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Proper packaging and labelling are essential to ensure that consignments move safely through the network and arrive at their destination without damage. Parcels may pass through multiple handling points, conveyor systems, and vehicles; therefore, packaging must be able to withstand normal transport conditions to safeguard against any damage.

Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in delays, refusal of collection, or rejection of damage claims.

Outer Packaging Requirements

Packages in warehouse Packages in warehouse

Outer Packaging Requirements

Use strong, rigid corrugated cardboard boxes suitable for the weight and nature of the contents:

  • Packaging must be new, undamaged, clean, and structurally sound.

  • Boxes must be appropriate for the size and weight of the contents.

  • Avoid reusing old or weakened boxes.

  • Do not overload boxes. Heavy shipments should be split into multiple parcels.

  • The box must fully enclose the contents with no protruding parts.

  • Avoid strings, handles, or loose edges that could get caught during handling.

  • The box size must fit the contents. Small items should not be packed in oversized boxes.

Internal Protection

All contents must be properly protected inside the box to prevent movement or
impact damage:

  • Each item must be wrapped individually, especially fragile goods.

  • Use protective materials such as:

    • Bubble wrap; Foam padding; Air cushions; Polystyrene inserts

  • Fill all empty spaces to prevent movement during transit.

  • Heavier items should be placed at the bottom of the parcel.

  • Lighter or fragile items should be placed on top with additional cushioning.

  • Packaging must be sufficient to withstand normal handling and minor impacts
    during transport.

Internal Protection

Support - Verpackungstipps - DPD - Innenverpackung Support - Verpackungstipps - DPD - Innenverpackung

All contents must be properly protected inside the box to prevent movement or
impact damage:

  • Each item must be wrapped individually, especially fragile goods.

  • Use protective materials such as:

    • Bubble wrap; Foam padding; Air cushions; Polystyrene inserts

  • Fill all empty spaces to prevent movement during transit.

  • Heavier items should be placed at the bottom of the parcel.

  • Lighter or fragile items should be placed on top with additional cushioning.

  • Packaging must be sufficient to withstand normal handling and minor impacts
    during transport.

Parcel Sealing

Parcel Sealing Parcel Sealing

Parcel Sealing

All parcels must be sealed securely.

  • Use high-quality packing tape.

  • Seal the parcel using the H-taping method:

    • One strip along the main seam.

    • Two strips across the edges.

  • Ensure all flaps and openings are completely sealed.

Fragile, Valuable, or Special Items

Additional precautions must be taken when shipping fragile or high-value items.

  • Fragile goods must not be packed in bags or soft packaging.

  • Use extra internal cushioning to prevent movement or breakage.

  • Clearly mark the parcel “FRAGILE” where appropriate (however, labels alone do not guarantee special handling).

  • Electronics and valuable items should ideally be shipped in:

    • Original manufacturer packaging, or

    • Purpose-built protective packaging.

  • Odd-shaped or unusually heavy items may require custom packaging or crating.

Fragile, Valuable, or Special Items

Fragile, Valuable, or Special Items Fragile, Valuable, or Special Items

Additional precautions must be taken when shipping fragile or high-value items.

  • Fragile goods must not be packed in bags or soft packaging.

  • Use extra internal cushioning to prevent movement or breakage.

  • Clearly mark the parcel “FRAGILE” where appropriate (however, labels alone do not guarantee special handling).

  • Electronics and valuable items should ideally be shipped in:

    • Original manufacturer packaging, or

    • Purpose-built protective packaging.

  • Odd-shaped or unusually heavy items may require custom packaging or crating.

Wine and Liquid Shipments

Wine and Liquid Shipments Wine and Liquid Shipments

Wine and Liquid Shipments

Liquids and wine require special packaging and labelling to prevent leakage or
breakage.

     Packaging Requirements

  • Each bottle must be individually protected using molded inserts, foam separators,
    or bottle sleeves.

  • Bottles must not touch each other directly.

  • Use purpose-built wine cartons or liquid-certified packaging where possible.

  • Bottles must be placed upright where possible.

  • All empty spaces inside the box must be filled to prevent movement.

     Labelling Requirements

The following labels should be clearly visible on the parcel:

  • FRAGILE; THIS WAY UP; LIQUID

Responsibility and Liability

All consignments must be packaged according to the abovementioned guidelines.

Failure to comply with the packaging requirements may result in:

  • Refusal of collection

  • Requests for repacking before transport

  • Delays in transit

  • Rejected claims of damaged parcels

The sender remains responsible for ensuring that the goods are adequately packaged and suitable for transport.

Responsibility and Liability

packaging packaging

All consignments must be packaged according to the abovementioned guidelines.

Failure to comply with the packaging requirements may result in:

  • Refusal of collection

  • Requests for repacking before transport

  • Delays in transit

  • Rejected claims of damaged parcels

The sender remains responsible for ensuring that the goods are adequately packaged and suitable for transport.

Prohibited and High-Risk Items

Prohibited and High-Risk Items Prohibited and High-Risk Items

Prohibited and High-Risk Items

Certain items may not be accepted for transport. Do not ship hazardous, dangerous, or restricted goods. Perishable goods may only be shipped if prior approval has been
obtained from DPD.

Items that are improperly packaged or considered high-risk may be refused at
collection or removed from the network.

Volumetric weight

The volumetric weight is a calculation that determines the amount of space a parcel occupies in the aircraft or vehicle. As space is often a limiting factor, we calculate our charges on the greater of volumetric weight or actual weight.

The volumetric weight is calculated as follows:

Length (cm) x width (cm) x height (cm) / 5000

Volumetric weight

Support - Verpackungstipps - DPD - Volumengewicht Support - Verpackungstipps - DPD - Volumengewicht

The volumetric weight is a calculation that determines the amount of space a parcel occupies in the aircraft or vehicle. As space is often a limiting factor, we calculate our charges on the greater of volumetric weight or actual weight.

The volumetric weight is calculated as follows:

Length (cm) x width (cm) x height (cm) / 5000

Disclaimer: The advice provided here is for guidance only and DPD cannot accept any responsibility for loss or damage as a consequence of the information provided. It is the responsibility of the person(s) sending the parcel to make sure that the items are securely and correctly packaged.