Month: August 2023

8 Tips for Sending Packages

Posted on August 30, 2023 by - Uncategorized

8 Tips for Sending Packages: An Expert's Opinion

Shipping packages can sometimes be a daunting and time-consuming task, particularly when you need to guarantee the safe and timely arrival of your parcel. To help streamline the process and make it more efficient, we have put together a comprehensive list of 10 tips for sending packages to keep in mind. By following these suggestions, you can not only save time and money but also ensure the successful delivery of your package without any complications. 

And to make these tips easier to understand, we’ll provide real-world examples and practical advice throughout the article.

So, whether you’re an individual sending a gift to a loved one or a business owner shipping products to customers, following our expert tips can help you navigate the complexities of the shipping process with ease. 

So, if you’re looking for a comprehensive and engaging resource to help you ship packages confidently and efficiently, look no further. Our 10 essential tips will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to master the art of sending packages, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience from start to finish.

A CaPEx employee helping a women get low shipping fees

Choose the right courier

Selecting a reliable courier is crucial for the safe and timely delivery of your package. Research various courier companies, compare their rates and services, and read customer reviews to find the best fit for your needs. Some couriers specialize in specific types of shipments or destinations, so be sure to choose one that aligns with your requirements.

The last thing you want is to work with an inexperienced and incompetent courier during a crucial stretch in your business, or an important life event that needs prompt and effective delivery. 

Accurately weigh and measure your package

To avoid unexpected shipping fees or delays, it’s essential to accurately weigh and measure your package before shipping. Most courier companies charge based on the size and weight of a parcel, so providing accurate measurements ensures that you pay the correct shipping fees and your package is processed efficiently.

Also, do not be shy to ask your courier to weigh and re-weigh your package in front of you to ensure that you’re not getting charged extra. 

Declare the contents and value of your package

Many courier companies require you to declare the contents and value of your package for customs or insurance purposes. Be honest and accurate when providing this information to avoid issues with customs or potential insurance claims in the event of loss or damage.

Remember, you might be able to save a couple of bucks on shipping when under declaring or misdeclaring your packages. But when you get caught by customs, you’ll have to pay hefty fines and charges. You even face the risk of getting sued for smuggling. 

A lady packing her items properly.

Properly package your items

Use appropriate packaging materials to protect your items during transit. Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and other protective materials to cushion your items from impacts and prevent damage. Make sure to seal your package securely with heavy-duty packing tape to prevent tampering or accidental opening.

Here’s a short checklist on packing your items properly: 

✅ A sturdy box that properly fits your items with some space for fillers & cushions

✅ A strong packaging tape to keep your package sealed and supported

✅ Fillers and cushions to ensure your items stay snug and safe in the box

✅ Extra protection for delicate and fragile items

✅ Proper stacking of items (heavy and sturdy at the bottom; fragile on the top)

Check prohibited items and shipping restrictions

Different countries and courier companies have specific restrictions on what items can be shipped. Before sending your package, check the list of prohibited items for your destination country and choose a courier to avoid any issues or delays in delivery.

If unsure about the restrictions and regulations, you can always ask our team and we’ll be happy to assist you. 

Purchase shipping insurance for valuable items

If you’re sending valuable or irreplaceable items, consider purchasing shipping insurance to protect against loss or damage during transit. While it may add to the cost of shipping, insurance coverage provides peace of mind and financial protection in case something goes wrong.

An OFW properly labelling the package she'll send to the Philippines.

Clearly label your package

Write the recipient’s name, address, and contact information clearly on your package to ensure proper delivery. Include your own contact information as the sender in case the courier needs to reach you. Use a permanent marker or printed labels for better visibility and durability.

Don’t forget to indicate warning labels such as “fragile”, “this side up”, “don’t put below heavy objects” to ensure the logistics company knows how to handle your packages properly. 

Provide accurate customs information for international shipments

When shipping packages internationally, you must provide accurate customs information, including a detailed description of the items, their value, and the reason for export. Failure to provide accurate customs information can result in delays, additional fees, or even seizure of your package by customs authorities.

