A perfect boxes

Get more detailed tips on packing boxes, pallets, and irregularly-shaped items.

  1. Used boxes lose strength. Ensure your box is rigid and in good condition.
  2. Avoid empty space, Too much padding reduces stacking strength. Avoid boxes that are too big for their contents, as they risk getting crushed.
  3. Heavy boxes. We can accept boxes up to 70 kg without a pallet, but please put a "HEAVY" label on boxes over 23 kg.
  4. Seal with an H. Use proper sealing tape in an H pattern on top and bottom, and consider strapping heavier boxes.
  5. Label clearly. Remove old labels. Affix new labels on top, so the barcode is flat (not folded over the edge).

A perfect pallets

  1. Stack in columns. Columns ensure maximum stacking strength. If the contents are rigid, you can use 'bricklayer style' for increased stability.
  2. Do not overhang. Items should fit squarely on the pallet, without hanging over the edge. Although we do accept overhanging pallets, shipments that fit on the pallet are preferred since this reduces risk of damage.

  3. Keep it flat. A level top surface makes it strong, compact and stackable. Non-stackable pallets will incur a surcharge.

  4. Strap it or wrap it. Use strapping and/or stretch wrapping to hold items in place on the pallet. Wrapping should include the pallet itself.

  5.  Label clearly. Pallets are stacked for transport, so labels need to be affixed to the side, not the top.

A guide to irregular items

Tubes and Heavy cylinders should be strapped to a pallet, being sure to avoid overhang and make your pallet stackable. Lighter tube-shaped items can be packed in a triangular shipping tube.

Large unpackaged items should be strapped to a pallet. You can then build a protective wooden frame around them or cover with an overturned box. Use additional padding to protect any sharp edges which may be exposed. 

Sharp items must be wrapped in protective padding before being placed in a box. Never allow anything to protrude from a packed box, as it risks damage when stacked. If necessary, use a larger box or consider a pallet.

 Heavy/oversized items. Maximum weight and dimensions vary per service. For shipments exceeding 2.4m x 1.2m x 1.5m (L x W x H) or 500 kg, please contact customer service.

Labelling your shipment

  1. Remove old labels. Too many labels risk confusion. Never stick new ones on top of the old.
  2. Print new labels. Use self-adhesive paper, if possible, to print the routing labels provided with your booking. If not, use plain paper and place it in a document pouch. Your TNT driver can provide a supply of pouches upon collection.
  3. Put a backup inside. It’s a good idea to place a copy of your shipping documents—or at least the address of the receiver—inside the box before you seal it, just in case anything happens to the outer label.
  4. Affix firmly. Place routing labels (or document pouches) on the top surface of boxes or the side of pallets, making sure the bar code is fully flat and visible, not bent over the edge. Apply labels after taping/wrapping so they are not obscured. Use extra adhesive tape or staples on fabric or wooden surfaces, if necessary.
  5. Keep clear. Do not wrap over or obscure your labels in any way. Even if you can see through the plastic wrapping, our scanners may not be able to read the bar code.