Why Packaging Matters

When your parcel travels through the Mondial Relay network, it passes through sorting centres and is handled multiple times before reaching its destination. Poor packaging is one of the most common reasons parcels arrive damaged. Taking a few extra minutes to pack your item properly can save you significant hassle.

Choosing the Right Box

The foundation of good packaging is a sturdy, appropriately sized box. Follow these guidelines:

  • Use a new or nearly-new cardboard box. Reused boxes can have weakened seams and corners.
  • Choose the right size. Your item should fit snugly with enough room for padding on all sides (at least 5cm of cushioning).
  • Avoid oversized boxes. Too much empty space increases the risk of the item shifting and being damaged.
  • Check weight limits. Mondial Relay has weight restrictions depending on the service — ensure your packed box stays within the allowed limit.

How to Wrap and Cushion Your Item

The item inside needs to be protected from shocks and pressure. Effective cushioning materials include:

  • Bubble wrap (wrap the item at least twice)
  • Foam padding or foam sheets
  • Packing peanuts (fill all gaps around the item)
  • Crumpled kraft paper or newspaper
  • Air pillows

Place a layer of cushioning at the bottom of the box before adding your item, and fill all gaps around and above it. Shake the box gently — if anything moves, add more padding.

Sealing the Box Correctly

  1. Close all flaps and apply strong packing tape (not masking tape or sellotape) along every seam.
  2. Apply tape in an H-pattern: one strip across the centre, and one along each edge join.
  3. Reinforce the bottom of the box the same way — it bears the most weight.
  4. Avoid using string, twine, or rope as outer wrapping, as these can get caught in sorting machinery.

Fragile and Irregular Items

Fragile Items (Glass, Electronics, Ceramics)

Wrap each fragile piece individually in bubble wrap, then double-box where possible (a smaller box inside a larger one with padding between them). Mark the outside with "FRAGILE" labels, though note that handlers may not always treat labelled parcels differently — good packing is your primary protection.

Clothing and Soft Goods

These can be shipped in padded envelopes or poly mailers as long as the contents are well-protected from moisture. For valuable clothing items, consider a cardboard box.

Liquids

Check Mondial Relay's terms — some liquids are prohibited. For permitted liquids, seal the container securely, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and surround with absorbent material before boxing.

Labelling Your Parcel

  • Print the Mondial Relay shipping label clearly and attach it to the largest flat surface of the box.
  • Ensure no part of the label is obscured, folded, or covered by tape.
  • Remove or cover any old labels from previous shipments to avoid confusion at sorting centres.
  • Place a copy of the sender and recipient information inside the box — this is useful if the outer label becomes damaged.

Size and Weight Restrictions

Always verify Mondial Relay's current dimension and weight limits before packing. Generally, relay point deliveries have maximum weight limits, and parcels that exceed permitted sizes may be rejected or incur additional charges. Measuring your packed box before drop-off avoids any last-minute surprises.