Version 05, November 2023

Parcel and Freight

Preparation Guide
A guide to help improve sender
and receiver experience
 At Australia Post, we know that it’s crucial for your
business to have parcels and freight delivered
safely and on time
This Guide has been designed to help you prepare your parcels for delivery through Australia’s
largest parcel and freight delivery network. It includes information on address formatting and
labelling, how to correctly manifest your items and recommended packaging. Following these
instructions will ensure that your parcels are processed and delivered to your customers as
smoothly as possible.
It’s important to understand that complying with correct addressing, labelling and manifest
preparation standards, and using appropriate packaging are all obligations contained in
your contract.
We’re always here to support you and your business. If you need any further information about
this Guide, our delivery processes, or need advice on how to send a particular item, speak
to your Account Manager or Australia Post lodgement point.

Table of contents
Safety - Be safe and well 03
Labelling your parcels and freight 04
Label quality 05
Label positioning 06
Label specifcs 07
Address formatting 08
Formatting your own address labels Australia 08
Post parcel labels 09
StarTrack parcel labels 09
Using label print services 10
Manifesting your parcels and freight 11
Manifests / mailing statements 11
Accurate manifests 12
Submitting your manifests on time 12
We’re here to help 12
Packaging your parcels and freight 13
Size and weight guide 13
Heavy item label 14
Shape 15
Coloured and textured packaging 15
Durability 16
Wine and bottled products 17
VISA labels on ULDs and pallets 21
VISA label checklist 21
VISA labels are supplied by Australia Post 21
Pallets for Australia Post customers 22
Pallets for StarTrack customers 23
Statements of sorting for Australia Post 24
parcels

PARCEL AND FREIGHT PREPARATION GUIDE | VER 04 AUGUST 2022 | PAGE 2

 Safety
Be safe
and well
Be safe and well.
Everyone should feel safe
and well in the course of their
day. We support and care
for each other.

At Australia Post we believe that there’s nothing more important than everyone’s
safety, health and wellbeing. Our vision is for zero injuries, zero harm to anyone and
zero tolerance of unsafe acts or workplaces. For us, safety is a core value and it extends
beyond our own staff, to our customers, the general public and the receivers of the
parcels and freight we transport on your behalf.
We believe that everyone has a role to play in their own safety and those around
them. This Guide includes key information on not only how to send efficiently through
our network, but also on sending safely. As a valued customer please take a few minutes
to read this Guide.

Our values

Do the right thing Respect everyone Find a way Be safe and well
Communities rely on us. Everyone deserves The world is full of Everyone should feel safe
We have the courage to belong. We ensure possibility. We challenge and well in the course
to speak up, be honest people feel respected ourselves to create a of their day. We support
and take responsibility and included. better future for everyone and care for each other.
for our actions. and get the job done.

PARCEL AND FREIGHT PREPARATION GUIDE | VER 04 AUGUST 2022 | PAGE 3

 Labelling
your
parcels
and freight
Labels contain critical information
that helps in the sorting
and delivery of your parcels
and freight. For our tracked services,
good quality, well‑presented and
accurate labels are important
to ensure your customers receive
tracking information as the parcels
travel through our network ‑ helping
to provide a positive delivery
experience for your customer.

There are three key things you can do to help make sure your customers are able to track* their Australia Post
parcels and freight, and receive their deliveries as quickly as possible:

Print good quality labels Place labels on items correctly Use a label template
Checking your printer heads Ensure your label is placed For correct address placement
daily can help ensure your prints on the largest, flattest surface every time, use one of the standard
are good quality. with no wrinkles. Parcel Send templates found in the
'Label preferences' settings (For
more info, refer to
Parcel Send Help & Support>
Set your label printing preferences
Applies to Parcel Send only.

*Track events will vary depending on the service used and how your item is lodged and delivered. For details visit
auspost.com.au/content/dam/auspost_corp/media/documents/schedule-29.pdf

PARCEL AND FREIGHT PREPARATION GUIDE | VER 04 AUGUST 2022 | PAGE 4

Label quality
The quality of your labels will affect how quickly your parcels and freight can be sorted and delivered. Here are some
simple steps to help make sure your items are delivered as quickly as possible, with accurate tracking:

1. Your label should be on matte white paper, with barcode and address printed
clearly and visibly in black ink.
Ensure you’re printing your Check your printer heads are clean Check the print quality is good – the
label using black ink on matte and the label is clearly visible. Print ink should be black, not grey/faded.
white paper. lines caused by dirty print heads
can make barcodes unreadable.

