What are Shipping Symbols & When to Use Them? A Complete Guide!

Shipping symbols on the packaging boxes are important because they ensure your products reach the customers without any damage. There are different symbols that you can use. Most products need more care during shipping than others, and these symbols help understand that better. Read this blog to understand the shipping symbols guide and when to use the right symbols. 

What are Shipping Symbols?

Shipping symbols are important when you have to ship your products from one place to another. These symbols help the handlers understand the nature of the product without having to open the box. 

Adding these symbols to the packaging boxes is important to ensure your products remain unharmed during transportation. Brands often get these symbols printed on the boxes. However, you can also get custom-printed stickers for these symbols to add to your packaging boxes. 

What are Package Protection Symbols?

Think of the times you have received a package with different symbols printed on the box. These symbols are usually the package protection symbols. Each symbol has a different meaning and helps us ensure we don’t damage the products. Let’s have a look at some of the famous box symbols you can use when shipping different products:

This Side Up 

There is a symbol with the two arrows pointing upwards, indicating that the package should always be placed with that side up. This means if you place the box upside down or change the side, you may break the product inside. This symbol is usually used when there are products like laboratory equipment.

Fragile

Most items that carry fragile items come with the symbol of a glass that is slightly broken on the package. This means that the item packed inside is fragile and thus needs gentle care. You can pack ceramics, glassware, and other fragile items and use this symbol, so customers and handlers know that they’re dealing with fragile items. 

Don’t Open with a Knife 

Products such as pillows, books, documents, CDs, and bed covers are packed with the symbol of a knife that is crossed. This sign means you cannot use the knife or any pointy objects to open the package. Doing so, you may damage the products packed inside. It is always a good idea to use something less sharp and pointy to open these packages. 

Handle with Care

Gadgets, home appliances, and electrical equipment often come with the sign Handle with care. You must use the symbol of two hands with the package between their hands for this purpose. These products aren’t as fragile as glass or porcelain, so they won’t shatter, yet they can be damaged if mishandled.

Don’t Place Near Magnets

When you are shipping certain parts of a computer, such as a hard disk drive, you must have a symbol that doesn't place near magnets. This symbol has a magnet and a cross on the complete symbol or on one side of the magnet. Adding this symbol lets the people know that these packages must be placed away from magnets or magnetic fields. 

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Certain skincare products, makeup items, medicines, and even beverages must be kept away from direct exposure to sunlight. This sign with the sun and the package underneath it tells that this package should be placed away from direct sunlight. Coffee is a highly volatile product and must always be kept away from light. 

Avoid Contact with Water 

An umbrella with water dripping over it generally indicates that the package should be kept away from water. When you are packing items that can be altered or damaged by water, you must use this symbol. Certain coffee boxes made of Kraft or cardboard, or book boxes, must have this symbol to avoid any damage. 

How to Identify Package Handling Symbols?

Now that you know about the package protection symbols, it’s time to learn what the symbols are for package handling. You should have these symbols of packaging to let people know how the package should be handled during shipping.

A customer knows what they have ordered and the nature of the product, but the handlers don’t. The following symbols are for everyone to understand the correct way to handle the packages without getting the products damaged:

Stacking Limit

Every package has a limit to its sturdiness; this is why you must have a stacking limit symbol printed on the boxes. Even if you are packing your products in rigid boxes, you must indicate the weight these boxes can hold. The two horizontal bars with a number written on top generally indicate the number of boxes it can stack. 

Use Trolley 

The symbol with a trolley and packages on it indicates that the box must be placed on a trolley. This is generally used when you are shipping heavy-duty items such as furniture. Certain products are hard to lift even if there are more than two people involved. Adding this symbol can help the people handling it. 

Stacking Prohibited

There are times when you have to add the stacking prohibited symbol on the boxes. When shipping necklace boxes, scented candle boxes, or even bath bomb boxes, you must use this symbol. This is one of the shipping symbols that indicates you cannot stack the boxes, or you will damage the products packed inside. 

Don’t Lift 

There are some packages that may look like they are not heavy, but they are. And lifting them can cause back pain, which is why don’t lift symbol is important. This symbol has a person trying to lift the box and putting a strain on the back. You must never ignore these packaging signs, as you can damage the product in the process. 

Weight of the Box 

When you are shipping heavier items such as tables, chairs, or other electronic equipment, you should add the weight to the box. This symbol shows a weight with usually kg in the middle of it. This is to ensure that people know the items inside the packaging are heavy and need proper handling. 

What are Sustainability Symbols?

Other than the handling and packaging care symbols, there are sustainability symbols that you can use on your boxes. Each symbol tells the status of sustainability. Using these, you can let the customers know whether the package can be recycled or not. Here are a few symbols you can use to indicate the eco-friendliness of the package:  

• Recyclable
• PET/ PETE
• LDPE
• HDPE
• PS
• PP
• PVC
• Plastic Recycling
• FSC Approved 
• Dispose

Get Your Shipping Symbols Today!

Get these symbols printed on the boxes or get the custom-printed stickers for the symbols. You can also get customized packaging logos for your brand. All that you need to do is provide us with the details in the email, and we will offer you a free custom quote.