Use A Corrugated Box 

Use a new box large enough to allow room for adequate (at least
2 inches) cushioning material on all sides of the contents. If your
reuse a box, be sure that it is in good, rigid condition with no
punctures, tears, rips or corner damage, and that all flaps are
intact. Remove old labels or other previous shipment markings
from the box. 

Protect It Inside 

Wrap each item separately. The farther you keep fragile articles away from each other and the corners and sides of the box, the less chance there is of damage. 
  It's important to properly cushion the contents of your package. That's because shock and vibration received on the outside of the box during shipment can pass through to the contents.  Proper cushioning material, combined with a strong outer container, will protect your shipment.  A wide variety of materials can be used for cushioning and protection. 

These include: 

Air-encapsulated plastic (bubble pack) 
Expanded polystyrene (packing peanuts) 
Foam-in-place (a foam, sprayed into boxes to form protective molds around contents) 
Corrugated dividers  Paper (crumpled Kraft paper or newspaper) 

Use enough cushioning material to ensure that the contents cannot move easily when you shake the box. Several inches of cushioning material all the way around should do it. Note: Extremely fragile objects require special packaging for safe shipment. Check with us for help in packing these items. 
 

Close It Securely 

Proper closure of your package is as important as adequate cushioning. 

To close a box securely, use a strong tape - two inches or more in width - such as the types described below. 

Pressure-sensitive plastic. Generally, the easiest, most convenient tape to use. It is versatile because it will adhere without water, and can stick to a variety of surfaces and shapes. Nylon reinforced variety is also available.  Water-activated paper tape. Use 60-pound grade tape at least three inches wide. Apply three strips to both the top and bottom of the box, as shown in the illustration.  Water-activated reinforced tape. Similar to plain paper tape, except that reinforcing fibers have been added for strength. Reinforced tape's advantage is that you only need to use two center seam strips, in contrast to the six strips shown in the illustration for paper tape.  Do not use masking tape or cellophane tape. (These tapes do not provide the strength necessary for secure closures.)  Do not use string or paper over wrap since they may snag on automated equipment, resulting in lost address information or package contents. 

Use Proper Labeling 

To ensure proper delivery, keep these important points in mind when addressing your package: 

Always include the receiver's ZIP Code with the complete street address.  When addressing to a P.O. Box or Rural Route destination, provide the recipient's telephone number on the label  whenever possible.  Include the apartment or unit number, if applicable.  Place the delivery label on the top of the box. ("Top" should be the most stable orientation of the package as it rests on a flat surface.) To avoid confusion, place only one address label on the box. If using a packing slip, place on the same box surface as the
address label.  Do not place the label over a seam or closure or on top of sealing tape.  Remove or cross out old address labels or markings on a used box.  Always include your complete return address - including ZIP Code and full street address. For added protection, place a duplicate label or other form of address information inside the package. 

Special Needs 

If you ship the following items, consider their special needs: 

Irregularly shaped items and bare metals: 
Completely tape down the address label. Do not use "flying tags." Blunt all sharp or protruding edges with taped on corrugated pieces. Protect item surface as needed. 

Tires

Apply a wide band of pressure sensitive tape through the center and completely around the body of the tire so that the tape is attached to itself. Apply your completed address label to the tape band where it covers the tread face and cover it with clear tape. 

Fabric and wallpaper: 
These roll goods travel best when shipped in corrugated boxes. If the fabric roll is shipped in a poly bag, be certain the bag is tightly wrapped and taped against the roll to reduce the risk of tearing. Place duplicate labels inside cores or between top layers of material. 

Bundled or strapped boxes: 
Only same-sized boxes should be strapped together. Use a minimum of four crisscrossed bands, two in each direction. Put address information in every box. Otherwise, combine smaller-sized packages in one larger box.