2. Make sure your label is flat and free from damage, including wrinkles and wrapping.
The label should be flat and free Check for damage ‑ ensure your Check the label is not wrapped
from damage, including wrinkles barcode isn’t torn or ripped over an edge.
and wrapping. in anyway.

3. Include a 2D GS1 datamatrix barcode and

a Delivery Point Identifer 2D GS1 datamatrix barcode hold all the
(Requirement for Australia Post only). data of a linear barcode with the option
of also adding a Delivery Point Identifier
(DPID). A DPID is a unique reference
number for a specific physical delivery
address. Including the DPID contributes
to parcel delivery efficiencies.
If you have any questions on label quality,
please speak to your Account Manager.
If in relation to 2D barcodes, please contact
Lodgement Tech Support at
auspost.com.au/lodgement-techsupport.

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Label positioning
It’s also important to make sure you position your label correctly and in the right place.

1. Label should be clearly visible, with no strapping or tape covering it.

Label should appear Check the label isn’t Avoid applying sticky If reusing packaging,
clearly on the item. obstructed by strapping. It tape over the label. ensure all old labels
should be clearly visible. and barcodes are either
removed or not visible.

2. Place labels on the largest, flattest surface of your parcel or freight. Make sure it isn’t
wrapping around any edges, or positioned over a flap, fold or seam in your packaging.
Check the label is positioned Check the label is visible on one Check the label is flat and avoid
on the parcels largest surface. side of the item only, and make sure placing it over the packaging fold
it doesn’t wrap around any edges. or flap.

3. When using a plastic sleeve or 4. When using a satchel.

letter window.
Make sure the plastic isn’t too shiny. Reflective Place the label in the middle of the satchel, on the
materials will make it harder for our equipment to flattest surface.
read your label.

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Australia Post label specifics
Express Post
Express Post parcels need to have a yellow colour indicator on the top of the shipping label.
Express Post yellow tape can also be used.

To:
Postage Paid
Steve Sample
1 Sample Street
Sample VIC 1234

Ph: 0123456789
Dead weight Delivery features
.45kg
Cons No: 339VA5001535
From: Parcel 2 of 2
Demo
Add
MELBOURNE VIC 3000

Shipment Contents

PARCEL AND FREIGHT PREPARATION GUIDE | VER 04 AUGUST 2022 | PAGE 7

 Address
formatting
Addressing your parcels
and freight with correctly
formatted and positioned labels
will help ensure they reach
your customers as quickly
as possible.

Formatting your own address labels

If you’re creating your own address labels, you’re required to adhere to Australia Post’s formatting standard. This way,
you can help avoid delays in your parcels or freight reaching their destination.
The address must be accurate, clearly legible and correctly formatted. Labels that don’t match the standard of the
Australia Post guidelines may not be easily read by our sorting machines, which could cause delays in delivery.

There are several critical components of address formatting:

• Include routing information in the barcode so our sorting machines can direct your parcels or freight to the
right location first time, without needing to rely on typed or hand‑written addresses
• Use address validation software to make sure your address information is accurate and complete
• Provide the entire address without truncations or abbreviations
• Use black ink on a white label
• Don’t bold, underline or use italics
• Capitalise suburb and State, and include with the postcode on the last line
• Use one of the Parcel Send label templates (please refer to the Integrated Parcel Send User Guide).
Applies to Parcel Send lodgement only
• Don’t include commas or punctuation

PARCEL AND FREIGHT PREPARATION GUIDE | VER 04 AUGUST 2022 | PAGE 8

Australia Post parcel labels

The ‘Deliver to’ and ‘Sender’ addresses

also have specific requirements:
‘Deliver to’ address
• Use the word ‘To:’ at the top of the ‘Deliver to’ address block
• Format your text in a single block, avoiding excessive spaces
To:
and blank lines between address lines Mr John Sample
123 Sample Street
• Text must be aligned left (left justified) SYDNEY NSW 2000
• Always use font Arial 12pt throughout the ‘Deliver to’ address
block, avoiding bold and italic.
‘Sender’ address
• Use the words ‘Sender:’ or ‘From:’ at the top of the ‘Sender’
address block
From:
• Format your text in a single block, avoiding excessive spaces Mr Mark Sample
and blank lines between address lines 123 Sample Street
MELBOURNE VIC 3000
• Always use font Arial 10pt throughout the ‘Sender’ address
block, avoiding bold and italic. The ‘Sender’ address should
always be visibly smaller than the deliver to address
• Don’t include commas or punctuation

