Companies dealing with package security issues should understand what their carton security options and solutions are. Valuable items stolen out of cartons or entire packages lost in transit are serious problems. When a package or a purchased item does not make it to a consumer, it’s an issue for the company that shipped the package, as well as the customer. However, there are carton security precautions that can be taken, by both the shipper and receiver, to avoid these issues in shipment.
Tips for The Sender
Package safety and security is critical for the sender. This is especially true for businesses that send out multiple packages a day and/or ship packages with expensive items enclosed.
Here are some tips for the sender to improve package security:
- Don't depend on labels to protect your product. Packages are not always treated with the utmost care even when they are labeled with a "fragile" sticker. Be sure to use protective inner packaging for valuable and fragile items.
- Try not to reuse old, shapeless cartons. Cartons that have been used multiple times are fundamentally weaker than those that are new. Boxes that are dilapidated or torn can leave your products vulnerable to breakage or theft.
- Use a strong and secure tape to seal your cartons. A stronger and more effective carton sealing solution is water-activated tape (WAT) to enhance package security. Water-activated tape creates a strong, unbreakable, permanent seal with the corrugated carton. This tape literally bonds with the corrugate and discourages theft through its tamper-evident seal.
Tips for The Receiver
Packages go through several hands and facilities before making it to its final destination. There are ways you can proactively ensure the safety of your packages:
- Always request a tracking number and confirmation of delivery.
- Insure your packages. The extra cost is worth the peace of mind.
- If you are away or won't be home when the package is supposed to arrive, consider shipping the package to your workplace.
- Always try to avoid a package sitting on your doorstep unattended. Ask your neighbor to look out for your package if you are unable to be there at time of delivery.
- Request that your packages have a signature confirmation from you upon delivery.
- Leave specific delivery instructions such as, where the package should be left if you’re not home.
Unfortunately, issues happen. If you do experience an issue, it's important to know what to do next. Read these tips, as stated by the Massachusetts Department of Consumer Affairs:
- Contact the shipper or the company you purchased from to see if there was an issue with delivery. If the shipper is not at fault, you should file a complaint with the U.S. postal inspection service to bring awareness to the issue.
- Check outside to see if the package was delivered but placed or moved somewhere out of sight. Sometimes the package can be placed near the garage or on your porch; which may not be where they are normally placed.
- Ask your neighbors if they saw a package being delivered to your home.
- Lastly, if you feel that the package has been stolen, file a police report to see if they can help with the issue.
Better Packages | Water Activated Tape
Better Packages offers a full line of water-activated tape through its parent company, Intertape Polymer Group. Water-activated tape offers advantages other carton sealing methods do not. WAT creates a tamper-evident seal with a permanent bond to its corrugated cartons and therefore improves your carton security. It is the preferred choice of packaging professionals when strength, security, employee safety, professional appearance, and recyclability are critical.
Want to keep your packages safe? Get in touch below to learn more about finding a solution for your business!