Fragile items don’t stand packaging errors and require special care during transportation, as the risk of fracture or breakage is too high. You surely want to guarantee bulletproof protection for your precious belongings in transit, so let’s discuss the best way to ship fragile items locally and internationally. Below you will find some packaging tips from the Fine Art Shippers team.
Best Way to Ship Fragile Items: Is There Any?
It would be pretty simple to say that there’s a magic formula for extra-safe shipment of fragile items. But things are far from that in the shipping and moving industry. First of all, all objects are unique and require individual treatment. Second, the shipping industry is targeting waste reduction and optimal packaging material use. Thus, the practice of wrapping your valuables into endless layers of bubble wrap and placing them into several boxes is usually costlier and more wasteful. We at Fine Art Shippers develop a packaging strategy for every fragile item you entrust to us, and the approach may vary depending on the distance of transit, shipment mode, and the item’s materials and dimensions. Here are some top-tier packaging standards for fragile objects we keep to.
Fragile Items Shipping Guidance
Now, let’s figure out your own best way to ship fragile items by considering and combining the following safety precautions.
- Combine internal and external packaging to ensure full protection of the shipped items.
- Don’t leave any empty space inside the box or crate.
- Place fragile items at the center of the box so that the cushioning material surrounds them from all sides.
- Choose a larger box than the item’s dimensions, leaving a minimum of 2 inches on each side for internal cushioning.
- Wrap all items you’re transporting separately and place rigid dividers if several items are placed in one box for transit (e.g., kitchenware or glasses).
- Consider using a box-in-box method, which adds an extra layer of protection by cushioning all items inside the box and then fixing it in a larger box for added stability.
- Label the package accordingly so that the transportation staff knows they are handling fragile items. Use international-standard labels for cross-border shipments to avoid confusion.
Here you go with the information to select the best way to ship fragile items. Use these expert guidelines to minimize all the risks and stay sane while your fine art items are in transit. Don’t hesitate to contact Fine Art Shippers for assistance if you need tried and tested solutions from experienced pros.