Pack to Protect: Packaging Guidance for Customers & Suppliers

Helping You Deliver Safely, Every Time

We all want deliveries to go smoothly – and packaging plays a huge part in that.

At Streamline Shipping Group, we’ve seen a rise in goods arriving with poor or inadequate packaging. That leads to delays, damage, and frustration for everyone involved. So we’ve launched our Pack to Protect campaign to make things easier, safer, and clearer for our customers and suppliers.

This guide explains how to prepare your shipments properly, what we look for at our depots, and how to avoid preventable issues – from everyday parcels to large or non-standard items.

Download the Pack to Protect PDF

Why Packaging Matters

Every item we handle is important. But when goods aren’t packaged properly – or arrive without clear instructions – we can’t always move them safely.

That’s why under RHA Conditions of Carriage, packaging is considered the sender’s responsibility. Our job is to handle items with care, but the right packaging (and handling info) has to come first.

We’ve introduced clearer guidance and depot checks to reduce avoidable issues and improve the delivery experience across the board.

• Fewer delays
• Less damage
• More successful deliveries

What We Look For

Whether you're sending a small parcel or a full pallet, good packaging protects your item and our people. Here's what we recommend:

• Use sturdy, six-sided cardboard boxes
• Fill any gaps with cushioning (bubble wrap, paper void fill, foam etc.)
• Seal boxes securely with strong tape – avoid string or loose wrapping
• Label clearly, especially if contents are fragile or require specific orientation
• Add handling instructions for bulky, heavy or awkward items

Download full packaging checklist (PDF)

Got Something Tricky? Tell Us First.

Some goods need more than just a cardboard box.

If your shipment is unusually shaped, oversized, or requires special equipment to load or unload – we need to know before it arrives.

• It is the consignor’s responsibility to inform Streamline of any special loading or unloading requirements in advance.

Failure to do so may lead to delays or the item being rejected at the depot. If there’s no safe way to handle it on arrival – and no instructions provided – we can’t put our teams or your goods at risk.

What Happens If There’s a Problem?

We carry out visual checks when goods arrive at our depots. If something doesn’t look right, we’ll either:

• Contact you to discuss options
• Accept the item at your risk, with limited liability
• Or, in some cases, refuse the shipment for safety reasons

Please note: Claims for damaged goods may be rejected if packaging or handling instructions were insufficient at the time of handover.

Think Green, Pack Smart

Where possible, we encourage:

• Recyclable or reusable materials
• Paper tape and cardboard void fill instead of plastic
• Clear labelling for disposal and sorting

We’re working in line with upcoming changes like the EU Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation, and we invite all our partners to do the same.

Not Sure If It’s Packaged Properly?

We’re here to help.

If you’re ever unsure whether something is safe to send, just ask. From one-off parcels to regular freight – packaging is part of the delivery process, not an afterthought.

Contact your local depot
Download the Pack to Protect Guide
Email us at info@streamlinegroup.co.uk for support

Let’s keep goods moving safely – together.