Sending liquid items by courier

Couriers are involved with transporting a range of different items. These can vary in size, shape and contents. Many items which are sent through couriers are of a solid form, although many people forget that sending liquid items are just as popular. Sending liquids can be a bit tricky and require some extra care and considerations. In this latest blog post, we will take a look at some of the best tips for ensuring that your liquid items end up in exactly the same condition as they were sent when using a courier.

1) Check what you are sending

Generally (and especially within the postal system) you need to declare any liquid item that is being sent, because of the risk of leakage. Certain liquid items are prohibited and not all couriers will carry things such as flammable liquids. This may even apply to the most innocent and inconspicuous of items such as perfume for example, which can then be flammable in the wrong situations, depending on the ingredients used to make it. Generally, things like beer and wine are safe to send as liquids, but they can come with their open general complications too.

2) Seal, seal, seal

When it comes to the sending of liquid items the importance of a seal is key. No courier likes to deal with liquids that have come open and leaked. It can cause damage and lost time and ultimately cost you more. For the customer, a leaked product is a complete waste of a product, aswell as the courier service which has been paid for. Not only do liquids need to be sealed thoroughly, they also need to be wrapped and cushioned appropriately. Many liquids are often in some form of glass containers which are fragile to breakage.

3) Ensure appropriate labels

Adding labels such as “liquids enclosed” and “fragile” can help draw attention to the fact that those items require special care and attention. This helps cover yourself because you have done all you can to protect the items, whilst giving the courier the extra information they need to be able to handle the parcel appropriately.

4) Add absorbent sheet

If there is leakage, adding an absorbent sheet inside the package or parcel can help soak up the spillage and prevent liquid damage escaping (or perhaps occurring to a lesser degree.) Whenever you are transporting liquid items this is a good option to consider, because it increases health and safety adherence.

5) Use a courier with experience and an excellent track record

When sending liquids, it is extra important that someone reliable is chosen – someone with a good record of ensuring items are not damaged or broken. This is essential for liquids as even the slightest amount of damage will result in leaks. Sometimes sending liquids using a same day courier service can also be a good option because this lowers the amount of time that damage could occur.

Liquids are fragile items. While on the subject of fragile items, you might want to take a look at our dedicated page to find out further information on how we transport liquids and other delicate goods.