StarTrack parcel labels

StarTrack labels have different requirements
depending on the service you’re using.
PRM CONNOTE
AAA12345678
Please reach out to your Account Manager for
TO: J CITIZEN StarTrack label specifications.
CITIZEN PTY LTD
1 SMITH STREET
MELBOURNE VIC 3000

PH:
0123456789 MELBOURNE 3000
AU MEL SYD

FROM:DEMO -STARTRACK PH:

1 MAIN STREET
MELBOURNE 3000

BOOK-IN
NOT BEFORE
NOT AFTER
DATE: 17/12/2001 UNIT CTN ITEM 1 OF1 WEIGHT 1kg CUBE pull

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Using Label Print Service (LPS)
The Label Print Service (LPS) is a simple way to make sure your address labels are formatted correctly.
Labels made with this system can be read quickly and easily by our sorting machines, which can help save time and
helps support a smoother delivery.

LPS formatted addresses allow our sorting machines to:

• Validate all Australian addresses
• Generate a 2D GS1 DataMatrix barcode that contains routing information to individual addresses (not just the
postcode)
• Produce an address block with the right font size, spacing and information to meet Australian addressing standards

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 Manifesting
your
parcels
and freight
The manifests you submit
with your parcels are a critical
component in the delivery
process. Accurate and detailed
manifests will help make
sure your parcels and freight
reach customers efficiently.

Manifests / mailing statements

All parcels lodged must have a corresponding electronic and paper manifest or order summary and it’s critical that
the information is accurate and complete.
The electronic manifest that accompanies your parcels and freight provides:
‑ Valuable information that helps our sorting machines send your parcel to the right location;
‑ Receiver information to allow tracking notifications, and;
‑ Compliance with Chain of Responsibility requirements.
If you receive a pick up, a physical copy of the manifest, manifest summary or mailing statement should be handed to
the driver at time of collection.

Failing to provide a manifest, missing information, or incorrect manifest can result in delivery delays
or additional charges. To make sure your parcel reaches its destination as quickly as possible, your manifest
must:
• Be submitted at the time you physically lodge your parcels and freight, so that the manifest data
can be read by our sorting machines when processing your parcels. (e.g. when you lodge your Australia Post
parcels at a Post Office or when StarTrack parcels are booked for a pickup through the StarTrack website,
Parcel Send or customer service)
• Be accurate. If the manifest is not accurate you may be non‑compliant with Chain of Responsibility
requirements. We also may charge a fee where the manifest is not accurate
• Contain the complete and correct address for each parcel. This will help your parcels enter our network easier.
• Be in accordance with the system integration, or technical guides so that our systems can communicate
effectively with yours.
• Contain all parcels being lodged.
• Not exceed 1,000 consignments in size. Large manifests should be split into multiple smaller files
as it makes it much quicker to upload.

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Accurate manifests help provide a better parcel experience
for your customers
The information provided in your manifest also helps your customers track their parcels. Including accurate email
addresses and mobile numbers for your customers will allow them to receive tracking notifications*, giving them
visibility of their items throughout the delivery process. If you’re lodging using Australia Post, this also allows your
customers to access in‑flight delivery choices such as Parcel Collect^, 24/7 Parcel Lockers† and Safe Drop₴.

Submitting your manifests on time

Submit your manifest as you hand over your goods to our team.
Avoid manifesting early to prevent a needless increase in customer enquiries ‑ customers may think their goods are
late and they’ll question why they haven’t left your site.
Accurate manifesting results in the best customer experience:
‑ Provides accurate delivery expectations.
‑ Avoids extra charges (due to weight or size changes).
‑ Customers can track their parcels throughout the whole journey.
‑ Including a customer’s email and phone number allows them to choose delivery options.
Sending a manifest too late means automated parcel sorting won’t be possible. These parcels may need to be sorted
manually, potentially causing delivery delays.

We’re here to help

If you have any technical difficulties when submitting your manifest, refer to the relevant User Guides or contact our
Lodgement Tech Support team via auspost.com.au/lodgement-techsupport/ or call 1800 028 361.

