When a carrier denies your damage claim, "insufficient packaging" is the most common excuse. It's also the most frustrating — they can make that argument even when the package was clearly destroyed by rough handling.
Pack correctly, and you eliminate that argument entirely.
The Carrier Standard
Carriers define "properly packaged" in their terms and conditions. The baseline:
- A new, clean corrugated box with no previous labels, markings, or damage
- At least 2 inches of cushioning material on all sides between the item and the box walls
- The item immobilized — it shouldn't shift when you shake the box
- Sealed with pressure-sensitive tape at least 2 inches wide (not masking tape, packing string, or twine)
UPS and FedEx informally use a "4-foot drop test" standard: if the packaging wouldn't protect the item from a 4-foot drop, expect a fight over a damage claim.
Packaging by Item Type
Electronics (phones, laptops, cameras)
Use the original manufacturer's box if available — carriers specifically recognize OEM packaging as meeting their standards.
Without the original box: double-box. Pack the item in a snug inner box with foam, then place that box inside a larger outer box with 2 inches of cushioning around it on all sides. Use anti-static bubble wrap for anything with circuit boards.
Mark the outer box "Fragile" on multiple sides. This won't guarantee careful handling, but it documents your intent.
Glassware and ceramics
Wrap each piece individually in at least 3 layers of bubble wrap. Fill all void space with crumpled paper or foam peanuts — the contents should not shift when you shake the box.
For extremely fragile pieces: double-box. Mark "Fragile" and "This Side Up" on the outer box.
Jewelry and small valuables
Use a padded jewelry box inside a corrugated outer box. Fill all void space — small items get mishandled at sorting facilities more than large ones. Use a rigid box, not a padded mailer, for anything with real value.
Documents and flat items
Use a rigid cardboard mailer, not a soft envelope, for anything that can't be bent. Mark "Do Not Bend" clearly on both sides.
International Shipments: Extra Steps
International packages pass through more hands than domestic ones — more transfer points, more chances for damage. Add:
- Waterproofing: Wrap contents in a plastic bag inside the outer box. Customs inspections can expose packages to weather or wet conditions.
- Battery precautions: Remove batteries or secure them separately. Some countries restrict loose batteries; unsecured batteries can also cause handling issues.
- Accurate declared value: Don't over-declare or under-declare — both create problems if you need to file a claim.
How Packaging Affects a Claim
When you file a damage claim, the carrier or insurer asks:
- How was the item packaged?
- Was there a box-within-a-box for fragile items?
- What cushioning material was used?
- Was the package sealed properly?
Answer all of these correctly and the burden shifts — now the carrier needs to explain how their handling caused damage despite proper packaging.
Photograph before you seal the box. Photo of the item, photo of the item wrapped, photo of the item in the box with cushioning visible, photo of the sealed box. These images are your evidence if anything goes wrong.
What Gets Claims Denied
- Reused boxes with damage, crushing, or old labels
- Masking tape or scotch tape — too weak; carriers require proper packaging tape
- Foam peanuts alone for heavy items — they compress and settle; use foam or bubble wrap for heavy objects
- Soft envelopes for rigid items — use a box
Bottom Line
Proper packaging is both damage prevention and claims protection. Fifteen minutes with the right materials makes it nearly impossible for a carrier to deny a legitimate damage claim. It also just reduces the odds of damage in the first place.
Photograph everything before sealing. That documentation is as important as the insurance coverage itself.