objects and be aware of safety for others!
• Indicate whether the pallet is stackable. Proper stacked pallets can bear up to five times their weight.
• Shipping labels of the pallet or boxes should be clearly visible (see boxes for more info)

Calculating size and weight

Documentation

1. The word "invoice" ("Proforma" invoices are only acceptable in certain circumstances).
2. Sender company name and address.
3. Receiver company name and address.
4. Date of invoice.
5. Invoice number.
6. Full description of each item of goods supplied (catalogue and part numbers are not sufficient to describe the goods) to enable correct Customs Tariff Classification.
7. Country of origin (i.e. where manufactured) for each type of goods being supplied.
8. Please include this information (if known) - also referred to as a 'commodity code'. In the absence of a Tariff being provided, a full and accurate description of goods MUST be supplied.
9. Quantity of each item of goods supplied.
10. Clearly state currency in which the value of goods is expressed.
11. Total value of all goods covered by the invoice.
12. INCO Term is based on the transaction and payment between the seller and buyer of the goods and the official point of hand-over of responsibility.
13. Gross weight (i.e. including packaging), net weight (i.e. excluding packaging) and number of items.
14. The following statement must appear "I declare all of the information to be true to the best of my knowledge".
15. The invoice must be signed and dated.

Note: Customs requirements vary from country to country and may change without notice.

The easiest way to prepare a consignment note is using one of our online shipping tools. When you have entered all the details, a consignment note will automatically be generated for printing on plain paper.

If you prefer not to use a shipping tool, you can to request consignment forms and complete them manually.

The consignment number is your permanent reference number for your shipment. It can be used to track your shipment at any time.