Sometimes, Australia Post might need to get in touch with you. This could be because an error has
been detected or there’s missing information in your manifest. You’ll usually be contacted by email,
so it’s important to provide the correct email address to make sure Australia Post can get in touch with you
to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

*Track events will vary depending on the service used and how your item is lodged and delivered.
For details visit auspost.com.au/content/dam/auspost_corp/media/documents/schedule-29.pdf
^Terms and conditions apply, see auspost.com.au/terms-conditions/mypost-deliveries-terms-of-use. Collection time limits apply. Items
must be lodged with Australia Post to be delivered to a participating Post Office. Trading hours may vary. You have 10 business days to collect
your parcel once it has arrived at a Parcel Collect (Post Office) location. Post Offices will accept parcels up to 22kg and not greater than 105cm in
one dimension. Letters and standard mail that can be delivered to your letterbox, including Express Post letters, will not be accepted. Please
refer to the full terms and conditions for further details.
†Terms and conditions apply, see auspost.com.au/terms-conditions/mypost-deliveries-terms-of-use. Parcels must be appropriately packed in
either a prepaid satchel, or a box or satchel with a postage label. Parcels must be under 16kg and no larger than 39 x 36 x 64cm in size. Letters and
standard mail is not accepted. Note that the Express Post Guarantee does not apply to parcels sent using a parcel locker. Please refer to the full
terms and conditions for further details.
₴Terms and conditions apply, see auspost.com.au/terms-conditions/mypost-safe-drop-terms-and-conditions. The option to have parcel
left in a safe place will only be available if the sender has agreed to allow it. This applies to parcels in transit and addressed to a street address.
Additionally, the shipping information provided by the sender must include registered email address, mobile number, or other details that allow us
to match the parcel to the receiver’s MyPost account.

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 Packaging
your
parcels
and freight
It’s critical to package your parcels
and freight correctly to help make
sure they can be easily sorted
and delivered to your customers
as quickly as possible.

Size and weight guidelines

If you’re sending boxes, make sure they don’t exceed the maximum size dimensions for the service
you’re using:

Australia Post (domestic) StarTrack Road Express^ StarTrack Premium^

22kg Max (Dead) Weight 20kg Max (Dead) Weight 22kg Max (Dead) Weight
105cm Max. Length for any side 117cm Max. Length 100cm Max. Length

0.25m Max. Cubic Metre 60cm Max. Width 60cm Max. Width

60cm Max. Height 60cm Max. Height

5cm Min. Any dimension 5cm Min. Any dimension
Australia Post won’t allow any parcel to exceed 0.25 cubic metres regardless of whether all other dimensions have
been met. e.g. (L cm) 70 x (W cm) 60 x (H cm) 59.5 x 250 = 62.5kg = 0.25m3
Oversized parcels identified at lodgement points may be returned to sender and will incur an Administration Fee of
$50.00 (GST inclusive), in addition to the Return to Sender charge specified in your contract.

Oversize Maximum Limits Fee

Any oversized parcels which do make it into our network for delivery (i.e., not identified at lodgement or stopped
prior to delivery) will incur the Over Maximum Limits Fee of $100.00 (GST inclusive), in addition to the normal
delivery charge for that parcel.

Manual Handling and Oversize for StarTrack Customers

For StarTrack customers, a Manual Handling Surcharge^ or Oversize Charge+ will apply to any item that is
incompatible and which exceeds the StrarTrack Road Express or StarTrack Premium size and weight dimensions in
the above table.
Items must be able to be safely manually handled by one person. If not we will arrange for another driver to assist at
the customers expense. Incompatible items purchased from Australia Post sent via StarTrack will incur a Manual
Handling Surcharge.

^ A Manual Handling Surcharge will apply to any item that is incompatible and which exceeds the StarTrack Road Express or StarTrack Premium size and weight dimensions.
Please note that any incompatible packaging items purchased from Australia Post sent via StarTrack will incur a Manual Handling Surcharge.
+ The Oversize Charge applies to all Services excluding Courier Services, and will apply instead of the Manual Handling Surcharge for items with a dimension of 150cm or greater
or exceeding 32kg dead weight. Oversize Goods (as defined in the StarTrack Terms and Conditions of Service) may only be consigned with our prior consent. Consignments
containing Oversize Goods or requiring manual handling will incur an additional transit day to the delivery time estimates provided by us. For more information, please visit
auspost.com.au/business-pricing-updates.
PARCEL AND FREIGHT PREPARATION GUIDE | VER 04 AUGUST 2022 | PAGE 13
Heavy items labels
Australia Post:

