Packing
Packaging your parcel is an art. Whether it’s a simple carton or a fragile item, correct weighing and packaging is extremely important. Here are some helpful tips, guidelines on how to package, weight and protect your parcels.
1. General Tips
Provide accurate details of your package. Your quotation is based on the weight and dimensions you provide. If anything is missing or misrepresented, your price could change, or the courier might not be able to complete your shipment.
Confirm that the delivery address, person’s details and service required are correct, as per your booking request.
Choose the right courier and service to deliver your parcel according to your requirement
Keep a copy of your documentation once the courier has collected your parcel.
Make sure the courier collecting your parcel is the same courier as per your booking request.
We do not deliver food and other perishable items.
1. General Tips
Provide accurate details of your package. Your quotation is based on the weight and dimensions you provide. If anything is missing or misrepresented, your price could change, or the courier might not be able to complete your shipment.
Confirm that the delivery address, person’s details and service required are correct, as per your booking request.
Choose the right courier and service to deliver your parcel according to your requirement
Keep a copy of your documentation once the courier has collected your parcel.
Make sure the courier collecting your parcel is the same courier as per your booking request.
We do not deliver food and other perishable items.
2. Guidelines for packaging
Make sure your carton has enough space for the waybill to be easily attached to the one side of the box.
Use heavy duty double wall cartons for large items.
Your box needs to be in good condition.
For irregular shaped items, use bubble wrap and tape all protrusions and sharp edges as to avoid tearing the carton.
Use polystyrene chips, newspaper, bubble wrap, Styrofoam or cardboard as fillers to fill void spaces in box; this will minimise movement during shipping, and provide additional protection.
Provide extra plastic protection for goods that might be affected by dirt or water.
Use strong 5cm packaging tape on all edges of carton.
Markings that read “This way up” and “Fragile” will remind your courier that they need to handle your parcel with care.
Wrap fragile items individually to avoid rubbing.
If couriering glass or bottles ensure the items are securely fastened and upright. Plastic packaging should also be used to avoid cartons leaking if broken.
When transporting electronics, TVs printers, etc. attempt to use original packaging. Failing this, secure the item as best as possible, using all of the above.
Secure or remove any moving parts.
Label the package as per our label instructions upon placing order.
Documents
Shipped in a plastic envelope known as a flyer, leaflet, document bag. Normally weighing not more than 2kg.
For extra protection, we suggest a thin sheet of cardboard on either side of the documents before placing into the envelope. Sealing the envelope with tape also adds protection.
Make sure the receiver’s details are clearly marked on the leaflet as well as the waybill.
3. How to weigh
Because different couriers have different policies on a weight and size limits, getting the correct weights and measurements is very important.
Step 1. Measure the length, width and height on each parcel in centimetres (c
Step 2. Weigh your parcel in kilograms (kg)
All our quoted prices are based on the Volumetric KG which is based on the formula below:
Width x length x height in centimetres divide by 5000 (Express) or 4000 (Budget) = Volumetric weight in kilograms.
The system will automatically select from the actual weight or the volumetric weight, whichever is higher, and round up to the closest kg. A minimum weight of 2kg applies to Express shipments and 10kg for Budget shipments.
