How can we help you?
How to weigh my shipments?
It is not always easy to find the weight of an object, the weight of a parcel, especially when you do not have any scales. So here are some hints and tips to estimate the weight of the objects you are sending :It is useful to know that most transporters base their prices on tranches of weight of 500 g.
|
ExAmples OF objects |
weight |
|---|---|
|
One DVD |
0,250 kg |
|
One pocket book |
0,200 kg |
|
A pair of trainers in a box |
1,5 kg |
|
A 33cl can of drink |
0,400 kg |
|
A 13'' laptop computer |
2 kg |
|
A 1.5 litre bottle of water |
1,6 kg |
|
A ream of A4 paper |
2 kg |
We always advise rounding up the weight of your parcel to the nearest kilo. Another tip for objects of more than a kilo; if you have bathroom scales, weigh yourself holding the object in your hands, then weigh yourself without the object - the difference will be the weight of the parcel.
It is very important not to underestimate the weight of your parcel, as if it is underestimated, there is a risk of the carrier refusing the parcel, or its delivery being delayed. A supplementary payment may be required from the recipient. We advise you to always round up the weight of your shipment to the next price threshold, and add about 15% to cover the packaging. Be careful to measure the dimensions accurately.
How to measure my shipments?
We always calculate the dimensions of an object after being wrapped for transport.If your item is in a cardboard box:
- L = length of the longest side
- W = width of the next longest side
- H = the height of the shortest side
If your item cannot be packed in a box, and is cylindrical, the diameter of the cylinder is taken for both the height and width.
To send a letter, measure just the length and width (L x W). Here are some measurements as a guide:
- A shoe box, L x W x H: 35 cm x 22 cm x 13 cm
- A sheet of A4 paper = L x W : 29.5 cm x 21.5 cm
- A postcard = L x W : 16 cm x 11 cm
How to check your shipments?
It is important to check your parcel before sending
Check that the weight and dimensions are correct
If the dimensions or weight shown on your parcel are not actually correct, you risk having your parcel stopped at the depot; you will then be asked to pay for its return and will not be due a refund for the delivery service. To check them, please see 'How to weigh the object you are sending' and 'How to measure your parcel'.
Check the names and addresses of the sender and addressee
The addresses shown should be as complete as possible
- Full name or company name
- Street number, Street name
- Floor, Entryphone
- Postcode, Town
- Country
- Telephone number (ideally mobile)
- E-mail address
You should be aware that if the carrier cannot access the indicated address, he may consider the service was carried out and store the parcel in a depot. Picking up the parcel can only be done by the addressee and a charge is usually made.
Note : delays due to an incomplete or missing destination address are not the carrier's responsibility. Be as precise as possible and do not forget to give the addressee's phone number.In the case of absence, the carriers generally leave a card to say they called in the letter box, indicating the number of the parcel and the phone number to contact them to organise pick up or re-delivery. The information or requests for information may also be sent by e-mail.
Deliveries are made during the day, so consider having your parcels delivered to your workplace; it costs less and the parcels will be delivered in time.
Check the contents and the packaging
Remember that you are legally responsible for the items that you send; they should not be one of the items in the Prohibited and Controlled Items list.Please refer to the terms and conditions of both Upela.com and the carrier to ensure that your parcel complies with the rules.Your parcel should be correctly labelled; please refer to the section 'Wrapping your parcels'. It should be easy to move without risk for its contents or for the handlers. If the packaging rules are not followed, the parcel may be blocked at the carrier's ; the sender will have to pay for its recovery and the delivery charge will not be refunded.
Shipping with Upela: how to pack and protect your parcels?
Some rules and tips to help you protect your shipment
Package your consignments
There are some rules and tips to follow for successful packaging. It is evident that the great majority of recorded damage to parcels are due to inadequate or inappropriate packaging. Here are some guidelines to follow for good packaging and to ensure the delivery of your goods in a perfect condition.
Protection of your shipment from the external environment :
- If your parcel weighs more than 20 kilos we advise you to use a double or triple corrugated cardboard box.
- If your parcel weighs more than 50 kilos we advise you to use a wooden, metal or solid plastic box,as well as a molded foam interior protection.
- Check that your packaging is hermetically sealed, especially if the contents are sensitive (e.g. books, hi-tech goods).
Protection of your parcel against blows and shocks
The golden rule is to immobilise your contents within the packaging. A 'floating' item is at far more risk of damage than an object securely anchored. We recommend that you use shock-absorbing, packing materials such as bubble-wrap, polystyrene, newspapers and rags. In particular, if you are sending a fragile item, the rule is : package volume = 2 x item's volume. Note - never put two fragile objects in contact in their packaging: use packing between each item.
Think about the transport and handling of your parcel
When you are making up your packaging, try to imagine how it will be transported and handled among other parcels. It needs to be secure and easily moved. Generally speaking, it is better to send several small parcels than one large one which is difficult to handle. It is preferable to avoid using string or cord; aim for a uniform, smooth package.Remember that it is your responsibility to check that the goods you are sending are not on the list of prohibited or controlled goods.
Products requiring special packaging
- Glass containers and fragile items must be transported in specific boxes with individual compartments that allow a separation of 2 inches with the side of the container and between each item.
- The baggage should be wrapped in plastic film or adhesive tape.
- Tires must be wrapped in plastic film to avoid direct contact with other parcels.
- Paintings / frames require appropriate packaging according to the size of the goods.
For a large product : the face and the corners of the item must be protected with a rigid material that prevents degradation or distortion (use inside foam protection for fragile items). Ideally, use a wooden box.
For a small product : use a rigid special-sized cardboard.
- The furniture must be packed disassembled in a standard shape cardboard with the necessary protections to ensure the safety of the item for express delivery services.
Protect your shipment
The ideal packaging for the parcels service
1 - Exterior packaging
Use a new, corrugated cardboard box with intact flaps and corners.
For heavy, solid items = very thick triple-corrugated cardboard.
For light or fragile items = double-corrugated cardboard
2 - Padding
With light and fragile items, each piece should be separately wrapped and padded to keep them apart with no space between them, nor any gaps.
The rule is :
- Light items = flexible, thick padding
- Heavy items = dense padding
The item should not be in contact with the exterior packaging. Protect all sides
3 - The position of the item
No empty space in the parcel, the item should be stable; if you shake the parcel no movement should be felt. Do not use butterfly shape polystyrene chips for heavy items, as they are not efficient because of the vibrations during transport.
4 - Sealing
Use wide parcel tape, 5 cm minimum, strong and weather resistant. Apply to all the openings, and on all the edges of each face of the cartons.
5 - The transport label
For trouble-free delivery, stick the delivery label on the top of the parcel, on a clean, flat surface. Do not use the sticky surface of the label to seal the parcel, never position it over an opening or in the corner.
Check that your parcel will not come apart !
Is it possible to send very heavy or very bulky items?
Upela.com enables you to send envelopes, parcels or pallets. You can also ship heavy and bulky items.Your shipment must not weigh more than 5 tonnes.
The maximum size of your shipment must not measure more than 302 x 203 x 178 cm. You need to validate the shipping of pallets or bulky items when you place your order; just consult our data sheet about the types of shipments possible with Upela.
Also check that your product is not on the list of prohibited products: the list is given in the prohibited or regulated goods data sheet.