Packaging Guidelines

We all know packaging can be a tricky subject, but a little guidance can go a long way!

Here are some expert tips on how to best package your products or goods, so they can arrive safely in one piece, on time, all the time:

• Your Responsibility 
• Picup Collection Process & Product-Specific Packaging 
• General Packaging Guidelines 
• Collection Process 
• Product-Specific Packaging Guidelines 
  • Pharmaceuticals 
  • Grocery 
  • Fast Food 
  • Meal Kits 
  • Pet Food 
  • Stationery 
  • Frozen Meat 
  • Flowers 
  • Tyres 
  • Clothing 
  • Electronics 

*Please note that this is a general packaging guideline and the agreement between Picup Technologies (Pty) Ltd (herein forth referred to as Picup) and the customer may differ slightly from this packaging guideline.

Your Responsibility 

As the sender, you are the only person who knows exactly what is inside your parcel. Therefore, it is your responsibility to ensure your item is packaged correctly and does not contain prohibited or hazardous goods. By accepting a parcel, Picup does not acknowledge that the packaging is adequate or the contents are acceptable. That is up to you. 

PLEASE NOTE: Bubble wrap and fragile labels are no substitute for proper packaging. 

• Ensure your item is protected against damage while it is being transported and delivered. 

• Ensure you protect other customers’ items.
You could be liable for damage to items if it is caused by inadequate packaging of your parcel. 

• Ensure you protect Picup employees and equipment against injury or damage. 

• Fragile labels should not be used as a substitute for adequate packaging.
Picup drivers will always be careful and cautious, but machines and sorters cannot read the alert. 

Picup Collection Process & Product-Specific Packaging 

Our comprehensive packaging guidelines are tailored to uphold the integrity of your products throughout the transportation process. With a commitment to excellence and precision, we have formulated specific guidelines for different sectors to meet industry-specific needs and regulatory standards. 

These guidelines encompass best practices aimed at safeguarding the quality, safety, and efficacy of your pharmaceutical products. By adhering to these protocols, we aim to minimize risks, ensure compliance, and guarantee the delivery of your items in their optimal condition.

General Packaging Guidelines 

Use of Tamer-Evident Materials: Employ tamper-evident packaging materials like shrink bands or seals to unequivocally secure the integrity of the product during transit, ensuring that any tampering attempts are easily identifiable upon receipt.

Packaging Cleanliness: Prioritize cleanliness by ensuring that the packaging is pristine— free from dust, stains, or any form of contamination at the time of collection. This maintains the professionalism and quality of the delivered goods. 

Sturdiness & Support: Utilize packaging materials that offer sufficient strength and durability to uphold the weight and nature of the products. This measure ensures that the items remain protected and intact throughout the transportation process. 

Secure Packaging Internally: Prevent movement or damage within the packaging by securing items adequately. Utilize bubble wrap or folded paper to fill any empty spaces, minimizing the risk of shifting or bouncing during transit.

Collection Process 

Understanding the inherent risks involved in the logistics industry, we have established a comprehensive in-store collection process aimed at mitigating potential risks and ensuring a seamless and secure transfer of your valuable goods. 

Our in-store collection process entails several crucial checkpoints, each meticulously designed to safeguard your shipments from any potential mishaps or unauthorized handling. 

Here’s why strict adherence to these guidelines is imperative: 

Verification of Order 

It begins with verifying that the assigned driver collecting your order has the corresponding details on their device. This step ensures that the right person is handling your parcels. The collection reference numbers can be found on the Picup system and will look as follows on the driver’s device (highlighted in red):

Confirmation and Documentation 

Your active participation is crucial in confirming the collection by inputting your signature and name on the driver’s device. This documentation solidifies the transaction and serves as a record of the handover. You fill in the below questions in their corresponding number blocks on the phone screen:

1. This is where you input your name. 

2. This is where you select your relationship to the business, e.g dispatcher. 

3. This is where you input your signature to confirm collection of the parcels.

Identification of Picup Drivers: 

Identifiable Picup gear worn by our drivers provides visual confirmation of their affiliation, reassuring you of the professionalism and legitimacy of the collection process. See image below. 

