How to Pack Your Parcel for UK Courier Delivery

Core packing rules

Use a sturdy box, fill empty space so contents cannot move, and seal every seam with quality tape. Soft bags alone are rarely enough for anything breakable. Get a courier quote or see Book a collection.

The shake test is the classic check: seal the box, shake it gently, and if you feel or hear movement, add more fill. Contents that can move will move — and momentum inside a box is what breaks things, not the journey itself.

Heavy items deserve special structure. Double-boxing, reinforcing the base with an extra layer of cardboard and keeping weight centred low all prevent the most common failure: the box bursting from the bottom on its second lift.

Label clearly

Put the full delivery address inside and outside the parcel. Mark fragile items and remove old labels that could confuse sorting or the driver.

Write the address as if the label might be damaged — because occasionally it is. A duplicate address card inside the parcel lets the courier complete the delivery even if the outer label suffers in transit.

If you are reusing a box, remove or fully cover every old label and barcode. Automated scanners and busy drivers both follow the most visible code, and yesterday’s address is a remarkably effective way to lose today’s parcel.

• Correct name, phone and postcode
• Remove previous courier barcodes
• Photograph packed goods for valuable items

Materials that earn their keep

Quality tape is non-negotiable — the cheap kind peels in cold vans and humid stockrooms. Apply it in an H-pattern across the seams, and avoid string or brown paper over the label, both of which snag and tear on sorting equipment.

For void fill, scrunched kraft paper and air pillows outperform loose polystyrene chips, which settle and leave gaps. Whatever you use, aim for firm resistance when you press the closed lid.

Special cases: liquids, powders and electronics

Liquids need sealed inner containers, upright orientation and absorbent material as a backstop. Powders need double containment. Both need an honest conversation with your courier, as some services restrict them entirely.

Electronics travel best in anti-static wrapping with batteries secured — and where the rules require it, declared properly. Original retail packaging is good presentation but poor protection on its own; box it again.

Ready for collection

Have the parcel sealed before the driver arrives so same-day collections stay on schedule. AGS Traders drivers can advise on awkward loads when you book.

If you are unsure whether your packing is up to the job, say so at booking — for fragile or high-value items we can confirm what standard we need before the driver sets off, which protects both your goods and your insurance position.

Regular shippers can also ask us for feedback on their packaging. A five-minute review of your usual boxes against the failures we see across the network is one of the cheapest improvements you can make.

Frequently asked questions