Packaging

guide
FAN COURIER

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Contents
INFORMATION ON PARCELS AND SHIPPING LIMITS 3
BASIC FEATURES OF GOOD PACKAGING 7
MEANS OF PACKAGING 8
USING PALLETS
9
STACKING ONTO PALLETS
11
CORRECT METHODS FOR SHIPPING PALLETIZED GOODS
SECURING THE GOODS 12
GUIDELINES FOR SPECIFIC GOODS 13

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Information on parcels
and shipping limits
FAN Courier Express is the leading courier company in Romania. Its mission is to have as
many satisfied customers as possible.
Because it has fully assumed its leadership position and wishes to provide its customers
with the best door-to-door delivery services in conditions of maximum safety, FAN Courier
Express would like to present its packaging guide to you.

The FAN Courier network is scaled and planned for the pick-up and delivery of envelopes,
packages and a wide range of palletized or non-palletized parcels.
The weight and size restrictions for transported parcels are implemented to ensure that
shipments are transported and handled in the FAN warehouses by the vehicle fleet in
conditions of maximum safety.
To avoid deterioration while transiting the FAN network, all shipments must be appropriately
packaged for bulk or consolidated shipping. This guide presents our minimum packaging
recommendations to both senders and the FAN staff in charge of the shipment acceptance
process. The guide also provides packaging guidance specific to different types of goods.
FAN Courier encourages its customers to use this guide. Its purpose is to increase the
general quality of the packaging by illustrating transport DO’s and DON’Ts. This guide does
not replace the packaging rules created for every industry. However, it clarifies the minimum
standards required for accepting the goods into the FAN Courier network, which are
necessary to avoid deterioration of the shipped goods and of other shipments and
equipment and to avoid staff injuries.

Should these minimum standards not be complied with, FAN Courier Express reserves the
right not to accept the goods for transport.

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Useful tips
The basic elements of appropriate packaging by product categories and the FAN Courier
Express limits concerning accepted sizes and weights are detailed below.

Weight and size Secured and superposable

Standard To ensure the safe transport of the products,

The maximum weight of a parcel must not
exceed 30 kg, sizes 60 x 50 x 30 cm.
Freight transport
The minimum approved weight/parcel is
over 30 kg, sizes 60 x 50 x 30 cm.
*The weight to be taken into account is the largest of the physical
weight and the volumetric weight (calculated using the formula:
length (cm) x width (cm) x height(cm)/6000).
Pallet sizes
The maximum approved pallet size is 120 x
80 x 160 cm; for industrial pallets: 120 x 120
x 160 cm.
we recommend that you use heavy duty
double wall cardboard, wooden boxes or
pallets (as appropriate) and heavy duty
adhesive tape, so that the packaging can
withstand superposition. The packaging size
must be selected depending on the contents.
Void fill materials must be used to prevent the
movement of the products inside the
packages. If there are multiple boxes on a
pallet, they must be separated using
cardboard sheets, and the entire pallet must
be wrapped in protective film.
Caution! Under-filled boxes can get
deformed, while overloaded boxes can get
deformed or acquire irregular (odd) shapes,
thus becoming non-superposable.
Odd-shaped items and non-superposable
items will be accepted for transport for an
additional fee.

Large sizes

Maximum length 300 cm.

FAN Courier Express does not accept parcels exceeding
300 cm* in length.

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Parcel and shipping limits
The weight limits and sizes used by FAN Courier Express reflect the
common weight and size limits of our transport vehicles and sorting and
delivery centers. Larger, heavier items require special orders, as they may
not fit into a standard courier vehicle. An additional fee will be charged
whenever FAN Courier Express has to use specialized vehicles or
specialized handling equipment.
The weight and size limits used by FAN Courier Express are presented
in the table below. If you need support, please contact the Order
Department.