Additional Security Measures: 

Prioritize cleanliness by ensuring that the packaging is pristine free from dust, stains, or any form of contamination at the time of collection. This maintains the professionalism and quality of the delivered goods. 

Empowering You: 

In the instances that any of the above steps are refused by the driver, we urge you not to hand over your parcels and immediately report the incident to the Picup team. Your vigilance and cooperation are invaluable in maintaining the integrity of the collection process.

By adhering to these outlined procedures, together, we can significantly minimize any potential risks or uncertainties during the collection process.

Product-Specific Packaging Guidelines 

Pharmaceuticals 

Tamper-Evident Packaging: 

Utilize tamper-evident packaging materials, such as shrink bands or seals, as the primary measure to guarantee the integrity of pharmaceutical products during transit. This ensures that any tampering attempts are clearly visible upon receipt, safeguarding the contents from unauthorized access or alteration. 

Accurate Labeling: 

Ensure meticulous labeling of packages with the medication’s name prominently displayed. Additionally, include any necessary handling or storage instructions required for the safe and proper maintenance of the pharmaceutical items. Clear and comprehensive labeling assists in easy identification and appropriate handling of the products.

Temperature-Sensitive Medications: 

For temperature-sensitive medications, employ insulated packaging solutions that can maintain the required temperature range throughout transit. Use cold packs or heat packs as necessary to preserve the integrity and effectiveness of these sensitive pharmaceuticals, safeguarding their therapeutic properties.  

Grocery 

Leak-Resistant Packaging for Liquids and Perishables: 

Utilize leak-resistant containers or bags specifically designed for liquids and perishable items. This precaution ensures that any potential leaks or spills are contained, preventing damage to other items during transit. 

Labeling Perishable Items: 

Clearly label perishable items with “Keep Refrigerated” instructions to ensure proper handling and storage upon receipt. For these perishable goods, employ insulated packaging as necessary to maintain their freshness and quality during transportation. 

Segregation of Fragile Items: 

Separate fragile items, such as eggs or glass containers, from heavier or sharp objects within the packaging. This segregation minimizes the risk of breakage due to impact or pressure during transportation. 

Protection for Brittle Products: 

Shield brittle products or those made of glass by wrapping them with bubble wrap or appropriate cushioning materials. This additional layer of protection helps prevent breakage due to external forces during handling and transit.

Fast Food 

Temperature Maintenance for Hot Items: 

Utilize insulated containers specifically designed to maintain the temperature of hot food items during transit. This ensures that hot dishes remain at the desired serving temperature, preventing them from cooling down prematurely. Secure 

Packaging for Drinks: 

Place drinks in sturdy cup holders or containers designed to prevent spillage during transit. Additionally, seal the containers securely to avoid any leakage, ensuring the beverages remain intact and ready for consumption upon delivery. 

Secure Packaging for Sauces and Dressings: 

Package sauces and dressings in spill-proof containers to prevent leaks or spills during transportation. Ensuring secure packaging for these items maintains the cleanliness of the overall package and avoids potential damage to other food items.

Meal Kits 

Individual Sealed Compartments: 

Package individual ingredients in separate and sealed compartments within the meal kit packaging. This segregation prevents cross-contamination between ingredients, ensuring their freshness and quality until they are ready to be used.

Sturdy Packaging Material: 

Utilize robust and durable packaging material capable of supporting the weight of the various products included in the meal kit. Sturdy packaging safeguards against damage and ensures that the contents remain intact during transit. 

Emphasis on Clean Packaging: 

Prioritize cleanliness by ensuring that the meal kit packaging is immaculate—free from dust, stains, or any form of contamination at the time of collection. This maintains the hygiene and appeal of the meal kit components. 

Meal Kits Recipient Details on External Packaging: 

Include recipient details prominently on the external packaging of the meal kit. This information aids delivery personnel in accurately identifying the intended destination, facilitating a smooth and efficient delivery process.  

Pet Food 

Durable Packaging with Strong Seals: 

Employ sturdy bags or containers with robust seals specifically designed to prevent moisture ingress and safeguard against pests. This measure ensures the preservation of pet food quality by maintaining its freshness and preventing contamination. 

