Please be aware that these are only suggestions and that, as the shipper, you are responsible for safely and securely preparing your shipment. Our courier will inspect the shipment when the pickup is made. If improvements in packaging are necessary, the courier may request that you modify the packaging or may refuse the pickup.
Outer packaging – Use a sturdy container
When packaging your shipment, it is very important that you pick a suitable, sturdy container. It is recommended that you use a durable, corrugated cardboard box for most shipments.
Box contents must not exceed the gross weight capacity of the box. Most box manufacturers indicate the weight capacity on the bottom flap.
If you are reusing a box, be sure that it is in good condition with all flaps intact, and that it is free of rips, punctures, and tears, and of old labels and markings.
Internal packaging – Protecting the contents
Just as important as how you contain the contents of your shipment is how you package them on the inside. You need to ensure that the contents of your shipment are properly protected. Use any combination of:
Corrugated fiberboard
Molded plastic materials
Loose shredded paper
Bubble wrap or bubble pack
Plastic or foam "peanuts"
Use enough material (at least two to three inches on each side) to ensure that the contents of the shipment do not shift significantly during shipping. Also, wrap items individually to further protect them. If the package contains fragile
items, be sure to write "FRAGILE" on the outside of the container.
Tip: It’s a good idea to include copies of all paperwork inside the package in case anything gets misplaced.
Sealing & labeling
Be sure to securely seal your package. Tape all seams end-to-end with pressure sensitive packing tape, at least 2" in width. Avoid using masking or duct tape.
Affix the DHL waybill and other shipment paperwork securely on the package. Do not obstruct or obscure the paperwork. In addition, be sure to remove or conceal old addresses or shipping labels.
Please note: It is important to use the appropriate size package for the items being shipped; packages must be able to be closed and sealed pursuant to the instructions and design capacity of the package.
Tips:
While DHL cannot always abide by directions indicating the orientation of packages, such as "This Side Up," you can help to ensure that your package remains in the proper orientation
during transit by placing the waybill and paperwork on the top of the package.
If the contents of your shipment are fragile, write "FRAGILE" on the packaging
Even the stickiest labels can come off, so it’s a good idea to include copies of all shipment paperwork inside the package in the event the paperwork on the outside of the
package is misplaced.
Things to avoid:
Avoid using wrapping paper, string, cellophane, or masking tape on your packages.
In inclement weather, avoid allowing your packages to get wet while waiting for pickup.
If you are shipping a high-value item, avoid including information about its worth on the package or address label.
Shipping large or irregularly-shaped packages
To avoid possible damage, larger or irregular items should be packaged in crates, boxes or other secure containers with
adequate cushioning. Waybills and other paperwork should be securely attached to the flattest surface of the package. Ensure that all sharp or protruding edges are covered for protection.
Tips:
Rolls of fabric or wallpaper can be shipped in a thick, secure bag.
Unless absolutely necessary, avoid packaging the shipment in a container with handles, straps or wheels as these items require manual intervention in our processing centers
Multi-piece shipments
When shipping multiple express packages under one waybill, do the following:
Do not "bundle" or "band" the packages together.
Affix the original waybill and shipment paperwork to one package, and then affix copies of the waybill to the other packages.
Write the waybill number on each package in the event the shipment paperwork becomes free.
Label each box with the total number of boxes in the shipment, such as "1 of 3," "2 of 3," "3 of 3."
Shipping Art work
If you are shipping artwork, including but not limited to paintings, prints, photographs, etchings and sculptures, we
recommend the shipment be professionally packed a company who specializes in the packing of the specific artwork being shipped.
Shipment Value Protection
If the Shipment has an actual value greater than the liability limits listed below,DHL can arrange shipment value protection for Shipper covering the actual cash
value in respect of loss of or physical damage to the Shipment provided Shipper completes the Declared Value for Carriage section on the front of the waybill or requests it via DHL’s automated systems and pays the applicable premium.
Shipment Value Protection does not cover indirect loss or damage, or loss or damage caused by delays. If Shipper does not declare a value for carriage and pay the appropriate charge, Shipper assumes all risks of loss or damage over
the amount of DHL’s liability as set forth below.
DHL’s liability is strictly limited to direct loss only and to the per kg. /lb. limits listed below. If Shipper regards these limits as insufficient it must make a special declaration of value and request
Shipment Value Protection as described above (Shipment Value Protection) or make its own insurance arrangements. All other types of loss or damage are excluded (including but not limited to lost profits, income, interest, future business), whether such loss or damage is special or indirect, and even if the risk of
such loss or damage was brought to DHL’s attention before or after acceptance of the Shipment since special risks can be insured by Shipper. If a Shipment combines carriage by air, road or other mode of transport, it shall be presumed
that any loss or damage occurred during the air period of such carriage unless proven otherwise. DHL’s liability in respect of any one Shipment transported, without prejudice to any other terms, is limited to its actual cash value and shall not exceed the greater of;
$US 100; or
For certain international Shipments in which the Warsaw Convention applies, approximately $US 20.00/kg. or $US 9.07/lb., depending on the applicable law; or
$US 10.00/kg. or $US 4.54/lb. for Shipments transported by road (not applicable to the US).
If you have questions, please contact DHL Customer Service at 1-800-CALL-DHL (1-800-225-5345).