HE AV Y
Items over 16kg require a clearly visible heavy item warning label. Placing this label
Bend your knees
on your parcels and freight helps to protect you, our staf and your customers.
Assisted lift
may be required

8835184 May 2 2

Road Express and Premium:

For items over 16kg, please place a ‘Heavy’ sticker on the parcel and ensure that you accurately record the
weight in your manifest and therefore on your consignment label.
For items over 32kg, please secure it to a pallet or a skid for handling by Load Sorting Equipment (LSE).
Customers should also have LSE at origin and destination for the handling of Heavy items. Consignments may
require an upgrade to Special Services where LSE is not accessible.

StarTrack ‘Heavy’ sticker sample

Important: Items that are sent through

without a manifest will be held from delivery
until a manifest is received.

PARCEL AND FREIGHT PREPARATION GUIDE | VER 04 AUGUST 2022 | PAGE 14

Shape

Boxes Satchels
Boxes are ideal due to their Satchels are great too when sending parcels via Parcel Post, Express Post
flat surfaces; address labels and StarTrack Premium, as long as they’re not overfll ed. Satchels that are
can be accurately positioned and overfll ed become rounded, which distorts address labels and makes it
read by our sorting machines. difcul t for our sorting machines to read‡ .
Boxes are also more stable on the
• The address label must be placed in the center of the satchel so our
sorting machine’s conveyor belts.
machine’s can read and process the address and barcode.
• The label cannot bend or wrap in any way and should not be placed on
the edge ‑ this will distort readability, causing potential delays.

Avoid any packaging with loose straps, flaps, ribbons, strings or handles. These elements can get caught
on the moving parts of our sorting machines, causing the machine to stall.

‡ Satchels and goods in non-rigid packaging sent via StarTrack Road Express will incur a Manual Handling Surcharge.

Coloured and textured packaging

To help ensure that your items are delivered as quickly as possible, use packaging that’s matte and bright or light
in colour:
• Use packaging that’s matte and bright or light in colour. Please avoid using dark or shiny packaging as this can
be difcul t for our sorting machines to read.
• Glossy or slippery packaging can also cause problems on our sorting machines’ conveyor belts when processing
your parcels.

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Durability
We take care to avoid damage to your parcels. However, you must make sure that your packaging is durable enough to
withstand travelling on conveyor belts, and to withstand the occasional knock from other parcels. This includes
ensuring that any ‘on-shelf’ packaging is properly protected by using outer packaging (i.e. adopt the ‘box in box’
method) and using additional cushioning as required. If your parcel contains anything sharp, make sure your packaging
is sturdy enough to avoid being pierced from the inside.*

Protecting your items in transit

Most items can generally be packaged in a single box, use fll ers
such as loose fll peanuts or cushioning material.

For items that may need additional protection in transit, consider

using the ‘box in box’ method:
• Wrap individual items with a cushioning material
• Use a fll er or cushioning material to stop contents
from moving around inside the box
• Seal box and place into a sturdy, larger outer box,
with cushioning material or fll er in between

Important note: Australia Post does not of er a fragile service with the exception of the wine
& alcohol service.
Packaging is very important if sending articles that could break in transit.

In summary
• Secure boxes with plenty of tape but don’t cover the barcode
• Always use extra packaging for shelf display boxes, which aren’t usually very durable
• Fill any empty space in boxes with fll er as underfll ed boxes often collapse
• Avoid overflling bo xes and satchels; this could cause the packaging to split and af ect readability of the
address or barcodes

* Australia Post and StarTrack generally exclude liability for loss or damage to goods to the maximum extent permitted by law, including the Australian Consumer Law
(except where transit cover or Transit Warranty is purchased). Please refer to the relevant terms and conditions of your service.

PARCEL AND FREIGHT PREPARATION GUIDE | VER 04 AUGUST 2022 | PAGE 16

Wine and bottled products alcohol service ‑ Australia Post only
This Guide will assist you on how to best pack bottled products by highlighting the importance
of good quality, sturdy packaging to help ensure that your goods stay protected during delivery.
When selecting packaging for your wine and bottled products, you must use the following steps as a guide
to ensure not only the safety of our staff, but also that delivery occurs as quickly as possible for your customers.
Please note that the Australia Post wine and alcohol service is only available when using Parcel Post. Wine and
alcohol is unable to be sent via the Express Post or StarTrack networks.