PARCEL LIMITS

Gravimetric Special
(physical) Service type Special Maximum parcel size
weight order accepted Additional cost order
of the shipment required sizes/parcel required

Up to 30 kg Standard NO 60 x 50 x 30 cm - -
Pallet (max. 120 kg, Freight NO 120 x 80 x 160 cm
max. 100 kg/parcel)
Industrial pallet Freight NO 120 x 120 x 160 cm
(max. 120 kg)
>120 kg*, Transported only YES
oversized, via
atypical, the FAN freight
voluminous, forwarder
insufficiently and/or –
incorrectly EuroFreight service
packaged (eurofreight@
fancourier.ro)

PROHIBITED FROM TRANSPORT

Large tires (TIR, truck, agricultural machinery, etc.)

Motorcycles
Automotive
Boats, trailers, boat trailers, subassemblies of the same
Car windshield
Unrolled mattresses
Household Assembled and/or non-packaged chairs
goods Medical or massage table/bed that is assembled or not appropriately packaged
Assembled and non-packaged furniture

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 Pipes, posts, profiles, sheet metal, fences
PVC profiles, AAC, OSB, etc.
Septic tanks
Ladders
Rolls of linoleum, net, fence, etc.
Hoses
Construction Garage doors
Trees, shrubs and ornamental plants
Cotton wool/mineral wool
Bags of sand/rubble/cement/seeds
Heavy machinery (lathe, circular saw, rubble compaction machinery, excavator
buckets/blades, trimmers, lawn mowers, crop sprayers, etc.)
Pallets over 120/120/160 cm
Portable toilets, shower enclosures, plastic crates, PET bottles, sponges (rolled or loose)
Bags made of nylon canvas or other materials and filled with various products
Garbage bags filled with various products
Others Dumpsters/trash cans
Live bait
Inflatable slides and toys (even if they are deflated)
Intestines and other organs, live or dead animals, human remains
Perishable foodstuffs, fresh fruit and vegetables
Seedlings, shrubs
Stills
Fireworks, firecrackers
Biological substances/specimens
Any products classified as dangerous for road transport

RESTRICTED TRANSPORT (WHEN NOT APPROPRIATELY PACKAGED)

Used car parts (vehicle bodies, incl. hoods, bumpers, doors, gearboxes, engines, oil
Automotive pumps, batteries, exhaust systems or mufflers)
Bicycles without appropriate packaging – cardboard box, polystyrene casing and film
wrapping
Mattresses that are not vacuum-packed, wrapped in film and packaged in cardboard boxes

Household Chairs that are assembled and/or not appropriately packaged

goods
Massage table/beauty parlor chairs/medical bed that is assembled and/or not
appropriately packaged
Refrigerator-freezers, washing machines, ovens, etc. (except those packaged according to
FAN rules).
Cable reel
Construction Liquids – 20-200 liter oil/paint canisters, other similar substances (adhesives, gels,
thinners, lacquers, chlorine products, etc.)
Liquids – bottles of palinka, wine, oil, etc. (except those packaged according to FAN
rules)
Others Barrels and canisters
Electronics with connected batteries (e.g., voltage regulator connected to a car battery)

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Basic features of GOOD
packaging
Large or palletized shipments must be suitable for transport via the FAN Courier Express
network and must be compatible with its vehicle and truck fleet.
The sizes accepted for transport are those specified in the table above.
Envelopes and parcels shipped via the FAN Courier Express network must be compatible
with the automated sorting systems or handling installations (minimum size – A5 format).
Below are the four key requirements that you should take into account when packaging
shipments. By complying with them, you ensure that FAN Courier Express is able to
transport your shipment without additional costs for special handling.

SUPERPOSABLE
Make sure that your parcel is packaged so that it is
superposable or so that other shipments can be placed on top
of it.

STACKABLE
Make sure that large or odd-shaped parcels are loaded onto a
pallet or a solid base that has a special shape enabling safe
and damage-free handling by means of a forklift.

