Those who are going to ship fragile items should know the key differences between interstate and intrastate trucking. By understanding how many states your items will travel through, how many trucks they will be on, and how many different people will handle them, you will be able to choose the right method of packaging. Some tips on packing fragile items are listed below.

Box Choice

The first thing to consider when packing fragile items is the box they'll be shipped in. First, consider the material. You probably think of cardboard boxes, and while they can always be relied on when all else fails, another material may suit your items better. For example, a wooden crate is more durable than a cardboard box, though it is also more expensive. Your choice will be based on your budget and expectations.

Once you know what kind of box to use, you need to consider the size. You obviously can’t use boxes that are too small, but don’t rely on ones that are too large, either. The more your items bounce around, the more likely they are to be damaged.

Get a box that has enough room for the item to be properly padded but is also small enough to prevent it from moving too much.

Weight Limits

You may sometimes be able to ship multiple pieces in the same box. While this can be good for a lot of reasons, pay attention to the box's weight limit if it has one. Adding too much to the box will cause damage to it and eventually cause it to pop open no matter how well you secure it.

Packing too many items together can also cause packaging issues since you won’t be able to properly pad them all. If your box doesn't come with a weight limit, it might be a good idea to get multiple and test a few to see how much they can handle before breaking. It will also allow you to measure it multiple times to make sure you don’t put too many items too close together.

Padding

Your fragile items need to be securely padded to reduce their movement and protect them from any impact they may experience.

Some of these methods are simple, like wrapping your items in packaging materials and covering the corners with cardboard. Others take more time but ensure they stay completely safe, like securing each piece in a foam case that’s been made specifically for it, wrapping it in lots of bubble wrap, and filling the box with other packing materials like packing peanuts, air cushions, and more.

Each piece is different, so figuring out what works best for each one will take time, but it is truly worth it. The less your item is damaged, the happier the customer will be, and the higher the chances are that they’ll recommend you to their friends or make another purchase themselves. You also won’t have to pay for replacements and returns, which is an added bonus.

Layering

Sometimes, the piece is so fragile, expensive, or rare that it doesn't feel like just one box is secure enough. When this happens, pack your main box inside another box. This adds a whole new layer of protection since any damage done to the first box doesn't always translate to the other.

You can also surround your interior box with extra packing material to make sure it doesn’t move, which adds to the protection of the item even more. Of course, putting padding around the interior box will require more foam and air cushions, which can be tedious and annoying to handle, but it is worth it.

Label

All fragile items need to be shipped with a fragile label on the box. However, sometimes, this label is difficult to see because of where you put it; it may get covered in dirt, etc. To avoid all of these issues and more, place multiple fragile shipping labels on the box. This will ensure that anyone who handles it knows to do so with care. Just don’t cover the shipping label, or your box won’t go anywhere.

If you’re unsatisfied with just a shipping label and have a bit of extra room in the budget, then you can also consider adding an impact detector. They monitor the package at all times and send out notifications when their requirements for potential damage have been met.

Most of the time, this expensive equipment will be unnecessary, but if you’ve had trouble with items that have been damaged during shipping before, this may be a worthwhile investment.

Other Considerations

There are a few more things to keep in mind as you prepare your item for shipping. You already know to watch the padding, but also prepare for moisture. Every truck is different, and the weather can be an unpredictable beast sometimes. Wrapping your items so they are protected from moisture will save both you and the buyer from a lot of headaches.

Once everything is properly protected, tape the box really well. While it may seem wasteful to use a ton of tape, it would be a tragedy if the box popped open in transit. Secure the box as much as you feel you need to. Also, avoid cheap boxes. They’re likely made of flimsier material or are older and have worn out over time.

Also, it may be a good idea to include a small card that talks about your services or even just to say thank you to the buyer. It’s a small thing, but it may pay off in the long run.