1. Outer construction 5mm corrugated

cardboard.
When choosing your packaging, ensure the outer shell
of the packaging is:
• Corrugated cardboard construction with a minimum
width of 5mm for sturdiness
• Adequately secured at the top and bottom so that
boxes can be lifted by hand or vacuum lift without
risk of damage to the package itself

Vacuum Lifters
When using tape, ensure it doesn’t cover
any labels. Vacuum lifters
are designed to
lift heavy boxes,
such as wine and
bottled products.

2. Dividers and separators

Your packaging must contain dividers/separators that are:
• Adequate to protect the product you are sending
• A moulded egg carton or similar, is the preferred option
• At least 3mm in width/thickness Top view Base view
of bottle of bottle

Moulded carton Using 3mm corrugated Without dividers, bottles move around
constructions will help cardboard dividers will within the package and significantly
any bottle movement. help bottle movement. increase the chance of a breakage.

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3. Empty Spaces
Ensure all contents are secure and not prone to any internal movement.
Don’t leave empty spaces. With dividers, ensure all empty spaces are filled with even weight distribution
‑ ‘avoid the void’.

Even with dividers, empty spaces can allow bottles to move within the package, increasing
the chance of a breakage.
If Australia Post identifies that correct packaging hasn’t been used e.g. bottles can be heard knocking
against each other, Australia Post will raise the issue with you, and if not fixed we reserve the right to
refuse the item.
Australia Post also reserves the right to charge for the repackaging of items if correct packaging isn’t
used and damage occurs.

ULD cage labelling for wine or other bottled freight Wine Delivery Service
- Australia Post only
FRAGILEGLASSFRAGILE
When labelling your cage, an informative directional label marked
‘DO NOT TIP’ should be applied to two sides of the ULD, to indicate
to the forklift drivers not to invert the product and direct your goods DO NOT TIP
to the appropriate processing location. Manual Handling Only
Each ULD is required to have a VISA label attached
to 2 slides of the ULD. More information on VISA label examples 8838590 Nov 2021

can be found on the next page.

VISA Labels

ULDs must not exceed 600kg in gross weight.

To order ‘DO NOT TIP’ labels, please request material code
8838590 from your lodgement point.
This label is not required on each individual package of wine.

PARCEL AND FREIGHT PREPARATION GUIDE | VER 04 AUGUST 2022 | PAGE 18

Transportation of liquids
The packaging for liquids that are non‑dangerous goods must have:
• A leak‑proof primary container
• A strong outer box made of metal, wood, strong plastic or strong corrugated cardboard with a lid that cannot
easily come loose
• An absorbent material, such as cotton wool, to be placed between the primary container and the outer container
and of sufficient quantity to absorb all liquid if the primary container fails.
• The box/container has a lid which is fixed so that it can’t easily come loose; and
• If the primary container is a can with a friction‑fitted lid, the lid must be spot soldered to the can in at least four
spots, evenly spaced around the lid.
These requirements are in accordance with the Australia Post Dangerous & Prohibited Goods & Packaging
requirements – clause D10.10.
Customers should seek approval before lodging liquids to ensure that all the above criteria has been met. Refer
to the ‘Australia Post Dangerous & Prohibited Goods & Packaging procedures and freight’ information guide.

If you’re sending wine and alcohol within Australia, speak with your Account Manager. They can help you
understand the specialised packaging required for this item, and give you our guidelines.

Returns from your customers

If your customers are returning goods to you in their own packaging, help make it easier for them by sharing
the following tips:
• Parcels must be in secure packaging that is sturdy enough to avoid being pierced by other parcels
or by its own contents
• Parcels should be packed in a way that prevents items inside the parcel from causing damage to each other,
and to protect against occasional bumping with other packages
• For more information on packaging and address formatting then please refer to the ‘Labelling your parcels
and freight’ and ‘Packaging your parcels and freight’ information guides.

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 Presenting
your
parcels
and freight
Whether you’re lodging or arranging
for pick up, it’s important to present
your parcels correctly. Using these
guidelines can help ensure your
goods move through the sorting
and delivery process smoothly
and help them reach your customers
as quickly as possible.

