How do I pack a parcel sent by Parcel Machine®?

Shipping via dedicated machines has become a popular solution because it offers convenience and flexibility. However, it is worth remembering that before sending a parcel via Paczkomat, it must be properly prepared. How to pack and secure a parcel sent by Paczkomat® InPost? See our recommendations!

What should I keep in mind when packing a parcel sent by Parcel Machine?

If you are choosing a Parcel Machine to send parcels, there are a few important points to bear in mind. First of all, remember that in some cases it is better to order the sending service only after the parcel has been packed. Why? This rule is important because it allows you to reduce the risks associated with indicating the wrong size. Sometimes it is difficult to determine what the final size of the parcel will be, so to be safe, the generation of the shipment can take place after the item has been packed.

When you order a parcel to be sent by Parcel Machine, you will need to specify the size of the package. This information will allow us to decide how large a box will be needed to accept a particular order in the machine. If you choose a box without measuring the parcel, you may find that the box is too small to accommodate the parcel. You will then need to re-generate the shipment with the correct size selected.

Therefore, pack your parcel before you send it, and then carefully measure the height, width and length of the finished package. What size parcel should I choose depending on its dimensions?

• Size XS - maximum dimensions: 40 x 230 x 400 mm, maximum weight: 3 kg. This size is available only in the InPost Mobile application;
• Size A - maximum dimensions: 80 x 380 x 640 mm, minimum height: 1 mm, maximum weight: 25 kg.
• Size B - maximum dimensions: 190 x 380 x 640 mm, minimum height: 81 mm, maximum weight: 25 kg.
• Size C - maximum dimensions: 410 x 380 x 640 mm, minimum height: 191 mm, maximum weight: 25 kg.

What should I pack a parcel sent by Parcel Machine?

How do I prepare a parcel to be sent by Parcel Machine? The main role here is played by packaging, which will protect the shipped goods from external factors.

Among other things, you can use a Parcel Machine to package a parcel sent by a Parcel Machine:

• Cardboard boxes - boxes made of this material are among the most common courier solutions. Their popularity is due to the fact that they can be used for the safe transport of products of various weights and properties. Simply choose a suitably thick and hard cardboard box and you should be able to transport heavy equipment or sensitive items without major problems.
• Foliopak - these flexible, lightweight and robust foil envelopes are ideal for shipping lightweight items that are resistant to damage. We are referring here, for example, to clothing. With a foil envelope, preparing a parcel for sending via Parcel Post is quick and easy. All you have to do is put the products into the courier bag and seal the package. An additional advantage of foil packs is that they are waterproof, which protects the contents of the parcel from getting wet. A label can easily be applied to such packaging.
• Cardboard envelopes - these packages are perfect for sending flat items such as letters, letters, floppy disks or CDs.

If you run your own business and send out parcels in bulk, securing and packing them properly is particularly important to your customers. Goods must not only be safe, but also aesthetically packed.

Protection of parcels sent by Parcel Machine

When preparing a parcel, it is not only the choice of packaging that is important. There are also issues related to the protection of the parcel against possible damage. How to send a parcel safely via Parcel Machine? Fillers, i.e. elements that fill the free space inside parcel packages, will help to do this.

Among the most popular of these is bubble wrap, but this solution is not very environmentally friendly. At InPost, we promote a conscious approach to parcel transport and encourage our customers to use substitutes for plastic protection where possible. A biodegradable alternative to foil can be:

• Skropak - small cylindrical pieces are made of potato or maize starch with the addition of biodegradable polymers. The material is lightweight and excellent at absorbing shocks;
• Woodwool - a filler made from natural wood fibres, which are produced from wood residues and sawmill waste. This environmentally friendly film substitute is great for protecting shipped items from vibration during transport;
• paper - even crumpled paper is able to fill the free space in the parcel. This additional protection minimises the risk of damage to the contents of the parcel. Bubble paper or notched paper is also made from this raw material.

How to pack a parcel sent by Parcel Machine step by step?

The step-by-step answer to the question of how to pack a parcel for shipping via Parcel Post is simple! First, you need to adjust the packaging to the size that your parcel is. Keep in mind that if you choose a package that is too small, items of goods may cause the walls of the box to bulge out, or worse, protrude beyond the contour of the box. Avoid such situations as this is dangerous for the items inside the box.

When you have found a box that will fit the item and closes easily, move on to securing the goods. Fill the empty space in the box with the filler of your choice. Then close the package and seal it tightly.

You will be helped by wide tape, which can also be eco-friendly. There are biodegradable adhesive tapes on the market made from naturally derived raw materials. As you can see, packing a parcel for shipping via Parcel Post is not difficult.

Remember to tape all the seams of the carton and preferably also the edges. This will reduce the risk of the box opening uncontrolled during transport or sorting.

Once the package is prepared, the question may arise: how do I describe the parcel to be sent by the Parcel Machine? The answer may be surprising to some, as you do not need to label it in any way! To send via an InPost machine, you do not need to print a shipping label and stick it on the parcel. The option of sending without a label is only available in the InPost Mobile app.

After providing information such as the size of the parcel, contact details (to the sender and recipient) or the delivery address, you will get a 9-digit sending code, as well as a QR code. Then go to the Parcel Machine of your choice and, using InPost Mobile, select the option on your smartphone to open the box remotely. Once this is done, the box will open automatically. Then all you have to do is place the parcel in it and carefully close the door. A well-packed parcel will easily reach the recipient intact.