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Guides

Help & Advice

To make sure everything goes smoothly, our handy guide covers everything you need to know before you ship.

Shipping guide: measure and weigh your shipment

Accurate measurements and weight help prevent unexpected shipping charges and delivery delays. Follow these simple steps before booking your shipment.

HeightLengthWidth

What you will need

  • Tape measure
  • Digital weighing scale

How to measure a carton

  • Measure the outer length, width and height of the fully packed carton.
  • Include any bulging packaging or protruding edges.
  • Round up each measurement to the nearest inch.
  • Pack irregularly shaped items in a suitable carton before measuring.

How to weigh your shipment

  • Weigh the fully packed shipment using a suitable digital scale.
  • Include all packaging, and the pallet weight if applicable.

How to calculate volumetric weight

Length x Width x Height (inches) ÷ 139 = volumetric weight (lbs)

To convert pounds to kilograms, divide by 2.2.

Example: a box of 18 x 18 x 18 inches

  1. 1. Multiply the measurements18 x 18 x 18 =5,832
  2. 2. Divide by 1395,832 ÷ 139 =41.96 lbs
  3. 3. Convert to kilograms41.96 ÷ 2.2 =19.07 kg

Chargeable weight

You are charged on whichever is greater: the actual weight on the scale or the volumetric weight.

Read more about volumetric weight

KYC documents for shipments to India

KYC (Know Your Customer) documents help verify the identity, address and purpose of international shipments. Documents may be required for courier booking, export processing or import customs clearance.

Individual KYC documents

Aadhaar card
Identity and address verification in India, where accepted.
Passport
Identity verification for international shipments.
PAN card
Tax identification and verification for applicable shipments.
Voter ID
Identity and address verification, where accepted.

Business KYC documents

IEC (Importer Exporter Code)
Required for applicable commercial imports and exports in India, subject to relevant exemptions.
Authorisation letter or power of attorney
May be required when a company, firm or trust authorises a representative to handle shipment or customs formalities.

KYC requirements vary by shipment type, destination, commodity and customs regulations. Provide valid documents with details that match the shipment records. The courier company or customs authorities may ask for additional documents.

Prohibited and restricted items

Some items are prohibited or restricted by shipping carriers, customs authorities or destination countries. Please check with us before packing if you are unsure whether an item can be shipped.

Prohibited: we cannot ship these

  • Explosives and fireworks
  • Flammable liquids and materials
  • Weapons, firearms and ammunition
  • Illegal drugs and narcotics
  • Cash, banknotes and counterfeit currency
  • Counterfeit or pirated goods
  • Precious metals, gemstones and other restricted valuables

Restricted: check with us first

  • Aerosols, perfumes and other flammable products
  • Batteries, including lithium batteries
  • Food, spices and other food products
  • Medicines and pharmaceutical products
  • Cosmetics, creams and liquids
  • Alcohol and tobacco products
  • Electronics and electronic devices
  • Plants, seeds and animal products
  • Perishable goods requiring refrigeration

Restrictions vary by carrier, shipment type and destination country. Some items may need special packaging, permits, declarations or customs approval. Undeclared or prohibited items may result in delays, fines, seizure or return of the shipment.

Packing guide

  1. Choose a strong box

    Use a sturdy cardboard box that fits your items properly.

  2. Protect your items

    Wrap items in bubble wrap and fill empty spaces with cushioning.

  3. Seal securely

    Use strong packing tape to seal all openings and seams.

  4. Label correctly

    Make sure the shipping label and address details are clear and visible.

  5. Measure and weigh

    Check the packed box dimensions and weight before shipping.

Tip: Proper packaging helps protect your shipment and reduces the risk of damage in transit.

Do's and don'ts of packing

Follow these simple tips from Smart Save Courier to help your parcel arrive safely.

Do

  • Use strong cardboard boxes.
  • Wrap fragile items securely.
  • Fill empty spaces with cushioning.
  • Seal all openings with strong tape.
  • Attach a clear shipping label.
  • Check the weight and dimensions.

Don't

  • Use weak or damaged boxes.
  • Leave items loose inside.
  • Overfill or overload the box.
  • Use weak tape or loose wrapping.
  • Cover the label or barcode.
  • Ship prohibited items.

Remember: Proper packaging helps prevent damage, delays and additional shipping costs. Always check carrier and destination country requirements before shipping internationally.

Incoterms for international shipping

Incoterms® define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers for shipping costs, risk, delivery and customs clearance.

EXW
Ex WorksThe buyer collects the goods from the seller.
FCA
Free CarrierThe seller hands the goods to the nominated carrier.
FOB
Free On BoardThe seller loads the goods onto the vessel.
CFR
Cost and FreightThe seller pays freight to the destination port.
CIF
Cost, Insurance and FreightThe seller pays freight and insurance to the destination port.
CPT
Carriage Paid ToThe seller pays transport to the named destination.
CIP
Carriage and Insurance Paid ToThe seller pays transport and insurance.
DAP
Delivered at PlaceThe seller delivers; the buyer handles import duties and clearance.
DPU
Delivered at Place UnloadedThe seller delivers and unloads the goods.
DDP
Delivered Duty PaidThe seller handles delivery, import clearance and applicable duties.
FAS
Free Alongside ShipThe seller places the goods alongside the vessel.

Customer feedback and complaints

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We truly appreciate your support and trust in us. Thank you for choosing Smart Save Courier Inc.

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In-depth guides

Longer how-to and cost guides

Deeper articles on shipping to India, packing, prohibited items and customs. Start with the ones you can read now; more are on the way.

Cheapest way to send a parcel to India from Canada

Courier vs post vs freight, how dimensional weight is priced, customs and the KYC rule, and how to send to India for less.

Read the guide

How long does shipping from Canada to India take?

Typical transit times by service, what slows a parcel down, festival-season timing and how to get documents there fastest.

Read the guide

How to pack a parcel for courier and freight

Choose the right box, cushion and seal it properly, label it clearly and pack fragile or heavy items so they arrive safely.

Read the guide

Prohibited and restricted items for shipping

What you cannot ship, what needs special handling, and how to check before you pack so your parcel is not delayed or returned.

Read the guide

Dimensional weight explained

Why couriers charge by size as well as weight, how volumetric weight is calculated, and simple ways to lower your shipping cost.

Read the guide

Understanding customs, duty and clearance

How customs clearance works for imports and exports, what duty and tax mean, the documents you need, and how to avoid delays.

Read the guide

Cheapest way to ship from Canada to the US

Courier vs post vs freight, how dimensional weight is priced, US customs and duty, and how to ship cross-border for less.

Read the guide

Ready to ship? Get a quote in minutes.

Tell us what you are sending and where it is going. We will confirm a clear, flat price and arrange pickup across the GTA.

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