Sturdy Packaging Material: 

Utilize durable packaging material capable of withstanding the weight of the pet food products. Sturdy packaging ensures that the contents remain secure and intact throughout the transportation process.

Stationery 

Use of Rigid Boxes or Padded Envelopes for Fragile Items: 

Package fragile items like glass pens or delicate paper in rigid boxes or padded envelopes. This provides extra protection against breakage or damage during transit, ensuring these items reach their destination intact. 

Protection from Moisture and Bending: 

Shield paper products from moisture and bending by using waterproof packaging or plastic sleeves. This protective measure safeguards against potential damage to delicate paper items, ensuring they remain in pristine condition upon arrival. 

Categorization and Securing Items: 

Group stationery items by category, such as pens and notebooks, within the packaging. Utilize dividers or compartments if necessary to prevent shifting during transit, maintaining the integrity of each item.  

Frozen Meat 

Insulated Containers with Temperature Maintenance: 

Package frozen meat in insulated containers designed to maintain a low temperature throughout transit. Ensure the inclusion of sufficient quantities of dry ice or gel packs to sustain the required freezing temperature, preserving the freshness and quality of the meat. 

Clear Labeling and Instructions: 

Clearly mark “Keep Frozen” on the packaging to alert handlers and recipients about the required storage condition. Additionally, include thawing instructions if necessary to guide proper handling upon receipt. 

Double-Sealing for Leakage Prevention: 

Double-seal packages to prevent any potential leakage that may occur during the thawing process. This precautionary measure ensures that the package remains intact, avoiding spillage and maintaining cleanliness during transit.

Flowers 

Specially Designed Containers for Support and Hydration: 

Utilize specially designed flower boxes or vases that offer adequate support and hydration for the stems. These containers maintain the structural integrity of the flowers and help sustain their freshness during transportation. 

Protection for Delicate Blooms: 

Safeguard delicate blooms from damage during transit by using appropriate protective materials such as tissue paper or bubble wrap. This protective layering shields the flowers from potential impact or shifting, preserving their delicate petals and shapes. 

Water Vials for Freshness: 

Include water vials or containers for fresh flower arrangements. These vials help extend the flowers’ freshness by providing them with hydration throughout the transit process, ensuring they remain vibrant upon arrival.  

Tyres 

Heavy-Duty, Puncture-Resistant Packaging Materials: 

Utilize robust and puncture-resistant packaging materials specifically designed to withstand the weight, size, and durability requirements of tires. This choice ensures the protection of the tires during transit. 

Secure Positioning to Prevent Movement: 

Securely position tires within the packaging to prevent any shifting or movement during transportation. Proper placement minimizes the risk of potential damage caused by friction or impact while in transit. 

Clear Labeling with Essential Details: 

Clearly label packages with crucial information including tire size, weight, and handling instructions. This labeling assists delivery personnel in handling the packages safely and efficiently, ensuring the accurate and secure transport of the tires.

Clothing 

Neat Folding and Protective Packaging: 

Neatly fold clothing items to minimize wrinkles and ensure a presentable appearance upon delivery. Utilize clear, resealable bags or protective covers to shield garments from dust and moisture, maintaining their freshness and cleanliness.

Categorization and Clear Labeling: 

Consider categorizing clothing items by type or size for ease of handling and identification. Clearly label each bag or box to indicate the contents, allowing for efficient sorting and easy retrieval of specific items.

Electronics 

Antistatic Protection: 

Use antistatic packaging materials to protect sensitive electronic components from electrostatic discharge (ESD). This is especially crucial for items like integrated circuits, circuit boards, and other electronic components. 

Moisture Protection: 

Use moisture-resistant packaging if the electronics are susceptible to damage from humidity or moisture. Silica gel packets can be included to absorb excess moisture. 

Cushioning: 

Provide adequate cushioning to absorb shocks and vibrations during transportation. Use materials like bubble wrap, foam, or air cushions to protect delicate components from impact. 

Electronics Customized Inserts: 

For products with specific shapes or fragile parts, consider using custom inserts made from foam or molded materials. These inserts can hold the items securely in place and provide additional protection.  

For more detailed information on packaging, read our attached guideline document.