DPD Packing Guidelines – do you have to use a cardboard box?

You may have discovered that businesses can no longer send postal bags via DPD. Is this really true? And if so, what packaging can you use to send parcels via DPD?

Do DPD parcels have to be in a box?

Yes. DPD states in its packaging guidelines that customers should ‘always use a strong, rigid carton…made of high quality corrugated cardboard’. In addition, they recommend using strong packing tape, as Sellotape is not reliable enough.

Can I send DPD parcels in second hand boxes?

Yes. When sending parcels via DPD, it’s perfectly fine to pack in used boxes, provided that they are good quality boxes and undamaged. This is because the strength of the box can be weakened once the box is damaged.

DPD says, ‘Make sure you remove (old) barcodes and that the addresses are complete and clearly legible.’ This is an important requirement – if you forget to remove an old label your parcel could get lost!

Second hand cardboard boxes are a much more environmentally friendly option, so if you are conscious of reducing your carbon footprint and reducing waste then quality used boxes are an excellent option.

Make sure your label is affixed to the box and any existing labels are covered over.

Other packing tips to protect your goods

It is also wise to follow additional DPD packaging guide to ensure box strength.

DPD says ‘under-filled boxes are likely to collapse, and over-filled to burst open’ so you should choose a box that is not too big, and fill any spaces with packing paper or bubble wrap. Multiple items should be wrapped separately. They also advise writing 'fragile' and 'handle with care' if relevant to the item you are packing.

Our shipping boxes category generally contains only boxes that are double wall, strong double wall and tri wall (also known as heavy duty boxes). That's because customers looking for shipping boxes, whether to ship within the UK or to ship overseas, need cartons with excellent stacking strength because once it's out of your hands you need to be safe in the knowledge that the goods will be protected.

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