Example: A 50 x 30 x 30 cm parcel, with an actual weight of 1kg will be charged as a 9kg parcel
4. Billable weights of commonly delivered parcels for your reference
Clothing
Lace dress – women’s: (270 grams – billable weight 2 Kg)
Blazer – woman’s: (550 grams – billable weight 2 Kg)
Gym pants – woman’s: (240 grams – billable weight 2 Kg)
Jeans – woman’s: (445 grams – billable weight 2 Kg)
Scarf – woman’s light: (170 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Clothes – full black bag: (6 Kg)
Shirt – woman’s work: (105 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Tang top – women‘s: (85 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Shoes – woman’s flats: (335 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Shoes – woman’s heels: (565 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Shoes – running woman’s: (545 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Sweater – woman’s wool: (445 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Tights – woman’s pants: (70 grams)
Tights – woman’s pants: (70 grams)
Jean pants – men’s: (70 grams)
Shirt – men’s formal: (24 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Shirt – men’s Polo: (215 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
T-shirt – men: (135 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Shoes – men’s casual: (805 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Shoes – convers men’s: (780 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Shoes – men’s formal: (860 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
T-shirt – men: (135 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Shorts – men’s: (480 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Sweat socks – men’s: (480 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Dress socks – men’s: (480 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Shorts – men’s: (60 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Sweater – men’s: (285 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Swimming shorts – men’s: (190 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Boxer briefs – men’s: (55 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Appliances
Desktop computer: (9.9 Kg)
Laptop computer: (3.5 Kg )
CRT Screen: (14.1 Kg)
LCD Screen: (4.7 Kg)
Computer Keyboard: (1 Kg)
Printer: (6.5 Kg)
Television: (31.6 Kg)
Mobile phone: (900 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Mobile phone charger: (900 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
DVD player: (5 Kg)
Hi-Fi system: (10 Kg)
Radio: (2 Kg)
Washing machine: (65 Kg)
Tumble dryer: (49 Kg)
Dish washer: (50 Kg)
Refrigerator – bar fridge size: (35 Kg)
Refrigerator/freezer – single door: (91 Kg)
Refrigerator/freezer – double door: (110 – 140 Kg)
Freezer: (65 Kg)
Microwave: (15 Kg)
Blender: (2.9 Kg)
Electric cooker: (16 Kg)
Computer base unit: (9.7 Kg)
Scanner: (10 Kg)
Vacuum cleaner: (8 Kg)
Iron: (1 Kg)
Kettle: (1 Kg)
Toaster: (1 Kg)
Mixer: (1 Kg)
Hair dryer: (1 Kg)
Electric heater: (5 Kg)
A steam iron: (6.6 Kg)
Mr Coffee 12-cup Coffee Maker: (11 Kg)
A 19-inch flat screen TV: (33 Kg)
A karaoke machine: (44 Kg)
5,000 BTU air conditioner: (121 Kg)
Washing machine: (75 Kg)
Food and liquids weight (we do not courier perishable items)
5-gallon bottle of water: (88 Kg)
A box of wine: (6.6 Kg )
A bag of sugar: (11 Kg)
A two-litre bottle of soda: (11 Kg)
A large bag of potatoes: (22 Kg)
Small bag of dog food: (8 Kg)
Medium bag of dog food: (10 Kg)
Large bag of dog food: (25 Kg)
Furniture – Not accepted
Arm chair: (25 Kg)
Mattress – single: (22 Kg )
Bed – double: (27.2 Kg)
Mattress – double (standard): (27.2 Kg)
Mattress – queen (standard): (45 Kg)
Bed – Twin size: (22.7 Kg)
Mattress – twin size: (22.7 Kg)
Mattress – king (standard): (45.4 Kg)
Chair: (6 Kg)
Office chair: (12 Kg)
Chest of drawers: (25 Kg)
Office desk: (27 Kg)
Wooden desk: (27 Kg)
Filing cabinet – large: (50 Kg)
Mattress – king (standard): (45.4 Kg)
Mirror – small: (5 Kg)
Plant stand: (5 Kg)
Coat hanger: (5 Kg)
Rug: (6 Kg)
Kitchen table: (24 Kg)
Lamp: (5 Kg)
Pushchair: (7 Kg)
Baby cot: (15 Kg)
Dressing table: (34 Kg)
Grandfather clock: (60 Kg)
Headboard – double/king size: (16 Kg)
Headboard – single: (10 Kg)
Ottoman: (10 Kg)
TV unit: (25 Kg)
Wardrobe – double: (55 Kg)
Wardrobe – single: (38 Kg)
Office partitions: (25 Kg)
Shelves – wooden: (15 Kg)
Toy chest: (66 Kg)
Child playpen: (132 Kg)
Dining table: (180 Kg)
Chair – recliner: (120 Kg)
Hardware gear
Electric drill: (2 Kg)
Power saw : (2 Kg )
Wheelbarrow: (15 Kg)
Door – wooden: (25 Kg)
Lawn mower: (15 Kg)
Bolt cutter – 24inch: (2.53 Kg)
Staple hand gun: (765 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
A six-foot aluminium step ladder: (22 Kg)
A car tire: (44 Kg)
Heavy duty jumper cables: (3.3 Kg)
Kitchen items
Braai: (15 Kg)
Pots and pans – medium size box: (5 Kg )
Glasses – small box: (3 Kg)
Cutlery – small box: (5 Kg)
Ironing board: (6 Kg)
Large items
Piano: (140 Kg)
Sunbed: (35 Kg )
Small bale of hay: (110 Kg)
Gold brick: (169.40 Kg)
Entire Encyclopaedia Britannica: (259.60 Kg)
Keg of beer – full: (72 Kg)
Keg of beer – half: (36 Kg)
Small items
Books – small box: (4 Kg)
Duvet and pillow: (4 Kg )
