How to ship a fragile package ?
When you need to send a fragile package, it is important to take all the necessary precautions so that it arrives safely at its destination. Here are some tips on how to pack and send a fragile package efficiently and securely.
Choosing the right packaging
The choice of packaging is crucial to the protection of your fragile package. Use strong, sturdy packaging, such as a heavy cardboard box, to protect your breakable items. Make sure the packaging is large enough to accommodate the item as well as the filling materials.
Before choosing the packaging of your package, it is important to know that these are handled on automatic chains and sometimes, there can be falls.
To choose the right packaging for your packages, you must first consider : the shape, weight, size and form of your merchandise. Depending on the fragility of your product, choose a single, double or triple fluted cardboard for optimal protection. For objects weighing more than 110 lbs, opt for a wooden, metal or plastic box (except for shipments with UPS).
To properly protect a parcel, it is necessary to imagine that it can be protected and resist a fall of about 1m30 height. From this principle, you can estimate the degree of fragility of your goods.
Depending on the fragility of your product, you will have to choose a double or triple fluted cardboard for optimal protection. For objects weighing more than 50 kilos, choose a wooden, metal or plastic box (except for shipments with UPS).
Use filler materials
Filling materials, such as Styrofoam chips, bubble wrap or newspaper, are essential to protect your fragile item during transport. Use enough filler material to fill any gaps in the package and prevent the item from moving. Filling materials should be placed inside the package and around the item to hold it in place.
There are many cushioning materials such as inflatable air cushions, this is a very reliable and lightweight solution to protect your packages, this solution is often used by e-tailers.
You can use packing particles, we recommend you to use kraft because they are more easily recyclable or popcorn which is a biodegradable packing material.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of cushioning materials adapted to the content of your packages:
- bubble wrap
- kraft paper
- polystyrene
- newspapers
- compressed air cushions
- cushioning fiber (Raja)
- cushioning crimp
- foam film
- palletizing net
- dunnage particles
- fluted cardboard
Pack your fragile products carefully
Packing your fragile item should be done with great care. Use kraft paper, bubble wrap or newspaper to wrap the item, making sure that all corners are well protected. For hollow objects, such as vases or bowls, fill them with newspaper or bubble wrap to prevent them from breaking inside the package. If you have several breakable products in one box, we recommend that you wrap each item individually to provide the most effective shock absorption during shipping.
Seal the package properly
Make sure the package is tightly closed and sealed with strong tape. Tape should be applied to the edges of the package to prevent it from opening during shipping.
Label the package correctly
For your fragile package shipments, it is important to properly label your fragile package so that it will be treated correctly during transport. In order to anticipate any problem during shipment, you can also take a picture of your package with the label clearly affixed to it. When you receive a damaged package, take a picture of the damaged goods in its packaging as soon as you receive it and make reservations with the courier.
This way, if there is a breakage, it will be possible to report it to the postal services used and to obtain the necessary help. In addition, it is strongly recommended that you take out insurance when ordering transport if you are sending a fragile or high-value package.
Choosing the right service for shipping fragile packages
Choosing a reliable shipping service is crucial to ensuring that your fragile package arrives safely at its destination. Look for a carrier or courier service that has experience shipping fragile packages and offers an insurance service to cover you in case of damage during transit.
Now that your package is properly packed and sealed, all that's left is the finishing touch! Print your packing slip and stick it on a flat surface, on the top of your package: the label must not be hidden or used to close your shipment. The shipping address, destination and barcode on the label must be clearly legible for the carrier to avoid any return or delivery error.
Good to know:
If you are sending folds or envelopes, the process requires a little less preparation, however, once again you must be careful about the choice of these (whether they are classic or bubble pack) and be careful to respect the weight announced.
Some carriers charge by volume weight: the weight of your package will be calculated on the basis of its volume and not its weight. In this case, reduce the volume of your shipment by dividing your items into several small packages.