Unit Load Devices (ULDs)

These guidelines must be followed when using ULDs to transport your Australia Post parcels:

• Make sure any previous ULD labels are removed,

Destination............................
Contents.................................
Gross Weight........................

and that there’s no rubbish or loose items in the ULD.

• Stack parcels loosely, with heavier parcels at the bottom
• ULD must not exceed 600kg in gross weight
• VISA labels (supplied by Australia Post) showing
the destination, contents and gross weight must
be placed on both plates of the ULD, facing outwards
• Make sure the ULD is not over‑stacked and that
no parcels are protruding above the lip of the ULD

ULD top tips

• Including accurate information on your ULD label will help make sure it’s sent to the right area
of the facility for processing without any hold‑ups
• Items may not be collected unless you’ve included the gross weight on your ULD. This is a legal
requirement.
For more information see Chain of Responsibility on the Australia Post website
• Make sure no parcels are protruding out of the ULD
• Foreign objects in your ULD will cause our sorting machines to stall. Please make sure your ULD is free
from any rubbish

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 Locator Pins not aligned
Aligning the locator pins ensure
the ULDs are secured when
loading and removing from vehicle,
this helps helps to avoid damage
and issues during transit.

Bottom ULD over stacked

Ensure parcels do not go over
the lip of a ULD. This helps to
ensure a bottom ULD is not
over stacked as this can result
in parcels being damaged.

VISA labels on Australia Post ULDs and pallets

Unit Loading Devices (ULDs) are Australia Post’s preferred freight transportation method. All Australia Post ULDs
and pallets lodged require VISA labels showing key details such as gross weight and destination. This helps your
lodgements move more easily through our network and for Australia Post to manage its legal obligations. In the event
that ULDs are unavailable, your Account Manager may request you to transport freight via pallets.

VISA label checklist

1 Unique identifier barcode
Notes
2 Product name For pallets, VISA labels should face the lifting
points for forklifts, or place them on all sides.
3 Gross weight in kilograms clearly visible*
Australia Post may not collect ULDs or pallets For ULDs, VISA labels should be placed
unless the gross weight is provided on the VISA on the label plate located on the ULD gate.
Label. This is a legal requirement†
ULDs must not exceed 600kg in gross weight.
Pallets must not exceed 1000kg in gross weight.

4 Customer name*
If your labels don’t have your customer name
printed on them, you must write it on.

5 Correct lodgement date in large font*

Must be easily identifiable by our forklift drivers.

* Mandatory fields VISA labels

† For more information see Chain of Responsibility on the Australia Post website.

When you’re dealing with Australia Post, you’re required to comply with the specific requirements set out in our
Statement of Compliance to Chain of Responsibility. It’s your responsibility to understand and comply with all
other legal duties in relation to Chain of Responsibility. Visit our website for more information.

PARCEL AND FREIGHT PREPARATION GUIDE | VER 04 AUGUST 2022 | PAGE 21

VISA labels are supplied by Australia Post
Order VISA labels through your lodgement point.

1 1
2
3
4 2 Small Parcels 3
5
5 4

Standard VISA labels are white. Express VISA labels are yellow.

Stick to correct ULD labelling, VISA labels facing outwards on both ULD plates showing the date, destination,
contents and gross weight.

VISA Labels VISA Labels

PARCEL AND FREIGHT PREPARATION GUIDE | VER 04 AUGUST 2022 | PAGE 22

Pallet Guidelines for Australia Post Customers
To ensure your product moves as safely and efficiently as possible, the below guidelines need to be followed
when using pallets to transport your freight:

