![Packaging Guide](/discover/content/dam/singapore/how-to/packing-guide.png)
When shipping internationally, your document or parcel travels within the DHL Express network, transiting through multiple facilities, people, vehicles and airplanes. A well-packed shipment can reduce the risks of damage, ensuring your consignee receives the contents in pristine condition.
While DHL Express does our very best to handle your shipments carefully, it is important to remember that the responsibility of the packaging lies with the shipper.
1. Assess what you are shipping
![weight and shape](/discover/content/dam/singapore/how-to/step3-shipping-slide1.jpg)
Start by determining the weight and shape of your shipment to help you decide on a suitable external packaging. Heavier shipments will require a more durable box or even a double layer of packaging.
![odd-sized shipments](/discover/content/dam/singapore/how-to/step3-shipping-slide2.jpg)
For odd-sized shipments, you should select a box that can fit your shipment comfortably while leaving sufficient room for inner packaging materials to eliminate excess spaces.
![valuable](/discover/content/dam/singapore/how-to/step3-shipping-slide3.jpg)
For more valuable shipments, you might want to take the extra initiative to wrap your shipment and use 2 types of inner packaging material for added protection.
![fragile shipments](/discover/content/dam/singapore/how-to/step3-shipping-slide4.jpg)
Similarly, for more fragile shipments , it is advised to take additional precautionary measures to protect the weaker points of your item.
2. Packaging Materials
After having a better understanding of your shipment profile, you have to decide on the ideal external and internal packaging material that will garner optimal protection for your shipment.
![EXTERNAL PACKAGING](/discover/content/dam/singapore/how-to/step3-material-slide1.jpg)
EXTERNAL PACKAGING
Select a suitable, preferably new box that can fit the contents of your shipment with about 6cm of excess space. If you are unable to find a suitable box, you can self-lodge , your shipment into one of our retail points, where you will have an option of 8 different boxes to choose from.
![INTERNAL PACKAGING](/discover/content/dam/singapore/how-to/step3-material-slide2.jpg)
INTERNAL PACKAGING
Lay the bottom of the box with protective inner packaging material. Some good examples include bubble wrap, foam blocks or chips, and cushions.
![INTERNAL PACKAGING 2](/discover/content/dam/singapore/how-to/step3-material-slide3.jpg)
INTERNAL PACKAGING
Place the contents to be shipped on the bed of protection within the box and fill the void spaces with more protective materials until there is no empty space.
No boxes? No problem!
Let us know what kind of external packaging you need and we will provide you with the boxes.
3. Sealing
Tape up all the edges and seams of the box, it is advisable to reinforce the edges as they are most susceptible to compression during transportation.
TIP: If you are a non-account holder, please do not seal your shipment until the courier has inspected its contents upon collection.
![H-Taping](/discover/content/dam/singapore/how-to/image-step3-1.jpg)
4. Labelling
![Labelling 1](/discover/content/dam/singapore/how-to/icon-labeling-1.png)
Stick on any special handling label you might have, our staff will take the necessary measures to adhere to it.
![Labelling 2](/discover/content/dam/singapore/how-to/icon-labeling-2.png)
Paste your shipping label (DHL air waybill) on the top of the box for easy reference.
![Labelling 3](/discover/content/dam/singapore/how-to/icon-labeling-3.png)
Ensure that no other older labels or duplicate labels are on the box as it might confuse our scanners, affecting the routing of the shipment.
![Labelling 4](/discover/content/dam/singapore/how-to/icon-labeling-4.png)
Apply a plastic pouch to house any other documents that is necessary to the shipment, for example: your shipping invoice.
Handling Labels
![Keep dry](/discover/content/dam/singapore/how-to/image-step3-handling-1.png)
Keep dry
The package must be protected from excessive humidity and be stored under cover.
![fragile handle with care](/discover/content/dam/singapore/how-to/image-step3-handling-2.png)
Fragile/Handle with care
The package is potentially breakable and must be handled carefully.
![This way up](/discover/content/dam/singapore/how-to/image-step3-handling-3.png)
This way up
The upward arrow shows the direction that the package must be transported handled and stored.
Every shipment has different packaging requirements, this guide should not be perceived as a final solution for all customers.
The final step before you entrust your shipment to DHL Express is scheduling your shipment collection.
How to Arrange a DHL Express Collection?
Once your shipment is within our care, you can go ahead and track your shipment. The information will show real-time updates of your shipment, giving you amply information for an accurate estimate on the delivery timing.
For further assistance, do not hesitate to call our friendly customer service team!
Get started now!