posted on July 26, 2001 05:17:43 AM new
Any advice on packing and shipping breakable items like glass, ceramic items, etc.? I usually don't ship these types of items and was wondering what some of the experts out there could share. What are some best practices when dealing with these types of items?
posted on July 26, 2001 05:24:04 AM new
I know this sound weird, but I have shipped some extremely fragile hand blown glass animal miniatures inside a box containing a double plastic bag...... filled with jello!
posted on July 26, 2001 05:28:38 AM new
eleanordew has the best solution.
If you can't double-box, make sure the item is secure. I like to leave at least 2" on all sides of the item.
First bubblewrap (the big stuff), then fill the bottom of the box with popcorn, sit the item on that, then fill the rest of the box with popcorn. It should be filled enough that if you shake the box (once it's closed), nothing moves. If you have hard styrofoam corners from anything you've received, use them to add stability.
Guideline: the USPS or UPS will kick your item at least twice across a long room.
UPS has packing guidelines at their site. It's good infomation.
edited to add: I didn't see nanntique's suggestion when I was writing the above. What a great idea!
[ edited by sadie999 on Jul 26, 2001 05:29 AM ]
posted on July 26, 2001 05:58:00 AM new
beware UPS:
RE: INSURANCE
Read the PDF document on their site
item#35
"Limitation of Liability For Damaged and Lost Property"
"UPS will not be liable or responsible for the loss of or damage to (1) articles of unusual value (as definedin item 460)"
#460
(1) Coins(except penienies and nickels----..) postage stamps,--- precious stones--,--works of art.
(2) Any article which contains more than fifty percent by weight of gold, silver, or, platinum, or any combination thereof-------
posted on July 26, 2001 06:13:22 AM new
If it's hollow (glasses, decanters, vases, etc) I always feel better if I stuff the inside with paper, peanuts, etc. I dont' know that it would really make a difference, but it makes me feel better!
I bubble wrap everything and then add peanuts to the box. I leave at LEAST 1" on each side, with a new, very sturdy box, usually usps priority. I do not ship glass in flimsy, old boxes.
posted on July 26, 2001 06:48:27 AM new
I learned how to pack while working in a camera store. We used UPS (AKA OOPS!) and the whole mission was to make it hard for them to mess things up. Two main points from this school of higher learning:
1. Item should be surrounded by as much soft stuff as possible--it should not move and be very well isolated from the package edges.
2. Enough tape to raise 3M stock prices even if the market is heading south.
I would bubble wrap the item, box it, and then box it again in a sea of peanuts.
posted on July 26, 2001 07:03:04 AM new
NEVER, I repeat NEVER, just put your bubblewrapped breakable in a box surrounded by foam peanuts.
Your glass can and will shift.
ALWAYS, line the bottom, top and sides with crumpled news paper or I use a lot of egg cartons for top & bottom.
Egg cartons are light weight and they make a great cusion.
But a good mix of newspaper and peanuts will do the trick.
If there is more then one piece in your box, I use foam board(can be bought at lumber yards in 4'x8'sheets - CHEAP)and cut a little piece and put in-between the glass items.
Sometimes I will even line my box with it, top bottom and sides.
When it comes to glass and the postal services you can't be too careful.
posted on July 26, 2001 08:04:30 AM new
Here's how I do it. If it is a glass or has a hole in it (e.g., pitcher), I stuff it with newspaper shredding. In fact even if it is a plate I put a little shredding in the center of the plate. If it has handles, knobs any protrusions like that, I take pieces of bubble wrap and wrap it around them and tape. I then, depending on how large the item is, wrap it in 3 to four sheets -12"- of bubble wrap and seal. I seal with colored tape because it is difficult to see clear tape and that could cause the item to be broken upon opening. Don't seal it too tightly give a tiny bit of room. Then I take two to four full size sheets of newspapers and wrap securely and tape that. I put newspaper shredding on the bottom of the box. Put the item in the center of the box and packing newspaper shredding around it and on the top. Make sure you use enough newspaper. I know that increases the shipping weight, but it is worth it. I ship a lot of glass and multiple pieces of glass (sometimes 8-12 pieces in one box) and have had great success. Make sure the box is big enough, snug fits will not work. The key is taking your time and doing it right. I have rewrapped many boxes because I just didn't get a good feeling on the adequacy of the packing.
