How to Pack Liquids for Shipping

Although shipping liquids may seem tricky, it’s not that hard as long as you familiarize yourself with the relevant rules and regulations and properly pack the liquids. Here are a few tips on how to pack liquids for shipping that may come in handy.

Make sure your liquids are eligible for shipping. Generally, non-hazardous, non-flammable liquids can be shipped both domestically and internationally. However, flammable liquids (such as alcoholic beverages, alcohol-containing perfumes, gasoline, and nail polish) and poisonous liquids cannot be shipped internationally via commercial carriers. Nail polish and alcohol-containing perfumes can usually be shipped domestically via ground services, but it’s best to confirm this with the carrier. In short, check the carrier’s rules and, when shipping internationally, the import rules of the destination country before shipping any liquids.

Make sure the containers are tightly sealed. Although it’s best to ship liquids in watertight plastic containers and avoid glass, we understand that this isn’t always possible. Regardless of the container’s material, make sure it is tightly sealed, and secure the caps with tape, just to be on the safe side.

Prepare the shipping box. Use a corrugated box because it is sturdier than regular cardboard. Seal all seams with heavy-duty packing tape, paying special attention to the bottom. If shipping multiple containers, place a cardboard or foam tray in the box and add cardboard dividers to separate the containers.

Wrap each container individually, especially if they are made of glass. This will protect them from damage and prevent spillage. For liquids in plastic containers, wrapping paper should suffice. Tightly roll the paper around each container and secure it with packing tape or rubber bands. When shipping liquids in glass containers, use bubble wrap for maximum security. To contain possible spillage, you can also place each wrapped container in a sealable plastic bag.

Place the containers in the box. The dividers will keep them upright and separate. Make sure that each container’s cap is pointing upwards. If there is any free space between the containers and dividers or box walls, fill it with cushioning materials, such as crumpled paper, to prevent the containers from shifting during transit. Use bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or air bags to fill the empty space on top of the containers.

Seal the box. Close the top flaps and secure them with heavy-duty packing tape that is at least two inches wide. For extra security, use two layers of tape and the H taping method.

Label the box. To ensure your box is handled carefully, label it “Liquid” and “Fragile”. You can use stickers or write the words in big, bold letters with a black permanent marker. Don’t forget to add a “This Side Up” warning. Note that these labels do not guarantee your box will always stay upright or arrive in one piece, but it’s better to warn the carrier nonetheless.

Add the shipping label. You can purchase a shipping label online directly from the carrier or from a third-party platform such as PostageMaker, which offers discounts on shipping. Print the label and attach it to the box with clear tape, being careful not to cover the barcode. To increase the chances that your package will be shipped upright, place the label on top of the package, if the carrier’s rules allow it.

The steps are mostly the same when shipping just one container. First, choose a corrugated box that is slightly larger than the container, but not too large. Then, tape over all seams and line the bottom of the box with absorbent material. Wrap the container and place it inside a watertight bag. Put the bagged container inside the box and add cushioning material. Tape the box shut and label it. Voilà!