TILTABLE
Make sure that your item is safe and stable both on a pallet
and in its packaging. Goods will be titled during transport
and/or handling.

SHOCKS AND VIBRATIONS

Minor shocks and vibrations may occur during mechanical
handling. Make sure that your items are sufficiently well-
packaged so as to withstand transport and that they do not
move freely in their outer packaging.

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Means of packaging
Cardboard box Wooden packaging Pallet

Lighter products (<30 kg) Heavier, larger parcels such For consolidated shipments
can be packaged in as gearboxes (new or used)
containing multiple parcels,
cardboard boxes. For more or industrial equipment must
information, please consult be packaged in wooden place the items on a pallet
the general packaging boxes. Use quality hardwood and secure them using the
conditions on the website boxes and secure the box methods presented in this
www.fancourier.ro. Avoid with straps or STRAPEX guide.
using cardboard packaging bands to increase packaging
if the contents are strength. Prior to use, make Make sure that the top of the
inadequate for this sure that the wood is pallet is flat and uniform and
packaging type (heavy thermally and chemically that the boxes do not hang
metal items, odd-shaped treated. over the edge of the pallet.
items, items with off-center
centers of gravity). In this
case, please use packaging
reinforcements or opt for
wooden packaging.

Note: Individual parcels with weights over 120 kg* must be packaged in a movable box that can be handled with a forklift
or safely loaded onto a pallet. For 30-120 kg parcels, we recommend that you use a pallet or a wooden box. If you use a
box, it must be able to bear the full weight of the goods. When packaging individual parcels on pallets or in wooden boxes,
you must secure the goods and use appropriate packaging that can withstand repeated handling by special handling
equipment.

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Using pallets
The following section will present the standards recommended by FAN Courier Express for
palletized transports, such as what type of pallet to use, how to stack the pallet, how to
protect yourselves and how to secure the goods inside.
To avoid additional costs for oversized goods, we recommend the use of standard pallets.

Correct pallet selection

Wood Plastic Cardboard

Strong and suitable for

heavy objects. High load-bearing capacity Lightweight.
Reusable. and non-slip surface. 100% recyclable.
Widely available and less Lightweight. Single use.
expensive than plastic. Resistant to humidity and Not suitable for heavy
If shipped internationally, corrosion. objects and wet
make sure that the wood More expensive than wood environments.
complies with the pallets. Low cost.
international treatment
standards for the
markets where it is to be
used. To increase
stability, make sure that
the pallet has a solid
base.

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Stacking onto pallets
Column stacking Brick stacking

Stacking boxes as columns on a If the goods inside a box are rigid,

pallet is the best way to maintain brick stacking will increase pallet
their strength during transport and to stability.
protect the goods against
compression. Stack the boxes in If the goods inside a box are not
columns, aligning their edges and rigid, brick stacking can effectively
corners for optimal stacking decrease compression strength by
strength. The pallet can then be up to 50%, and the goods can get
stabilized and secured with tape or damaged.
stretch wrap.

Pyramid stacking Arrangement that hangs

over the base (the pallet)

Pyramid stacking does not provide a
level top surface and exposes the
goods to the risk of damages, as well
as generating the risk of delays and
additional costs.
Boxes must not hang over the edge
of the pallet, as that would
unjustifiably expose the goods to the
risk of damages during normal
handling.
Using a non-uniform stacking
method can also decrease the
individual strength of boxes in the
base layer by more than 30%.

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Correct methods for
shipping palletized
goods
You can help prevent in-transit damages to your goods by using a variety of measures, as
presented below. These methods are for guidance purposes only. Other types of protection
can also be used (e.g., foam for amortization, wooden crate, bubble wrap, paper,
polystyrene profiles/peanuts, etc.). The used methods must be at least as effective as those
presented in this guide.