As mentioned above, trying to skirt import/export and customs rules and regulations might lead to bigger headaches for you once you get caught. So despite having to pay extra, it’s safer to be compliant with all the requirements and regulations. 

Utilize tracking and delivery confirmation services

Many courier companies offer tracking and delivery confirmation services to help you monitor the progress of your shipment and ensure it reaches its destination. These services provide added security and peace of mind, particularly for valuable or time-sensitive shipments. 

Keep your the recipient informed (unless it’s a surprise)

If you’re a business owner shipping products to customers, it’s essential to keep them informed about the status of their order. Provide tracking information, estimated delivery dates, and prompt updates in case of any delays or issues. Clear communication helps to build trust and ensure customer satisfaction.

However, if you’re sending a care package to your loved ones, it’s not necessarily important to keep them 100% informed (especially if it’s a surprise). You can just let them know that there’s a package for “you” that’s arriving and they need to receive it.  

By keeping these 10 tips for sending packages in mind, you can streamline the shipping process and ensure that your parcels arrive safely and on time. From choosing the right courier to properly packaging your items and providing accurate shipping information, each step plays a crucial role in the successful delivery of your package. By following these tips, you can save time, money, and effort in shipping. Plus, it also saves you from potential headaches and troubles. 

Book Your CaPEx Air Freight Shipment Today!

Need a trusted air freight in the Philippines? Contact CaPEx today to get a quote and book your shipment!

Call us now: 0919 056 6888 | (02) 8396-8888

Visit our website: www. capex.com.ph

Experience fast, reliable, and secure air cargo shipping with CaPEx!

Send Us A Message

How to Ship High-Value Items?

Posted on August 16, 2023 by - Uncategorized

How to Ship High Value Items: A Comprehensive Guide for Small Business Owners

Having to ship high value items can be stressful for small business owners, as these products often require special handling, packaging, and delivery services to ensure their safe and secure arrival at their destination. 

In this article, we will explore eight best practices to successfully ship high value items, providing small business owners with the knowledge and tools needed to safeguard their valuable products during transit. To better illustrate the importance of these best practices, we’ll use a specific scenario.

Imagine a small business owner who specializes in creating and selling one-of-a-kind, handcrafted jewelry pieces. They receive an order for a custom-made necklace with precious gemstones, valued at several thousand pesos, that needs to be shipped to a customer across the country. Given the high value of the item, the business owner is understandably concerned about ensuring its safe and secure delivery.

In the following sections, we’ll discuss eight essential best practices for shipping high-value items like the custom-made necklace mentioned above. These recommendations will cover various aspects of the shipping process, such as selecting the right courier, choosing appropriate packaging materials, obtaining insurance, and utilizing tracking services. 

By following these guidelines, the small business owner can feel confident that their valuable product will arrive safely at its destination, providing their customer with a positive experience and helping to build the business’s reputation for reliability and professionalism.

So, whether you’re shipping expensive jewelry, delicate artwork, or high-tech electronics, our comprehensive guide to shipping high-value items will provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to ensure a successful and secure delivery.

Man packing his high-value items properly using robust packing materials.

Use robust and high-quality packaging materials

The right packaging materials are crucial to protect high-value items during shipping. Invest in high-quality, durable boxes that can withstand the rigors of transit. If your item is highly delicate, you might want to enclose it in a wooden box as well, to prevent the box packaging from being damaged, especially if it’s going to travel far and with other shipments. 

Also, make sure to use bubble wraps, foam inserts, or custom-molded padding to provide additional cushioning and protection for your products. Take inspiration from how laptop manufacturers package their products by using various cushions and protection. 

Lastly, seal the boxes securely with heavy-duty tape to prevent tampering and accidental opening during transit.

Double-box your items

If using a wooden box/crate is too much for you, double-boxing is also an effective method for providing extra protection to high-value items. Place your product in a smaller box (your main packaging) surrounded by protective padding. Then place that box inside a larger one, adding more cushioning material between the two boxes. This technique helps to absorb shocks and impacts, safeguarding your items from potential damage.

