Tips for Shipping Fragile Items

 

Our primary concern when shipping goods is that they reach their destination in the same condition we shipped them in. New, or used but by all means not damaged, dented, shattered in pieces, torn apart, or in any other way. Fragile items are more prone to damage while in transport due to the nature of the material they are made of. However, with a few extra precaution measures, you can ensure that the items are not damaged in any way. That is why we have created this useful guide where we included a lot of tips for shipping fragile items.

 

 

Gather all the packing material that you need upfront

To properly ship a fragile item, you need proper packing material. Only when you pack your item carefully will you be able to ship it without fear of damage. Here is the list of items you will need.

 

Moving boxes

Moving boxes are a perfect choice for shipping fragile items. They should be sturdy, preferably new or not used as much. Lightweight boxes with clear signs of usage should be avoided as you need strong moving boxes to withstand the weight of the items you ship.

 

Mind the size of the moving box

Note that the moving box should be around two inches bigger than the item itself so that you can implement protective material in it as well. If you have a moving box that is a lot bigger than the item, chances are the item will shift inside the box and get damaged during transport. A box that is too small will not allow space for any padding which can result in a broken item as well. Also, heavier items are safer in smaller boxes rather than in bigger ones.

 

 

Get customized boxes or specialty boxes for shipping fragile items

If you need to ship a mirror or a bottle of liquor, there are boxes specialized for transporting these items. Get the box in the right size and shape, and you will prevent any damage to your fragile items. On the other hand, you can always order customized boxes to get the best results.

 

Bubble wrap

Bubble wrap is your fragile item`s best friend. It will absorb any movement and shock so that your items arrive undamaged to your preferred location. It is best if you roll your fragile items twice in the bubble wrap, as you will decrease the chances of anything going wrong during shipping. If you have a lot of fragile items to send, better get a whole roll and apply it generously.

 

Packing paper

Packing paper is also perfect protection when shipping fragile items. Instead of buying packing paper, you can use old newspapers, for example. It will also come in handy if you crush it and apply it as padding inside the box.

 

Tape

You want to have high-quality tape to seal the box containing fragile items. A great tape will ensure that no content gets out of the box.

 

Permanent marker or printed labels

Labeling your shipment with fragile is effective if the labels are seen. Either use a permanent marker or printed out labels that say Fragile or Handle with care. Don`t put labels only on one side of the box, rather place them on all sides to ensure efficient recognition boxes containing fragile items.

 

 

Carefully pack the fragile items for shipping

Shipping fragile items mean that you need to pay special attention to the packing process. Luckily, this is not hard and you will soon have a perfectly packed fragile item in front of you.

 

Wrap the items first

One of the best tips for shipping fragile items with care is to pack one item per box, or a little as possible. If there are more fragile items in the same box, you need to wrap them individually. Pack the items into the packing paper. Proceed with rolling them into the bubble wrap. If necessary, wrap them twice into the bubble wrap. Secure the bubble wrap with the tape, so that it does not fall off the item.

 

Prepare the box for shipping

Use crumpled packing paper as padding for the box. It should cover the two inches difference between the item and the box. Next, place the items into the box carefully. You should never fill the box to the top of ship heavy items in large boxes. Use smaller boxes instead. Place the items so that the heavier ones are on the bottom, and the lighter ones are on the top. Use crumpled newspaper, or packing peanuts to fill out any void there is inside the box that will be shipped.

 

Seal the box and check if it is ready for shipping

Once you have filled the box with the protective padding and items for shipping, it is time to seal it. If you are uncertain whether that is enough, you can double seal the box. After this, you can perform a simple test to check whether the box is ready for shipment. Shake the box gently from side to side and up and down. Do you hear any clinging noises? Is there any movement inside the box? If the answer is positive to any of these questions, you should provide some more protective padding, or add another layer of bubble wrap.  Only when the items are not shifting inside is the box ready for shipping.

 

 

Don’t forget to label the boxes

Labeling the box is the final step in preparing your fragile items for shipping. As we have already mentioned, it is best to label the box on all sides as Fragile, so that it is easy to spot the label. This will inform the people handling the box about its contents and will save your items from damage.

 

If you follow our tips from above, we are certain that your fragile items will arrive safe and sound at the destination. If you need a professional NJ courier service or you’re wondering how to choose the best trucking service for shipping your fragile items, contact us anytime, we’ll be glad to help.