Wrap applied correctly with

the correct containment force
to maintain pallet contents
during transport

Load secured to the pallet as

per Australia Post requirements No dragging film or tails

How to prepare and present pallets

Australia Post customers lodging on pallets should follow the below guidelines:
1. Australia Post accepts Australian Standard AS:4068-1993 compliant standard pallets. Both CHEP and
LOSCAM comply with these standard dimensions ‑ 116.5cm x 116.5xm. Empty plain pallets will not be
returned to the sender and will be disposed of at Australia Post’s cost.
2. Pallets must not exceed the allowable height of 160cm. This includes the pallet.
3. Australia Post participates in CHEP & LOSCAM’s pallet pooling model on a ‘one way’ basis. Australia
Post will collect loaded CHEP/LOSCAM pallets from customers and will de‑hire these pallets directly
with CHEP/LOSCAM.
4. Ensure all parcels are stable on pallets – big parcels are on the bottom and try not to have any gaps in
the stack that will make them unstable. Product should not rock or sway once stacked.
5. Securing pallets – pallets must be secured by shrink‑wrapping.
6. Shrink‑wrapping
• Ensure all pallets are shrink wrapped a minimum of 3 times
• Shrink‑wrapping must be attached to the bottom of the pallet.
7. Product must not extend beyond the perimeter of the pallet. This means no parcels hanging
over the actual pallet size.
8. Labelling of pallets:
• Gross weight must be visible.
• Australia Post VISA labels to be used.
• VISA ULD label should be on a minimum of 2 sides of the pallet ‑ preferably all sides.
• It’s important for the date of lodgement to be clearly indicated on all VISA labels.
Always use a large font, easily identifiable by our forklift drivers.

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 9 Sorting requirements for pallets – if you have sorting in your contract, provide the same sorting break as
you would if the product were in ULDs.
10 Same product type is preferred on pallets to ensure pallets can be stacked safely.
Mixed product types on the same pallets are not accepted unless arranged in advance
with a lodgement facility.
10 Pallets must not exceed gross weight of 1000kg. This includes the pallet.
11. If satchels are being lodged please try and place them into boxes before stacking on the pallet as this will
ensure the pallet load is stable and safe.

Australia Post’s main method of carriage is a ULD. When ULDs cannot be supplied by Australia Post, only then
will Australia Post allow parcels to be lodged on pallets.

Pallet and Skid Guidelines for StarTrack Customers

1. Pallets must not exceed 800kg dead weight including the pallet itself.
2. Pallets must not exceed dimensions (L)117cm x (W)117cm x (H)180cm including the pallet itself.
3. Ensure freight is appropriately restrained and confined within the dimensions of the pallet with pallets
wrapped for transport a minimum of three times.
4. Label the pallet on all four sides .
5. Ensure the pallet is in a serviceable condition suitable for transport.
6. For single cartons with dead weight greater than 32kg, please brick‑lay cartons (overlapping) when
stacking on the pallet.
7. Customers should also have LSE at origin and destination for the handling of Heavy items.
Consignments may require an upgrade to Special Services where LSE is not accessible.

A mixed pallet is broken down at the lodgement point.

A state break pallet is broken down at the receiving depot.
If you don’t wish your pallet to be broken down, you must
display a display a ‘Shipping Label’ of the pallet with the
gross weight, and a ‘DO NOT BREAKDOWN’ label clearly
visible on all FOUR (4) sides of the pallet.
A ‘DO NOT BREAKDOWN’ label helps stop pallets being
inadvertently broken down.

StarTrack customers should follow the below skid guidelines:

1. Skids can be various dimensions but cannot exceed (L)117cm x (W)117cm x (H)180cm.
2. Skids must not exceed 70kg dead weight

PARCEL AND FREIGHT PREPARATION GUIDE | VER 04 AUGUST 2022 | PAGE 24

Statement of Sorting for Australia Post parcels
Sorting articles by speed of Service and size is crucial to help ensure your parcels are delivered on time.
Sorting parcels by speed
Sorting your parcels by speed can make a real difference. It means each parcel will be sent to the right processing
facility, first time. So there’s less double‑handling and goods get to your customers sooner.
Express Post parcels should always be separated from Parcel Post to ensure they’re prioritised for delivery through
our network. Use Express Post tape on parcels, to ensure these items get priority.
Sorting parcels by size
When you correctly sort parcels by small and large, delivery performance improves and customer satisfaction
skyrockets. It’s important that the right sized parcels are sent to the right facility, first time. If not, parcels must be
re‑routed.
When you're sending parcels, make sure they don’t exceed the maximum size dimensions for the service you’re
using. Using a Small Parcel Streaming Gauge is a simple way to double‑check the correct size for each parcel. If you
need to order one, contact your Account Manager or local lodgement point.

Height: 75mm
Length: 365mm
Please note if any dimension exceeds 365mm, then it is too
Width: 265mm large for Small Parcel Streaming.
Max weight 1.8kg

Depending on the volume of ULDs lodged and your freight profile, this will determine the level of streaming
required. Please note, for lodgements less than 50 items customers are required to only separate Parcel Post from
Express Post.

If you need further assistance please contact your Account Manager or Service Partner.

PARCEL AND FREIGHT PREPARATION GUIDE | VER 04 AUGUST 2022 | PAGE 25