How do you protect packages from rain?

Having packages delivered in rainy weather is very common. As an online shopper or seller, you want to ensure your packages and their contents remain dry and undamaged by the elements during transit and delivery. There are several useful tips and products to help protect packages from rain.

Use Water-Resistant Packaging

Choosing the right packaging is the first line of defense against wet weather. Opt for water-resistant boxes, envelopes and mailing bags when packing up orders. Plastic poly mailers with water-resistant coatings provide excellent protection against rain and moisture. Bubble mailers and waterproof envelopes are also great options for keeping contents dry.

For extra protection, place items inside a plastic bag before putting them in the final outer packaging. Secure the bag tightly to prevent rain leaks. Plastic bags also help retain any moisture absorbed by inner packaging or the contents. An impermeable plastic barrier prevents further water damage.

Reinforce Boxes and Packaging

Take steps to reinforce boxes and packaging against the elements:

• Use packaging tape liberally to seal all openings, seams and closure flaps.
• Choose high-quality, water-resistant tape to create a tight seal.
• Wrap tape completely around the box, using 2-3 strips for full coverage.
• Use extra tape to reinforce corners and edges.
• Choose quality cardboard boxes with secure construction and closures.
• Avoid overly large boxes, which are more vulnerable to rain damage.
• Wrap paper packages in plastic before taping for added protection.

Proper sealing and taping prevents rain from seeping into boxes or compromised packaging. Sturdy boxes also withstand moisture better and hold up to wet weather conditions during delivery.

Utilize Stretch Plastic Film

For superior rain protection, wrap palletized packages tightly in plastic stretch film or shrink wrap. These heavy-duty plastic wraps provide a fully waterproof barrier and seal that keeps rain fully out of a stack of boxes or a pallet load. Stretch plastic wrap:

• Adheres tightly to packages.
• Forms a protective cocoon around all sides.
• Is extremely difficult for moisture to penetrate.
• Helps bundled packages retain their shape in wet conditions.
• Is an ideal solution for large stacks of boxes or pallet shipments.

Keep in mind that tight wrapping can require specialized equipment. However, for very large or high-value shipments, the extra effort and cost is worth ensuring maximum rain protection.

Use Water-Resistant Labels

Print mailing and shipping labels on water-resistant paper using waterproof ink. Laser printer labels hold up best when wet. Choose labels with a strong adhesive to keep them firmly attached to packages during rainy deliveries. Avoid light paper labels using regular ink, which will easily wash away when wet. A dissolved label could result in an undeliverable package.

Add Extra Internal Protection

Use added interior protection to keep contents dry, such as:

• Water-resistant inner boxes or bags
• Plastic bubble wrap
• Waterproof pouches
• Resealable plastic bags
• Absorbent padding to cushion contents and absorb moisture

Place any paperwork, invoices or packing slips inside a protective plastic envelope within the box. Moisture-sensitive items like electronics or paper goods will need extra shielding from rain exposure.

Seal Box Openings

Pay special attention to sealing any box openings around handles, spouts or valves:

• Plastic-wrap and tape openings tightly closed.
• Use waterproof tape to cover and seal paper seams.
• Attach protective caps or covers over openings.
• Wrap entire box in plastic pallet wrap to cocoon it completely.

Vulnerable openings provide an easy entry point for rain. Take time to properly seal boxes with tricky openings to prevent leaks.

Apply a Plastic Bag as an Extra Layer

For lightweight packages, simply placing the sealed package inside a plastic bag adds an extra defensive barrier against moisture:

• Choose bags sized to fit snugly around the package.
• Carefully press out excess air before sealing the bag.
• Secure the opening tightly with a plastic tie or tape.
• Make sure outer labels are still visible or apply an extra label.

The thin plastic layer keeps off light rain exposure. It also contains any leaks from inner packaging failures. Adding a plastic bag takes little time and effort for decent rain protection.

Apply a Protective Shipping Coating

Consider treating packages with a transparent, water-repellent shipping coating or spray. These formulations create a moisture barrier to repel rain and moisture:

• Spray coats all surfaces of packaging and boxes.
• Is fast-drying for quick processing.
• Provides a non-sticky protective layer.
• Allows labels and markings to remain visible.

