Prepareyour shipment
A well prepared parcel is not a matter of comfort. It is what decides whether you get compensated.
The six rules, in thirty seconds
- 015 cm
At least 5 cm (2 in) of cushioning between the item and every wall.
Source: UPS
- 0215 cm
An outer box 15 cm (6 in) larger, using the box in box method.
Sources: UPS and FedEx
- 035 cm
Tape at least 5 cm (2 in) wide, three strips, in an H pattern.
Sources: FedEx, DHL and Chronopost
- 048
Eight photos before you seal the parcel.
- 05Nothing
Nothing on the parcel that reveals the nature or value of the contents.
- 06Before
Cover purchased before the carrier takes possession of the parcel.
Why packaging decides compensation
In transit insurance, packaging is not a comfort detail, it is a condition. A parcel that was not fit to withstand the normal stresses of transport exposes the sender to a refusal of compensation, whatever the insurer. Two other habits matter as much as the packaging itself: gathering evidence before shipping, and never throwing away or returning the packaging until the claim is closed.
The most common mistake
Throwing away the box and the cushioning after discovering the damage. Without the packaging, it becomes very hard to establish what happened. Keep everything, as it is, until the claim is closed.
The exact conditions of your cover are set out in our terms and conditions.
Choose the box
A new box or one in perfect condition, never a box already worn by a previous shipment.
- Single wall up to 30 kg.
- Double wall up to 70 kg.
- Triple wall up to 100 kg.
Source: La Poste.
Colissimo home delivery: 30 kg maximum, and length plus width plus height of 150 cm or less. Letterbox drop off: 24 × 24 × 32 cm maximum.
La Poste advises against polystyrene as cushioning.
Cushioning
The item must not touch any wall. It must stay still when you shake the parcel.
- UPS recommends at least 5 cm (2 in) of cushioning material around the item, and at least 5 cm (2 in) of paper between the contents and the outer box.
- DHL requires at least 6 cm between the item and every wall and every corner.
- FedEx goes up to 7.6 cm (3 in) of bubble cushioning for a fragile item, each item wrapped individually.
In practice, keep 5 cm everywhere, and 7.6 cm as soon as there is glass, ceramic or a fragile mechanical part.
The box in box method
The box in box method, for anything fragile or of high value.
The item is cushioned inside a first box. That box is then placed inside a second, larger box, which is itself cushioned.
- UPS and FedEx require an outer box 15 cm (6 in) larger in every dimension. DHL says 14 cm. Keep 15 cm.
- DHL recommends about 6 cm of cushioning at the bottom of the outer box before placing the inner box.
- For computer equipment, FedEx specifies 8 to 10 cm of cushioning, an inner box 10 cm larger than the device, and an outer box 15 cm larger than the inner box.
Sealing
Adhesive tape at least 5 cm (2 in) wide. FedEx requires at least three strips. Gummed paper tape must be at least 27 kg (60 lb) grade.
The H method: one strip along the centre seam, then one strip along each of the two edge seams, on the top as well as the bottom. Recommended by FedEx, DHL and Chronopost.
Colissimo describes a cross closure with reinforced tape, which is the same principle.
Never string, never stationery tape, never two parcels tied together.
Labelling, and staying discreet
The label lies flat, on the largest face of the parcel, never across a corner or an edge, otherwise the barcode becomes unreadable. Source: Chronopost.
Minimum size 10 × 15 cm, with no crumpled plastic pouch. The label must never be used to seal the parcel.
Nothing that reveals the contents
No brand name, no mention of the contents, no designer logo, no value, neither on the box nor on the tape. A parcel that announces what it carries is a parcel that draws attention. If a customs invoice is required, place it in the dedicated pouch and not in plain view.
Remove all old labels and old barcodes if you reuse a box.
The photo record, before you seal the parcel
These photos take three minutes and are worth more than any argument on the day a claim is disputed.
The eight photos
- The whole item, in focus, before packing.
- Close ups of the fragile parts.
- The serial number, engraving or hallmark.
- The item in place in its cushioning, parcel open, seen from above.
- The cushioning materials laid out next to the parcel.
- The edge of the box, with a ruler or a coin next to it for scale.
- The sealed parcel, in full.
- The label, readable.
Documents to keep
- The purchase or sales invoice.
- Proof of payment.
- The parcel dimensions in centimetres.
- The weight.
- The drop off receipt or proof of collection.
- For a sale between individuals, a written agreement signed by sender and recipient stating the value.
Depending on what you ship
Box in box is mandatory, two layers of bubble wrap around the case, a rigid case then a cushioned box. No mention of the brand or the contents on the outside. Delivery against signature. Check your carrier: Chronopost does not accept jewellery, watches or works of art for transport, and La Poste does not allow jewellery, precious materials or coins inside a Colissimo. UPS accepts them but limits its own liability to 500 USD per shipment. Our cover, for its part, is based on the value you declare.
Get notified when we openProtect the corners and the glazed face: FedEx recommends applying masking tape in a crisscross pattern on the glass so that shards do not scatter if it breaks. A crate or box in box, never any contact between the painted surface and an adhesive material.
8 to 10 cm of cushioning according to FedEx, anti static foam rather than bubble wrap in direct contact according to UPS, batteries according to the carrier's rules, device switched off, accessories packed separately.
FedEx recommends loosening the strings to release tension on the neck. A rigid case, then a box with cushioning on every side.
Each piece wrapped individually, 7.6 cm (3 in) of cushioning according to FedEx, box in box, no piece touching another, dividers between the pieces.
Drop off
Drop off at a post office or shop, at a carrier depot, or collection from your address. Keep the drop off receipt: it proves the parcel was handed over.
Choose delivery against signature when the value justifies it.
Pickup points and parcel lockers are covered by PackCover. The delivery method only changes how delivery is proven, not your cover.
Cover must be purchased before the carrier takes possession of the parcel. A parcel that has already left cannot be insured.
On delivery, reservations
The recipient must check the parcel on delivery. If they notice damage, they refuse the parcel, or accept it while writing down reservations that are precise and substantiated. A vague note such as "subject to unpacking" has no value. Describe what you see: "box crushed on the top right corner", "sound of broken glass inside".
Receipt of the transported goods extinguishes any action against the carrier for damage or partial loss if, within three days, not counting public holidays, following the day of receipt, the recipient has not notified the carrier of a substantiated protest, by extrajudicial act or by registered letter. A request for an expert assessment counts as a protest.
The deadline is three days not counting public holidays: these are not working days. It applies to damage and partial loss, not to total loss.
When the consumer personally takes delivery and the carrier cannot show that it gave them the opportunity to actually check the condition of the goods, this deadline is extended to ten days.
It is up to the carrier to prove that it allowed the check, not up to the recipient to prove otherwise.
An email or an online form does not replace the registered letter required by law.
And on our side
Report the claim to PackCover within 5 working days. The two steps complement each other: the protest to the carrier preserves the right of recourse, and the claim with us opens your compensation file.
Make a claimGive every shipment the attention it deserves.
Start with a simple, no-obligation estimate.