Avoid These Common Mistakes When Using International Shipping Boxes

By Author: Tere
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When it comes to global trade and international delivery, the boxes used for international shipping are much more than cardboard boxes — they are an integral part of the process, responsible for protecting your products, showcasing your brand, and getting them from point A to point B as efficiently and safely as possible. Despite being such an important component of the process, there are still many Australian businesses that continue to make avoidable mistakes which lead to damaged goods, delays, and extra expenditure.

Whether you're a small e-commerce retailer sending overseas for the first time, or a seasoned exporter, the way you prepare and use your International Shipping Boxes can either affect your shipping experience positively or negatively. In this guide, we will go through the most ...
... common mistakes people make when using international shipping boxes - and how you can avoid making them, to ensure safe, compliant, and cost-effective global deliveries.

1. Using the Wrong Type of Box
Not all cardboard boxes are alike. Domestic-grade boxes may be fine for shorter distances, but they will usually fail in international freight environments - particularly if the package is stopping at several hubs, needs to be stacked in containers, and possibly wasted with shifting weather variations.

What to do instead: Use boxes that are suitable for international shipping. Double-walled corrugated boxes or heavy-duty boxes rated for export are going to give a tougher and better secured option for your goods. They are built to resist crushing and humidity - perfect for air or sea freight.

2. Overpacking or Underpacking
The goal of cramming items into a box in order to prevent multiple shipments seems fairly logical! However, this is not ideal for shipping as it significantly increases the likelihood of the box bursting open and damaging its contents. On the flip side, if you under pack a box and leave too much open space, the items will shift and move during transit increasing the likelihood of breakage and damage.

What do I do differently?
Choose a box size that fits your items. Boxes should be neither bulging nor half full. Use void fillers which will create some cushion around the item and prevent movement by filling in empty spaces.

3. Neglecting Internal Protection
Even the heaviest, most durable International Shipping Boxes cannot act alone, but fragile or delicate pieces need internal packaging material as well to absorb shock and impacts during travel.

Instead: Wrap fragile items individually in packing material. If shipping more than one fragile item, use dividers, or multiple smaller boxes in the main box. For electronics or items that are temperature sensitive, consider foam inserts, padded envelopes, or insulated packaging.

4. Using Old or Damaged Boxes
Reusing boxes may be better for the environment, but if the box is damaged or degraded in any way or already has obvious rips and tears, it should not be used for international shipping. Stamps, barcodes, or customs stickers from prior shipments can cause potential confusion and misdirection.

What to do instead:
Before using any box, always inspect the box. If there is any damage to the box, a new box should be used. Use a good quality international shipping box, and make sure to remove any previous labels or markings, to avoid customs delays.

5. Incorrect Labelling and Documentation
When considering international shipping, it’s not just about having proper packaging, but also regulatory compliance. The most common reasons for delays or returns to sender is improper or inadequate labels and documentation.

What to do instead:
Make sure your labels are printed clearly, securely attached, and easy to scan. Be sure to include:
Sender and consignee details (including phone numbers)
Correct descriptions of the product in commerce
Any customs declarations (including HS codes)
A commercial invoice (for dutiables)

If in doubt, check destination country requirements and use clear waterproof label pouches where necessary.

6. Ignoring Weight Restrictions
Each international courier or freight company will have specific weight limits for each type of box. Box overload could lead to extra charges, it may disallow your shipment, or it may injure handlers.

What to do:
Stick to recommended weight limits for your chosen International Shipping Boxes. Weigh packages using a reputable scale prior to shipping. If your goods are heavyweight, use reinforced boxes and, consider separating your shipment between multiple parcels.

7. Skipping Tamper-Proofing and Security
International shipments can go through many touchpoints along the way, increasing the risk of theft or alteration. Unsealed boxes and/or boxes that are loosely packed, such as boxed or palletized, are easy targets.

What to do instead:
Use good quality tape (e.g., heavy-duty packing tape, tamper-evident tape) to secure all seams and edges. For high-value items, consider adding tamper-proof security seals and tracking devices.

8. Not Considering Destination Climate and Conditions
When shipping to Southeast Asia, Europe, or North America, you could encounter a wide variety of climates, such as humidity, extreme cold, or rain. If you fail to account for these factors, your shipment may spoil or the packaging may fail.

What you should do instead:
For perishable or moisture-sensitive goods, be sure to place waterproof liners or shrink wrap inside your box. For electronics, you can also place silica gel packs in to absorb moisture. If your shipment is traveling by sea freight, check that the packaging can withstand weeks inside a humid container.

9. Choosing the Wrong Courier or Freight Option
Choosing the wrong shipping partner or not matching your type of box with your chosen freight method can impact how your package is handled. Air freight boxes are frequently going to be roughly handled and subjected to high altitude and pressurised cabins. Sea freight boxes may be stacked and compressed for weeks.

So what do you do instead:

Be sure to match your packaging with your shipping method. Discuss
packaging guidelines with your logistics provider. If you are using Couriers & Freight or any freight management provider, they will be able to assist you determine the best service and type of box for your shipment.

10. Forgetting Insurance or Tracking
Even if you use top quality packaging, things can occur. Damage, loss, or theft can still happen along the way, especially on long international transport times.

What to do instead:
Always choose insurance on high-value shipments. Label all international shipping boxes using tracking numbers and options for signature-on-delivery. Use platforms that include tracking in your e-commerce site for full transparency for your customers.

Final Thoughts
Whether you are shipping one package to New Zealand or sending bulk warehousing to Europe, you need to avoid these mistakes with International Shipping Boxes to move forward with your delivery without any damage to your products. While packaging might seem fairly straight forward, it is an important aspect of protecting your products, delighting your customers and managing your shipping costs.

Investing to get the right mix of materials, processes and freight partners is worth it in the long run - this would ultimately save you the incidental costs and anxiety of damaged goods, customs delays or returns. If you are a business in Australia looking to go global, your first step to successfully shipping internationally is getting the box right.