Edge protectors Cardboard Reinforcements

Vertical edge protectors not
only reduce damages to the
edges of the box, but also
help stabilize the load. Both
horizontal and vertical
edges should be protected.
Cardboard sheets placed
above, beneath and on the
sides of the stack provide a
protective barrier. They help
distribute the weight of
shipments at the top and
protect against the base slats
of the pallet.
When shipping large parcels
with odd shapes (such as
gearboxes, engines, etc.),
make sure that the items are
very well fastened onto a
wooden or metal pallet, so
that anchoring prevents
sideways movements during
transport. The outer
packaging should be made of
strong wood.

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Securing the goods
Strapping and film wrapping are the two main methods used to fasten goods onto a pallet
and must be used for large or palletized shipments. The types of straps used can include
steel, nylon, polyester (PET) and polypropylene. Metal is ideal for heavier, solid items, while
nylon and PET are recommended for lighter boxes and items. If using plastic straps, make
sure that they are strong and that they secure the goods properly.

Shrink wrap/wrapping film Anchoring/fastening

When wrapping something in film, make
sure that you have fastened the film to the
edge of the pallet/stackable base.
Apply shrink wrap by tightly winding the film
horizontally around the goods.
Continue concentrically applying the film
from the bottom of the pallet to its top,
making sure to also overlap the film over half
of the previous layer of film. At the top,
diagonally cross the film from each corner
until the top is completely covered. Finally,
bring the foil downwards and tightly wrap it
around the base of the pallet.
When used correctly, anchoring is an ideal
way to secure the goods sent by courier.
If you apply the securing straps manually,
fasten the first strap beneath the empty
pallet space and over the top of the goods
for vertical fastening.
Keep fastening the securing straps in every
direction so that the load is secured by at
least four straps.
Always use additional edge protectors to
avoid the bands cutting into the upper edges
of boxes, the unfastening of the bindings
and the damaging of products. You should
use strong film that can sufficiently protect
the shipment while it is repeatedly handled
during transport.

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Guidelines for
specific goods

Motors and other vehicle parts
Engines, gearboxes and other vehicle parts
must be shipped in a wooden box or safely
fastened onto a pallet and directly covered
with heavy duty cardboard and edge
protectors.
All fluids (oil, fuel, antifreeze) must be
emptied from the motor and other parts
before such parts are handed over for
transport.
The parts must not be larger than the pallet
itself, as then they could get damaged
during handling. If the parts do not fit a
pallet, they must be placed inside a box or
on a movable base that is suitable for the
forklift.
Tires for cars and other vehicles
For shipments composed of 1-2 tires,
parcels must be fully wrapped in film or
packaged in a cardboard box. If using
custom car tire boxes, such boxes should be
suitable for the weight of the tire and should
have flat, non-rounded edges.
For shipments composed of 3+ tires, parcels
must be wrapped onto a standard pallet and
then fastened using a metal or plastic strap.
Cardboard, wood or plastic protectors
should be placed on top of the tire wall to
prevent damages to the tire and other
shipments.

Industrial equipment
Industrial equipment must be shipped in a
wooden crate or heavy duty cardboard crate that
is well fastened onto a pallet and directly covered
with heavy duty cardboard and edge protectors.
The equipment must be emptied of all liquid/fuel
prior to transport.
Heavy parcels must be loaded onto a wide
base/suitable pallet to prevent instability during
transport.
Attention! Shipments that cannot be safely stacked are either subject to additional fees or
rejected (as appropriate).

