Top 5 Packing Tips for Safe International Shipping from the Virgin Islands

Top 5 expert packing tips to protect your items during international shipping

When shipping internationally from the U.S. Virgin Islands, careful packaging is one of the most important factors that determines whether your shipment arrives safely and on time. Packages that are improperly packed may be delayed, rejected by carriers, or worse—damaged during transit.

At Mail Plus, we specialize in helping both residents and visitors in St. Thomas prepare packages for international shipping through DHL, FedEx, and USPS. Whether you’re sending electronics to Europe, gifts to Canada, or documents to South America, these expert packing tips will reduce your risk of delivery issues and ensure peace of mind.

Why Proper Packing Matters for International Shipping

Shipping internationally involves more variables than domestic shipping. Packages often move through multiple facilities, cross borders, and travel by air, sea, or ground. Each of these touchpoints increases the likelihood of your item being dropped, jostled, or stacked beneath heavier parcels.

In addition, some countries have strict rules about packaging materials and labeling, making it even more important to pack correctly and comply with regulations.

Failing to pack properly can lead to:

• Rejected shipments at customs
  
  
• Damage to fragile or valuable items
  
  
• Delivery delays
  
  
• Loss of insurance claims due to inadequate packaging
  
  

Mail Plus offers packaging assistance, high-quality shipping materials, and in-store packing services to help avoid these issues.

1. Choose the Right Box Size and Strength

Your packaging starts with selecting the right box. For international shipments, it’s essential to use new, double-walled corrugated boxes that match the size of your item.

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Using boxes that are too large, which causes contents to shift and increases the risk of damage.
  
  
• Reusing old boxes with weak corners or pre-existing damage.
  
  
• Packing lightweight items in boxes meant for heavier objects, or vice versa.
  
  

The ideal box should allow for 2 to 4 inches of padding around the item on all sides and be rated for the weight of its contents.

At Mail Plus, we stock a variety of box sizes and types designed for international shipping, including reinforced options for electronics, documents, and heavy goods.

2. Use the Right Cushioning Materials

No matter how durable your box is, what’s inside needs to be properly cushioned. International packages are frequently handled manually and may be subjected to rough transport conditions.

Recommended internal packing materials include:

• Bubble wrap for fragile items such as glassware, electronics, or ceramics.
  
  
• Packing peanuts or air pillows to fill void space and prevent movement.
  
  
• Foam sheets for flat, breakable items like tablets or picture frames.
  
  
• Cardboard inserts for added structure and compression resistance.
  
  

Avoid using shredded newspaper, clothing, or towels as filler—these don’t offer uniform protection and may be flagged by customs as suspicious or unsanitary.

We also recommend individually wrapping each item in a multi-item box and separating them with dividers to avoid impact between objects.

3. Seal and Label the Box Securely

After packing the contents, sealing the box properly is key to keeping everything intact throughout its journey. Here’s how to do it right:

• Use heavy-duty shipping tape, not masking or duct tape.
  
  
• Apply tape across all seams and edges, creating an “H” pattern on both the top and bottom.
  
  
• Reinforce corners and flaps with an extra strip of tape if the package is heavy or irregularly shaped.
  
  
• Place the shipping label on the top surface, away from seams or tape.
  
  
• Add a second label or contact information inside the box in case the exterior label is damaged.
  
  

If you’re using recycled materials or boxes with existing markings, cross out any barcodes or old labels to prevent confusion during scanning.

Mail Plus can print and apply your shipping label for USPS, DHL, or FedEx directly in store. We also provide waterproof pouches to protect important shipping documents.

4. Know Country-Specific Shipping Regulations

Each destination country may have different requirements for packaging, item declarations, and allowable materials. Failing to comply can result in customs delays, confiscation, or even refusal of entry.

Some examples:

• Many countries ban the import of lithium batteries unless they are factory-sealed and declared properly.
  
  
• Glass bottles may be allowed in some locations but require extra labeling and packaging.
  
  
• Certain wood packaging materials must be heat-treated or certified.
  
  

Check for:

• Restricted or prohibited items for your destination
  
  
• Required labeling (e.g., "fragile," "perishable," or "battery enclosed")
  
  
• Customs documentation requirements
  
  
• Tariff or duty thresholds
  
  

Mail Plus staff can advise you on the best way to prepare your international shipment based on your destination, and we can also help complete customs paperwork and declarations accurately.

5. Insure and Track Valuable Shipments

Even with proper packaging, international shipping carries inherent risks. Weather events, customs inspections, or errors at transfer points can cause delays or damage. That’s why it’s wise to:

• Add insurance to shipments of significant value.
  
  
• Use a carrier that provides detailed tracking updates.
  
  
• Save all receipts and tracking numbers.
  
  
• Document the condition of your item before sealing the box.
  
  

Both FedEx and DHL offer international tracking with detailed checkpoints, and USPS offers basic tracking for international Priority Mail.

At Mail Plus, we help customers choose the best combination of coverage and carrier based on the value and destination of their shipment.

What Items Require Special Packaging for International Shipping?

Some common items shipped from the Virgin Islands require additional attention:

• Electronics: Must be protected from static and moisture. Use anti-static wrap and cushioning, especially for laptops and phones.
  
  
• Liquids: Must be sealed in leak-proof containers and double-bagged. Not all liquids are permitted.
  
  
• Glass or ceramics: Double-boxing with foam padding is recommended.
  
  
• Artwork or framed prints: Use corner protectors and wrap in multiple layers of bubble wrap.
  
  
• Documents: Ship in rigid, waterproof envelopes with clear labeling.
  
  

If in doubt, Mail Plus offers professional packing services for high-risk or delicate items.

FAQs

Trust Mail Plus for Safe, Secure International Shipping

Whether you're sending a birthday gift to a family in Europe or fulfilling an order for an international customer, proper packing is the first step to a successful delivery. At Mail Plus, we go beyond the basics by offering:

• On-site packing materials and support
  
  
• Carrier comparisons for FedEx, DHL, and USPS
  
  
• Customs paperwork assistance
  
  
• Professional packing services
  
  
• Tracking support and insurance options
  
  

Located at Tutu Park Mall in St. Thomas, we serve locals, tourists, and businesses alike with personalized service and expert guidance.

Visit Mail Plus Today

Mail Plus
4605 Tutu Park Mall Suite 133
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI 00802
Phone: (340) 714-5068
Email: mailpluscaribbean@gmail.com
Business Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Learn more or request a quote online at: https://www.mailplusvi.com/