If you need to ship fragile items, it's essential to know the correct way to pack and prepare them for shipping to ensure they arrive safely and intact. Products arriving in perfect condition means less returns and losses due to product damage, so packaging well an item is crucial for businesses. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide that covers how to ship fragile items, the necessary packing materials, and the best practices to ensure your delicate products arrive undamaged.
What’s considered a fragile item?
Fragile items include anything that is delicate, breakable, or easily damaged. Some examples of fragile items are glassware, ceramics, electronics, glass bottles or artwork. When shipping such items, it's vital to implement additional precautions to guarantee their safe arrival at the destination.
What packing materials will I need to ship fragile items?
When selecting packing materials for fragile items, numerous options exist, including bubble wrap, paper bubble wrap, SizzlePak® Shredded Paper, and cardboard dividers, all of which are effective for shipping delicate goods. Particularly noteworthy are postal boxes, especially in smaller sizes, when combined with shredded paper inside the box, as they offer a good solution for shipping products, preventing movement within the package and minimising the risk of rubbing against other items. Don’t forget to use packing tape to securely seal the cardboard box.
If you are shipping fragile glass products, Cardboard Bottle Boxes are available to provide extra protection during shipping. DS Smith ePack provides a range of Bottle Shipping boxes tailored to safeguard bottles throughout the shipping journey. They are quick and easy to assemble and they have dividers to prevent breakage. They are DISCTM test approved and they come with additional protection integrated to the box.
Step by step guide on how to ship fragile items
Step 1: Choose the right box
- Choosing the right box is essential when shipping fragile items. Opting for a double-wall cardboard box offers extra protection, ensuring your items arrive safely. They offer extra protection because the double-layer construction enhances the box's durability and resistance. They are also DISCTM test approved as they have been dropped, banged and crushed, to make sure the product inside is kept safe and make sure they can withstand all bangs and bumps they experience through transit.
- It's recommended to use a new box to ensure it's in good condition and won't collapse during transit. However, it's not just about considering the type of box for shipping; selecting the right size to send a product is also crucial. This aspect is often overlooked, leading to products arriving damaged at their destination. We recommend reading this article How to Find the Right Size Box?
Step 2: Fill the box with packing materials
- Place the wrapped item in the center of the box.
- To prevent movement during transit, fill the empty spaces around the item with paper bubble wrap and shredded paper if you’re using a small box like a postal box; or brown paper if you’re using larger boxes.
- If you’re shipping bottles, make sure you opt for a box with dividers so the bottles are steady and do not move.
- Ensure the item is snug and cannot shift inside the box.
Step 3: Seal and label the box
- Securely seal the box with packing tape.
- Clearly mark the box as "Fragile" on multiple sides using bold, permanent markers. Also you can use the Fragile Handle With Care Self-Adhesive Kraft Paper Tape.
- Include any additional handling instructions, such as "This Side Up" or "Keep Dry."
- Attach the shipping label securely to a flat surface of the box. This will inform the courier that the box is sensitive and needs special handling.
Step 4: Track your shipment
- Always track your shipment to ensure that it arrives at its destination on time. Use the tracking number that the courier provides to follow your package's journey.
- Pro tip: Consider purchasing parcel delivery insurance for added peace of mind, especially for valuable items.
- In conclusion, shipping fragile items demands meticulous care and attention to guarantee their safe arrival at the destination. Utilizing suitable protective materials is imperative when packing delicate items. By adhering to this comprehensive guide, you can confidently ensure the secure and unscathed delivery of your fragile items.
We are DS Smith ePack's ecommerce platform, catering to both small and large orders with prompt delivery within 24 hours. Explore our range of products now and safeguard your shipments with confidence.
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