posted on July 26, 2001 09:37:29 AM new
Use a double wall box. Bubble wrap the item, go around mor than once. If this leaves thin spots on the edges go around from the cross direction. If you have thick card board or hard foam line the box with it. The trick to preventing your item from shifting is to not just dump popcorn it to it. PACK IT IN TIGHT. Put it in, push it down until it will not compact anymore, repeat until you can fit no more. Make sure your box is big enough to allow for enough packing to keep your item safe. this will vary deopending on what the item is. Always err on the side of safty.
posted on July 26, 2001 01:48:32 PM new
I too need some help on packing fragile items. I need to pack a metal tole chandelier - no crystals or anything, just fragile flowers and leaves that could easily be broken off. I've never shipped anything like this before and am very nervous - I *should* be receiving payment anyday. HELP!!!
posted on July 26, 2001 05:48:46 PM new
Shredded paper is a wonderful resource and works particularly well for large fragile items like your chandelier or odd sized items with nooks and crannies. Check with your friendly bank -- if they're like mine, they're happy to give you large bags. Peanuts are going to shift, and crumpled newspaper is a bit too stiff for those delicate leaves. Bottom the box with styrofoam (try your furniture store dump), and line the sides with it as well. Those egg cartons sound terrific -- great idea! Corners need special attention. Double box for sure. Don't worry about the weight -- by the time you get your boxes together, UPS and fedex ground will be dimension weighing it anyway (means they will charge 30 lbs. for a large box even if it only weighs 12 lbs!).
I once had a tricky package which I dreaded putting together. I checked with my shipper who also runs a packing service, who quoted me a price, and THEN informed me that he would not be responsible if the item broke and UPS refused to pay insurance citing improper packing. Since that time, I pack myself, and avoid listing certain items altogether. (Most of the time anyway).
Oh, above mentioned furniture store is also marvelous for large sheets of styrofoam wrap, great for china and glass when you don't want newsprint next to the item. For larger amounts of glass or china, wrap individually, then a few each into small boxes, and boxes into a chicken box with lid (free at your meat market if you ask nicely). Tape and tape again. Chicken boxes in which prewrapped chicken comes are fabulous and designed to withstand lots of crushing.
I am curious about others' experiences with shipping and packing centers too. Anyone pay for packing where the item broke?
posted on July 26, 2001 06:38:30 PM new
From my own experience:
1. Use a big enough box.
2. Use a strong enough box.
3. Pack it tight.
4. One item in one box does not need bubble wrap in addition to peanuts.
5. Multi camber boxes are nice if you ship multiples, but are not nessessary. This is when you use bubble wrap.
6. If you think that you need to double box, you really need a stronger box. Try reinforcing with extra cardboard.
7. Elaborate packaging may impress your customers, but may not be any more protective. When I want to impress with my packing I use the syrofoam/cardboard boxes that tropical fish are shipped in or a 5 gallon plastic paint bucket inside a cardboard box sized for shipping the 5 gallon bucket.
8. Even the best packing is not proof against deliberate vandalism by shipping employees.
posted on July 26, 2001 06:52:25 PM new
One more thing. Most people do not realize that most boxes have the pounds that they are rated for on the bottom. If your package is over that weight, forget about filing a claim.
posted on July 26, 2001 07:05:40 PM new
In addition to all the cushioning tips above, DO NOT use Priority Tape to wrap round and round the bubble wrapped item. Rubber bands work best, or a few pieces judiciously placed pieces of the clear packaging or cellophane tape. Priority Mail tape is nearly impossible to get off of bubble wrap without cutting, making it frustrating to get at the item and easier to damage the item in the process. I can't tell you how many times I've gotten fragile items completely encased in Priority Tape as to be literally mummified! I know the tape is free, but using it to seal the bubble wrap DOES NOT add to the protection of the fragile item!
posted on July 27, 2001 05:51:29 AM new
Thanks! All of you have been extremely helpful! Now all I need is to go out and find a big box, a little box, some bubblewrap, a bunch of foam, a ton of peanuts, some newspaper, a few egg cartons, a lotta tape (NO Priority tape!), and I should be all set. Ooops, I almost forgot the jello! Any particular flavor jello?? Anything else???
[ edited by sadie999 on Jul 26, 2001 05:29 AM ]