Choose a reliable courier with experience in shipping high value items

Not all carriers are equipped to handle high-value items. Some specialize in moving bulk items quickly, while others have the capacity to handle packages delicately to ensure proper handling and safe delivery. 

That’s why it’s essential to select a carrier with a proven track record in this area. 

Research carriers that specialize in handling valuable goods and have the necessary infrastructure, security measures, and insurance coverage in place. Don’t hesitate to ask logistics companies about their procedures, policies, and insurances for high-value and fragile goods before committing to them. 

Also, always check customer reviews and testimonials to ensure that the carrier has a reputation for delivering high-value items safely and securely.

Get insurance before you ship high value items

High-value items should always be insured during shipping to protect against loss, theft, or damage. Many carriers offer insurance coverage as an additional service, or you may purchase coverage through a third-party provider. Ensure that the coverage amount is sufficient to cover the full value of your items, and consider purchasing additional coverage for particularly valuable shipments. 

Getting an insurance is not a bet against the logistics company you’re working with, but a protection for you in case an unforeseen event happens and something unfortunate happens to your product. 

Utilize tracking and signature confirmation services

Tracking and signature confirmation services can provide peace of mind and added security for high-value shipments. 

For instance, tracking services allow you to monitor the progress of your shipment in real-time. This helps you keep your customers updated on delivery schedules as well. 

Moreover, signature confirmation ensures that your package is only delivered to the intended recipient, who must sign for the delivery. 

These two services help to minimize the risk of theft or loss during transit. So make sure you work with a logistics company that can provide you with both services. 

A shipper labeling her package for shipping.

Clearly label your packages

Ensure your packages are labeled with the recipient’s name, address, and contact information. Also, add your own contact information to make communication easier. 

Moreover, avoid using any language or symbols on the packaging that might indicate the contents are valuable, which could attract unwanted attention. Instead, use generic terms or product codes to describe the contents of your package.

For example, instead of saying “Handle with Care: Expensive Painting Inside” use generic markings  like “Handle with Care: Highly Breakable Item Inside.” 

Communicate with your customers

Keep your customers informed throughout the shipping process by providing them with tracking information and estimated delivery dates. Encourage customers to report any issues with their shipments promptly so that you can address any problems and initiate insurance claims if necessary. Clear communication helps to build trust and confidence in your shipping process, ensuring customer satisfaction.

Continuously evaluate and improve your shipping processes

Regularly review your shipping processes, procedures, and suppliers to identify areas for improvement. Gather feedback from customers, carriers, and employees to pinpoint potential issues and implement changes to enhance the safety and security of your high-value shipments. Continuously refining your shipping practices can help to minimize risks and ensure the successful delivery of your high-value items.

Shipping high-value items can be challenging, but by following these best practices, small business owners can protect their valuable products and ensure a safe and secure delivery. 

Ultimately, the key to successfully shipping high-value items lies in being proactive, diligent, and attentive to detail. By prioritizing the safety and security of your products and maintaining clear communication with both carriers and customers, you can build a robust and reliable shipping process that supports the growth and success of your small business.

If you need help in shipping high-value items to your customers, you can get in touch with us. Our Cargo Padala Express Forwarding Services Corp. (CaPEx) team will happily help you find the right solution for your business!

Book Your CaPEx Air Freight Shipment Today!

Need a trusted air freight in the Philippines? Contact CaPEx today to get a quote and book your shipment!

Call us now: 0919 056 6888 | (02) 8396-8888

Visit our website: www. capex.com.ph

Experience fast, reliable, and secure air cargo shipping with CaPEx!

Send Us A Message

Low Shipping Fee: Save Money When Shipping to Provinces

Posted on August 8, 2023 by - Uncategorized

6 Tips to Get Low Shipping Fee: Save Money When Sending Packages
to the Province

Shipping packages to loved ones in distant provinces can be costly, particularly for Filipinos living in Manila, who often face higher shipping fees due to the distance and logistical challenges involved. However, with a little planning and research, it’s possible to save money without compromising the quality and reliability of the delivery service. 

In this article, we provide six practical tips to help Filipinos in Manila save money when sending packages to their loved ones in the province, using a real-world scenario to demonstrate the potential savings.

