Tips on shipping fragile items

Whether it’s moving or shipping valuables – packing heavy items can be a nerve wracking experience. Boxes go through a lot of handling and there’s plenty of risk that something could go wrong between here and there during delivery and transport. 

At the end of the day – it really comes down to how you pack these items – and that’s what we’re here to discuss today. Here are some tips on how you can pack your fragile items and avoid potential issues with them breaking during delivery. Let’s jump right in.

Smaller. Not bigger.

When packaging a fragile item, we recommend that you use smaller boxes. For starters they’re easier to handle – which means less likelihood of them being dropped or damaged. Second, there’s less room inside for the item to shift around. Any extra space you are left with – be sure to use heavy padding. 

All about the bottom

Most fragile items break because they fall out of the bottom of the box or are dropped. So whenever you are packaging something fragile, make sure you reinforce the bottom of the box with an extra layer or two of packing tape. This will help the bottom from falling out. Second, layer the bottom of the box with padding, that way if it’s dropped, there will be extra cushioning to fall back on. 

Focus on dividers and padding 

If you’re packing multiple items, be sure to lean back on dividers and padding. If packing glasses – use cardboard dividers. This keeps the glass from clinking up against the other glasses. If you’re looking at a few separate items – wrap each one multiple times and consider adding styrofoam inside as well to secure them and allow for more give. 

Labeling

Don’t do the obviously dumb thing and just ship the package. Label it ‘fragile’ so delivery drivers know it’s fragile. Don’t assume they’re going to assume that it is. This will get your drivers to handle your package with a little bit more care and attention. 

Hopefully you found today’s tips helpful. If you need help finding a Tampa Courier Service or shipping a fragile item, give us a call today. Until then – good luck!