When it comes to transporting items that may be delicate, heavy, or unusually shaped, communication is vital to ensure your package goes from A to B in optimal condition.
Proper labelling, like the commonly used “Fragile”, “Heavy”, “Do Not Stack” and “This Way Up” stickers, serves as crucial communication tool for the couriers. These labels, while not a foolproof guarantee against mishandling, significantly enhance the courier’s understanding the content of the packages and the care it will require during transport.
In this blog, we delve into the role these safety labels play and why they are essential for anyone shipping packages.
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Most Common Safety Labels for Shipping Parcels
FRAGILE
When you ship an item(s) that is likely to break while in transit, you will want to inform your courier about how to handle your parcel. By sticking a “Fragile” sticker on your prominent sides, serves as a clear warning that handling requires care.
Although this does not guarantee the items will not be broken, it is an efficient way to alert couriers about the parcel’s contents and how best to avoid claims against breakages.
HEAVY
Some transportation companies will ask you to add a “Heavy” sticker when your parcel exceeds a particular weight. It is good practice to add a “Heavy” sticker when it becomes a challenge for most individuals to lift the parcel by themselves.
As an alternative, you can use a sticker that say, “2 Persons Lift Required”.
DO NOT STACK
Much like the “Fragile” safety sticker, this sticker can be useful when your packaging is weak, the parcel cannot support extra weight, or the shape/balance of the package is not even and won’t support other packages over it.
If the shape or balance of the package does not accommodate stacking, this label warns the courier about the potential damage if other parcels or heavy content is placed on top.
THIS WAY UP
This label is particularly beneficial when it comes to liquid or fragile items that require gravity at the right “angle.” Especially electronic items (e.g., computer, parts, etc) must stay upright to avoid damage to the electric circuits.
Main Benefits of Using Safety Labels for Your Parcels
A single warning label can effectively convey a thousand-word message. It is also a great way to inform the porter about possible complications when handling your parcel. It’s better to communicate this information wherever you can, so all parties are kept in the loop and understand your expectations.
Here are the main benefits when using the correct safety labels:
- Language barrier
- Fast and catchy method of communication
- Legal requirement
While these labels do not assure the advice will be followed, you reduce frustration and risks by adding these catchy safety labels to your parcels.
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Evaluate when you need to use Safety Labels
If you are shipping parcels that require extra care or need to inform the porter about your handling care expectations, safety labels are your go-to solutions.
Here are a few things to look out for and decide when to add these:
- Add a “Fragile” label when your content is easily breakable or when parts could dislodge with heavy movements,
- Add a “Heavy” label when your parcel exceeds 10kg or when it requires 2x people to lift it,
- Add a “Do not stack” when your parcel is fragile or cannot support extra weight on top of it,
- Add a “This Way Up” label when your items should not lay on their sides or upside down.
At Go2Products, we always make sure you are in stock with your safety labels. If you were to require any customised safety labels that are unique to your business, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts.