You’ve secured and packaged your parcel, chosen your preferred delivery service and now you’re ready to send it on its way.

One of the most crucial things you can do to ensure your parcel is delivered to the right recipient is to address it clearly and accurately.

It sounds obvious, but if your handwriting is illegible, or the postcode is inaccurate or hard to read, it could mean your parcel is routed to the wrong delivery depot, or end up on the wrong trailer. The result? Your parcel won’t get delivered on time, or even worse it might not get delivered at all.

To avoid this problem, here are some top tips for addressing your parcel for a courier delivery:

1.  Write the address clearly and accurately. If your handwriting is a little suspect it may be worth writing the details in block capitals or type them out using a computer.

2.  Always include the postcode. It helps to ensure your parcel is routed correctly within the courier network, and will make the item easier to deliver.

If you don’t know the postcode for your destination, check out this handy link from Royal Mail. It helps you find postcodes and you get up to 15 free searches a day. http://www2.royalmail.com/postcode-finder?gear=postcode

3.  Consider adding a contact number. That way if there are any problems the courier can at least phone to try and fix it.

4.  Include a sender’s address – or a sender’s house number and postcode. Although this is optional, this additional information can help:

• If the item can’t be delivered the courier has an address to return it to.
• If the recipient is out and does not request a re-delivery, the courier can return it to the sender easily.

Remember, by accurately labelling your parcel, you will help the courier deliver your parcel on time.

In a word YES! What’s more with courier services offering such competitive prices it’s possible to make some cash as well as some room!

The bike’s been sold – now what?

You’ll be pleased to know that with internet courier brokers you can arrange it all on-line. What’s more because a courier will collect from your house, you can even avoid the hassle of trying to get the bike to the Post Office. Now that’s a relief considering how awkward and heavy bikes can be.

If you want to post a bike, here’s some handy tips for sending them through a courier network:

1.  If possible remove the front wheel, handle bars and peddles from the main frame.

As well as making your bike easier to wrap, it will shorten the length of your package and make it easier to send through the network.

2. Make sure your bike is securely wrapped and protected for transit.

• Wrap the frame, handle bars and peddles in bubble wrap to protect the paintwork against any small knocks or bumps during transit.
• If you have dismantled the bike it’s a good idea to tape all the bits together as this will minimise the risk of parts going missing if your package comes loose in transit.
• Package the bike in cardboard – or even better see if you can get an old bike box from a bike retailer.
• Make sure the box is sturdy and robust and secure any openings with strong tape to prevent items being lost.
• If you can get hold of some plastic taping to wrap around the box for extra security this is a good idea.

3.  Finally affix the address label to the bike securely

Now all you have to do is wait for the carrier and wish it well on its journey to a new home.
Don’t forget, you can log on to the collectmyparcel.com website and track the parcel by entering the CMP number on the tracking page.

It is possible to send fragile items by a courier service – but you’ll need to ensure that they are securely wrapped before being dispatched.

Also remember that writing “fragile” on the box isn’t sufficient.

That’s because although courier companies do handle parcels carefully – the way parcels move through the network means they are going to get bumped and knocked.

For example many couriers have automated sorting machines – and some like Parcelforce Worldwide have sizable national sorting hubs where parcels get shuffled around to ensure they are in the right place for onward dispatch. What’s more courier collection and delivery vans won’t keep a parcel in place.

So when sending something that needs a little extra protection try the following:

1. Use a strong box that’s an appropriate size for your item. If the box is too large it could get crushed, and if it’s too small the box could burst open.
2. Ensure the box is properly sealed. Parcel tape is the best choice as this is strong, durable and waterproof.
3. Wrap the fragile item securely and thoroughly in bubble wrap and then fill the box with extra cushioning like loose fill chips. This will prevent your item moving around inside the box and minimise the risk of damage.

Remember you can’t guarantee 100% that your item won’t get damaged – but by taking steps to ensure the parcel is carefully packaged you can significantly reduce the risk.

Have a look at our Packaging Advice page for more information and guidance