Imagine Maryss, a young professional in Manila who wants to send a birthday gift to her mother living in Romblon. She is on a tight budget and concerned about the high shipping costs of sending a package across such a long distance. So to save on her shipping fee, she applied the tips outlined in this article. After applying these tips, she successfully surprised her mother in the province on the morning of her birthday. 

In the following sections, we will discuss various money-saving strategies for shipping packages from Manila to the province, including comparing different courier services, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, choosing the right packaging, and more. 

These practical tips will help you get cheap shipping fees and guide anyone looking to save money when sending packages to loved ones in different areas of the Philippines.

So, let’s dive in and discover how to save on shipping costs without compromising the delivery experience.

A CaPEx employee helping a women get low shipping fees

Choose the right courier

Not all courier companies are created equal; some offer better rates than others for shipping packages to the province. Do your research and compare the shipping rates and services of different couriers. Look for couriers specializing in provincial deliveries, as they may offer more competitive rates and better local knowledge, ensuring a smooth delivery process.

If you find the shipping fees of large logistics companies expensive, you should consider using alternative shipping companies like CaPEx that offers low shipping fee. Our team can help you send any kind of package all over the country on time. 

A woman planning her shipment, so she can get low shipping fees

Plan ahead and avoid rush shipping

Last-minute shipping can be costly, especially if you need to use expedited delivery services to get your package to its destination on time. Plan ahead and send your package well in advance to avoid the need for rush shipping. By doing so, you can take advantage of more affordable, standard shipping options and save money on delivery costs. Also, try to avoid peak shipping periods like Christmas and Back to School months. If you want to know which times to avoid, you can ask our team for recommendations, so your packages can arrive on time without extra charges. 

A group of packages that were consolidated in one packaging.

Consolidate multiple packages

If you send multiple packages to the same recipient or location, consider consolidating them into a single shipment. This will save you on shipping costs, as you only need to pay for one shipment instead of multiple individual packages. Additionally, consolidating your packages can also make it easier for your recipient to collect and manage their deliveries.

Do you have friends in Manila who also want to send packages to their loved ones? Pool your padalas in one box and send it all together to save on costs. By splitting the shipping cost between you and your friends, you can trim some shipping fees you would’ve paid if you were sending a package alone. 

 

Opt for prepaid shipping

Some courier companies offer prepaid shipping options, which allow you to pay a fixed rate for shipping regardless of the package’s weight or dimensions. This can be a cost-effective option if you frequently send packages to the province, as it helps you save on shipping costs and simplifies the process of sending packages.

Used boxes to be used for a new shipment to reduce shipping costs.

Reuse packaging materials

Instead of buying new packaging materials every time you send a package, consider reusing bubble wraps, newspapers, and packing peanuts from previous deliveries. This will not only save you money on packaging costs but also contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly shipping process.

Practical tip: If you’re reusing packaging materials avoid reusing boxes since its integrity might be compromised. This might lead to unexpected breakage of your box. Moreover NEVER reuse any kind of tape for your packaging since tapes are designed as single use adhesives only. 

Take advantage of promotions and discounts

Courier companies often run promotions and offer discounts to attract customers. Keep an eye out for these deals, and take advantage of them when you can. You may be able to get a low shipping fee by using promo codes, joining loyalty programs, or taking advantage of seasonal discounts.

Sending packages to loved ones in the province doesn’t have to break the bank. By following these six hacks, you can save money on shipping costs while ensuring that your packages arrive safely and on time. Choose the right courier, plan ahead, consolidate packages, opt for prepaid shipping, reuse packaging materials, take advantage of promotions and discounts, and use online shipping platforms to get the best value for your money. With a little planning and creativity, you can make sending packages to the province more affordable and enjoyable for both you and your loved ones.

Book Your CaPEx Air Freight Shipment Today!

Need a trusted air freight in the Philippines? Contact CaPEx today to get a quote and book your shipment!

Call us now: 0919 056 6888 | (02) 8396-8888

Visit our website: www. capex.com.ph

Experience fast, reliable, and secure air cargo shipping with CaPEx!

Send Us A Message