Just one treatment before shipping can effectively shield a package from light to moderate rain. However, coatings wear off over time and may need reapplication.

Include Desiccant Packs

Place small desiccant packs inside boxes to actively absorb moisture:

• Silica gel packs attract and trap ambient water molecules.
• Use multiple packs for larger packages.
• Seal packs in waterproof plastic to contain moisture.
• Can be reused after drying them out.

Desiccants won’t prevent rain leaks but help lower humidity levels inside boxes. This protects contents against damage from moisture, mold and mildew.

Use Waterproof Box Liners

Liners made of waterproof materials transform ordinary boxes into water-tight containers:

• Plastic liners protect against leaks.
• Wax-coated cardboard also repels moisture.
• Foil or foam liners add cushioning.
• Helps contents float above any collected rain.
• Can reuse liners multiple times.

Lined boxes should still be reinforced with tape to withstand wet conditions. But liners provide leak protection for important, high-value contents.

Package in Waterproof Hard Cases

For maximum impact protection and waterproofing, package items in durable hard cases:

• Rugged plastic cases seal tightly.
• Aluminum cases won’t rust or leak.
• Can include foam padding for fragile items.
• Carries high cost but ideal for valuable contents.

Hard cases may be excessive for lower-value shipments. However, they provide virtually fail-safe shielding against rain for precious cargo like electronics, antiques or machinery parts.

Secure Pallet Loads

Properly securing palletized shipments prevents load shifting and damage in wet conditions:

• Stack boxes tightly on pallet with no overhang.
• Wrap entire pallet load with stretch plastic.
• Reinforce with water-resistant adhesive tape.
• Use steel or plastic banding straps for stability.
• Anchor with corner protectors and pallet netting.

A tight, unified pallet load withstands moisture exposure and prevents individual boxes from falling off. Pallet blocking and bracing also helps.

Include Wet Weather Instructions

Include specific instructions on boxes or inside packages requesting carriers take extra precautions in wet conditions:

• Mark boxes clearly with “Keep Dry” notices.
• Attach special handling stickers for rain protection.
• Place waterproof covering requests inside.
• Provide contact information to resolve exposure issues.

Explicit wet weather handling and delivery instructions help ensure shippers and carriers take active measures to keep packages dry.

Use Covered Transport and Storage

Store outgoing packages and request transport under covered areas:

• Keep packages under a roof or overhang when possible.
• Ship from covered docks and loading bays.
• Ask carriers to use covered trucks with tight seals.
• Avoid open air transport like flatbeds.

Eliminating exposure to actual rain events further reduces risk. Coordinate routing and handoffs to minimize time packages are left out in the open.

Inspect Packages Upon Delivery

Inspect packages immediately when received to identify any rain or moisture damage:

• Note any visible water staining or leakage.
• Open boxes carefully to check internal contents.
• Document damage with photographs.
• Report issues promptly to the carrier.

Early inspection enables damage claims and potential insurance coverage. Uncover any deficiencies in rain protection measures for future improvement.

Purchase Insurance Coverage

Insuring shipments provides compensation for contents damaged by moisture:

• All-risk policies cover rain-related losses.
• May require proof of proper packaging.
• Higher-value items benefit most.
• Must file timely damage reports.

Insurance is the final safeguard when rain protection fails. Choose enhanced coverage options for vulnerable, irreplaceable or costly contents.

Conclusion

Inclement weather can seriously threaten packages and contents during shipping and delivery. Rain specifically requires thoughtful preparation to keep boxes and parcels intact and dry indoors and out. Following smart practices for materials, packaging, storage and transport takes an proactive stance against moisture risks.

Implement as many protective measures as feasible based on the value and vulnerability of shipped goods. The most damage occurs when packages are improperly sealed, lightly packaged or left exposed to outdoor elements for long periods. Address these factors upfront to maintain quality control and customer satisfaction, regardless of the weather conditions.