Blu-ray movie – cover and disc: (141 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Hardcover book – 8x6x2/ 735pgs: (28 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Hardcover book – 8.5×5.5×1.5/460pgs: (27 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Xbox 360 video game or a PS 3 Game: (141 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
2 Disc DVD set: (141 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Small letter: (30 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
CD with cover: (130 grams – billable weight 1 Kg )
PlayStation: (5 Kg)
PlayStation console: (2.8 Kg)
X-box: (6.1 Kg)
X-box console: (4.9 Kg)
Nintendo Wii: (2.2 Kg)
Nintendo Wii console: (2.2 Kg)
Kindle: (2.2 Kg)
Sports equipment
Rugby ball: (410 – 460 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Netball: (400 – 450 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Fishing rod – medium / heavy: (453 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Fishing rod – heavy: (460 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Fishing rod – extra heavy: (259.60 Kg)
Hockey stick – small: (535 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Hockey stick – large: (560 grams – billable weight 1 Kg )
Golf ball: (45 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Cycling shoes – men’s sizes 45.5 – 46: (550 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Cycling helmet – size medium: (219 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Cricket bat – Tendulkar: (1.51kg)
Cricket bat – average: (1.1kg)
Cricket bat – Jacob Oram’s: (1.2kg)
Cricket ball: (163.0 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Tennis Racket – heavy: (312 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Tennis Racket – midweight: (Between 278 to 309 grams – billable weight 1 Kg )
Tennis Racket – superlight: (255 to 266 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Tennis ball: (58.5 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Baseball bat: (1.13 Kg)
Baseball ball: (5149 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Bicycle – adult size: (15 Kg)
NFL football: (450 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Soccer ball: (450 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
Trainers – men’s: (1 Kg)
Trainers – woman ’s: (900 grams – billable weight 1 Kg)
5. Items not insured for loss or damage
If you do ship these items it is entirely at your own risk:
Watches and jewellery
Cash, credit cards, debit cards
Passports, birth and death certificates or other unique documentation
Keys and other negotiable items of monetary or personal value
Articles of exceptional value (works of art, precious stones, gold and silver)
Antiques high in value
White goods (fridges, freezers, washing machines, ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, etc.)
Perishable goods, e.g. frozen or fresh food, and pharmaceutical products like vaccines
Plants, flowers and seeds
No more than one laptop computer per package. Each package may not contain more than one lithium battery which must be contained within the laptop.
Televisions, LCD screens, plasma screens that are over 37″
Projectors and digital displays
Glass or any item that contains glass in part e.g. iPod and mobile phones or smartphones
Ceramics, marble, china, stone or resin
6. Prohibited goods
Courier Connexion works with major courier networks. Each of them has a list of items that cannot be shipped via their network or can only be shipped at a no compensation basis. The list will differ between networks. If you are unsure of the item as it is not listed below, please contact our call centre as not to delay your delivery
Rules can be different when sending locally or internationally. They may also vary depending on method of transport. If you are unsure about anything please do contact us before sending to prevent any potential delay of your delivery.
Weapons, e.g. firearms, swords and knives
Explosives, e.g. fireworks, sparklers, munitions (war materials and ammunition)
Items containing small amounts of explosive, e.g. Christmas crackers
Flammable solids, e.g. matches and firelighters
Flammable liquids, e.g. alcohol that is more than 24% ABV (Alcohol By Volume)
Items containing flammable liquids, e.g. perfumes (alcohol), nail varnish remover, etc. (solvents)
Gases, e.g. aerosols and camping gas cylinders
Corrosive substances, e.g. battery acid and drain cleaner
Toxic and infectious substances, e.g. pesticides, weed killers and poisons
Oxidising substances and organic peroxides, e.g. hair bleach
Radioactive material, e.g. smoke alarms and luminous dials (found on watches, etc.)
Lithium batteries, including those in battery operated toys and in laptops
Car batteries
Fire extinguishers
Human remains
Animal parts, skins or furs
Human parts
Ivory or ivory products
Bloods
Illegal drugs
Prescribed medicines
Tobacco and tobacco products
Pornographic material
Liquids
Adhesives
Paints
Shipments that may cause damage to, or delay of, equipment, personnel, or other shipments
Hazardous waste, including, but not limited to, used hypodermic needles and/or syringes or medical waste
Courier Connexion excludes all liability for shipments of such items howsoever accepted (including acceptance by mistake or under notice).