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When it comes to international shipping, smart packaging isn’t just about bubble wrap and tape. It’s about saving Rands, dodging customs delays and making sure your goods arrive in tip-top shape.
Here are five simple game-changing packing tips that’ll help South African businesses ship smarter.
Key takeaways in this article:
If it’s soft and not breakable, bag it. Think T-shirts, swimsuits, scarves, or even soft toys. Choose waterproof flyer bags, not bulky boxes, when packaging products like this. Flyer bags shrink your volumetric weight, which is part of what couriers use to calculate pricing. Less volume = lower cost.
💡Pro tip: Remember to tape your flyer bags down. A flappy bag can be considered bigger than necesary.
Shipping costs don’t just depend on how heavy your parcel is. They’re based on shipping weight brackets, which typically jump in 0.5kg increments (e.g. 0.5kg, 1kg, 1.5kg, etc.). That means shaving off just a few centimetres can nudge your parcel into a lower bracket and save you real money.
Let’s say:
But here’s the catch: too small and your box risks getting lost or crushed in transit.
So what to do?
✔️ Aim for snug, not squishy. Use the smallest secure size that still protects your item.
❌ Avoid micro-parcels. Anything that can fit into a pocket is too small.
Sending art prints, posters or large-format paper? Round tubes are unfortunately a courier’s least favourite shape, because they are not stackable. Instead, use stackable rectangular tubes or flat mailers. You even get thick-walled versions of these for more protection if needed. These pack better, cost less to ship and are easier to store. Your courier will thank you - and your wallet will too.
💡Pro tip: Can’t find the right supplies? Reach out to us at support@tunl.to and we’ll help you source the perfect packaging for your art.
Skimping on packaging now can cost you later in broken items, rebilling charges or refund disputes.
So always:
💡Pro tip: Snap a pic before sealing up. It’s your proof if anything goes wrong in transit.
Always measure and weigh after packaging. Even if you know the item’s dimensions, the packaging adds bulk.
Why it matters:
💡Pro tip: Not all packages are rectangular, which can make them hard to measure accurately. Check out our guide for all you need to know about measuring and weighing packages.
You could pack like a pro and still hit a snag at customs if your documentation isn’t up to scratch.
Every shipment must include:
The shipping label provides the info about where your parcel is coming from and where it’s going to, and can be auto-generated in the TUNL platform. Use a waterproof shipping sleeve or cover your printed label with clear tape to avoid water damage. No label = no delivery.
💡Pro tip: Write the tracking number directly on the box. If the label peels off, your parcel’s still traceable.
The commercial invoice tells customs what you're sending, what it's worth, and what its HS code is. Follow this step-by-step guide to filling out your commercial invoice so you don’t miss a thing. Don't want to think about this admin? No problem. TUNL’s platform generates this commercial invoice on your behalf.
Solid packing isn't just a logistics box-tick, it’s a competitive advantage. With the right materials and a little know-how, you’ll cut costs, stay compliant and keep your customers smiling from Joburg to Japan.
Ready to ship beyond borders? Visit tunl.to and get started in 2 minutes.
