Packages

TNT Express accepts shipments that have either used the original manufacturer' s packaging or those of the shipper. Please consider the following guidelines to ensure your consignment moves safely through our system and for additional information or assistance please contact your local TNT Expres service representative. Please call your local TNT customer service centre for details of the maximum item weights and destinations allowed when using our premium services.

1. PROPER PACKAGING

Outer boxes should be made of a rigid and tear resistant material.

Check the weight specification of the package and do not exceed the limit. Make sure the packaging is in no way damaged (used damaged boxes can lose 30% to 60% of their strength) and that all box flaps are intact.

The packaging should have enough flat uninterrupted surface area to attach a TNT Express consignment note or routing label without affecting the contents of the package and if not the contents will have to be placed inside a larger box. Remove all old routing and address labels and barcodes.

Items with surfaces that will be spoilt by adhesive labels, marked or easily damaged by normal handling should be boxed.

2. FILLERS AND CUSHIONING MATERIAL

Put a layer of at least 5 cm of cushioning material on the bottom of the box. Delicate and heavier items will require more cushioning on the bottom, sides and top of the box.

Wrap each item individually with cushioning material and centre it in the carton. Ensure each item is away from other items in the box and also that it is cushioned from the sides, corners, top and bottom of the box.

Fill all spaces firmly with additional filler and add another layer of cushioning material on top.

Filler materials offer limited protection for heavy metal items, e.g. metal automotive components and such goods should be transported in heavy reinforced boxes. Small loose components must be placed in a heavy-duty inner plastic bag that is labelled prior to placing into an outer box.

Printed matter (e.g. magazines or publications etcetera.) if not correctly packaged will move around in transit, leading to soiled and damaged contents. Band or shrink-wrap all printed matter, then cushion the box at the bottom, sides and top with filler.

Rolled goods, such as carpet, textiles or paper should be wrapped in plastic with duplicate shipper / receiver address labels securely applied to the outer plastic. Wrap the goods in "bubble" wrap or reinforced plastic before placing the items in an outer tube carton.

3. SEALING PACKAGES

Packaging should enable you to attach routing label (on a flat uninterrupted surface), connote or document windows thus allowing barcodes to be scanned by automatic sort systems and or TNT employees to readily read the details.

Ensure there are no sharp, protruding edges or points. Cover such surfaces with firmly taped corrugated panels or pads to blunt them. Then seal package securely by applying three 5 cm wide, pressure-sensitive strips of plastic tape to the top and bottom of the package.

Wrapping paper, household cellophane tape, masking tape, water-activated tape, string and rope should not be used. Paper will tear; string or rope will snag on automatic sorting equipment. TNT reserves the right to refuse packages wrapped in paper or with string or rope.

When taping boxes closed, place a strip of tape over the seam and two other strips alongside to support it. The heavier the package, particularly publications, the more tape is needed. Heavy-duty plastic strapping applied in at least two directions is preferred.

Remember: Before sealing your consignment please put an additional copy of the address label inside the package that shows the shipper's address and phone number together with the recipient's address and phone (or fax) number. You may also wish to insert a business card or your letterhead in the package and this will help us if the outer address label becomes detached in transit.

4. ADDRESSING AND LABELLING

Use an address label that has both the recipient's address and your return address clearly marked. Always include the post code and telephone details of the recipient on the consignment note and delivery address label. The post code must be for a street address and we cannot deliver to post office boxes.

Address your shipment using a standard TNT Express consignment note and a TNT Express routing label created by our laser jet label printer software. Please avoid the use of recycled packaging to ensure your goods are properly protected in transit and if necessary remove any old shipping labels from the package. The shipper and sender's address details must be shown on the package as well as on the TNT Express consignment note.

Affix your TNT Express consignment note or address label firmly on the top surface of the package and this assists with correct orientation of the item during shipment. TNT Expres cannot assure compliance with orientation markings such as "UP" arrows and "This End Up" markings partly because packages are sorted by machines in our hubs. Never cover the bar code or allow labels to wrinkle or become dirty.

5. SHIP YOUR PACKAGE

Call your local TNT Express depot to arrange a pickup.

Do's
Affix your TNT Express routing label or TNT Express consignment note to the top surface area of the shipping container.
Please ensure the label is printed on a properly functioning printer since the bar code on the TNT Express routing label is used by us for sorting your package to the correct destination and a poorly printed label may not scan thereby causing delays.
Please be careful to apply only one TNT Express routing label or consignment note to the package.
Ensure your TNT Express routing label conforms to our specification for the bar code size and please consult us if you are not sure about how to prepare the documentation.

Don'ts
Do not place any tape or shrink/stretch wrap material over the TNT Express routing label or consignment note.
Do not place the TNT Express routing label or consignment note where it overlaps the edge of the box.
Do not crease the TNT Express routing label or consignment note when fixing to your
package.
Do not mark or scratch the TNT Express routing label or consignment note bar code.
Please contact your local TNT Express depot if you have any questions about how to use our service.