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Cable reels and small rolls Barrels/buckets/other containers for
paint, oil and other liquids/fluids

For safety reasons and to avoid additional
costs, cable reels should be transported
/stacked on pallets.
Heavy reels (over 50 kg) must be fastened
onto the pallet with a wood frame at the base
(see illustration).
The reel and its frame must be then firmly
fastened onto the pallet using four crossed
metal or plastic straps (see illustration).
If the cable wound onto the reel is extremely
sensitive, we recommend that you wrap the
reel or cover it with a protective case.
Barrels/buckets for liquid must be shipped
onto a plastic or hardwood pallet with slats
less than 2 cm apart. For protection
purposes, wood boards or heavy duty
cardboard sheets must be placed on top of
and between the products in order to prevent
movement and damages during transport
and repeated handling.
Secure the container(s) onto the pallet with
at least two crossed metal or shatterproof
plastic straps. Use corner clamps/strap
protectors between the container and the
straps to prevent damages to the strap
during transport.
When shipping out multiple containers, tie
them together prior to fastening them onto
the base of the pallets.

TVs
Be particularly careful when shipping out
TVs. The manufacturer’s original packaging
is not considered appropriate.

Manufacturers often design packaging for

bulk transport and do not take into account
courier transport requirements.

When packaging a TV, make sure that the

empty space in the box is completely filled
up with protective material (polystyrene on
every side).

If the manufacturer’s packaging does not have double walls, package the TV in a suitable
cardboard box with double walls.
When shipping out multiple TVs, place the goods vertically on a sufficiently large pallet so
as to avoid any overhang. Secure the TVs to the pallets using plastic straps and then wrap
in shrink wrap. To allow superposition, place a buffer on top of the products (heavy duty
cardboard sheets or other materials).

Warning! Shipping a single TV with a length of over 120 cm can generate additional costs
due to the oversized parcel. The c hargeable weight is the largest of the physical weight
and the volumetric weight.

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Baggage, sporting goods and
musical instruments
Baggage, sporting goods and musical
instruments may be shipped only in heavy
duty cardboard boxes/hard cases.
Do not send these types of product in the
original boxes/cases – use double wall
cardboard boxes and wrap them in several
layers of large bubble wrap. Fill up the entire
empty space in the boxes to prevent the
movement of the item inside the packaging
during transport.
Make sure that the product is completely
packaged. If parts of the equipment protrude
from the box, they can get damaged. FAN
Courier Express cannot supply special
packaging for sporting goods or musical
instruments.
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Long tubes/pipes/joints
When shipping longer objects, choose
triangular packaging or, if necessary, film-
wrapped tubes placed inside a square box.
The outer box will prevent the parcel from
rolling around during transport and will
prevent it from being damaged. The pallet or
box must cover the entire length of the
shipped item. Fasten pipes onto the pallet
using metal or shatterproof plastic straps
and use plastic or wood blocking at the ends
of the pallet to make sure that the items do
not protrude during transport.
If the shipped items weigh over 30 kg, they
must be transported in boxes that can be
handled.
Attention! An additional fee will be charged
for tubes that cannot be superposed or that
exceed 120 cm, including those too
sensitive for superposition.
Tubes and pipes longer than 300 cm will not
be accepted for transport.
Carpets and rolls of fabric Bottles

To prevent bending, always roll up the
carpets/fabrics widthwise.
Textiles/carpets must be wrapped in thick
film. The ends of the roll must be protected
with thick or heavy duty cardboard.
For parcels under 30 kg and/or under 120 cm
in length, we recommend using the H-tape
sealing method presented in the general
packaging guide. For multiple parcels and/or
parcels over 30 kg or longer than 120 cm,
consider packaging them in a box or on a base
that can be handled.
Liquids must be packaged in special heavy
duty cardboard boxes filled with polystyrene
or other fillers. To avoid movement inside the
packaging, the box should contain no empty
space. Fillers must be in sufficient quantity
so that the contents of the box are protected
during repeated handling.
If you have to transport multiple bottles, use
special boxes, individually package each
bottle and use cardboard separators to
prevent the products from bumping into each
other inside the box.

We do not recommend bundling together

multiple rolls of carpet or fabric.
Carpets and rolls of fabric can be stacked
onto a pallet, provided that they are stacked
in an alternating pattern (see illustration
above), and must be fastened and packaged
so as to ensure stability.

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