Tips for packing items safely for shipping

Air-bubble packing, popularly known by the brand name Bubble Wrap (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ever arrange a delivery to a customer only to have it arrive damaged? Ever received something fragile in pieces? Properly packing items and choosing the right partner to make the delivery can go a long way in a successful transaction.

The first thing you should do is to contact your shipper, freight handler or courier service. Not only do these providers have size and weight limits on what you can ship, they may also offer the best insight into how to prepare items for safe transport. Companies like On Time Logistics will even help you prepare your items for transport with their white glove service.

Any successful delivery starts with properly preparing an item for transportation. Here are some basic tips for safely packaging items.

Fragile items require extra care

Bubble wrap comes in four sizes – 1/8”, 3/16”, 5/16”, and 1/2″ – which measures the height of the bubble. Smaller sizes should be used for smaller, more fragile items. Wrap these items tightly with the bubbles facing the object and tape them tightly. Loosely wrapping items allows them to move around and possibly break.

Place it in a box that provides room around the wrapped item, but isn’t too big. Generously fill the box with packing peanuts or large-bubble wrap and tape the box shut tightly with shipping tape. Frequent shippers, like eBay shop owners, recommend against using newspaper for packing as it settles and allows the item to move too much. In some cases the ink can also stain your item.

Not only will your item arrive in good condition, it will be safe to handle. Small items are easier to handle than large items.

Packaging the big stuff

Larger items can be packaged safely and easily. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Industrial parts require their own special handling. Oftentimes, these items must be crated or require special packaging, such as a forklift or pallet jack. Palletized shipments should be properly stacked and labeled to prevent tipping and spilling.

Be sure to talk with your shipper about their ability to properly handle large items. Employees moving large items without the proper equipment could damage your shipment or risk injury.

When transporting large items, such as furniture, or items that require extra special handling, such as artwork, the professionals should be called in. Couriers that offer white glove service are typically very adept at special handling. On Time Logistics will not only move the item within our service areas, but we will wrap up the items and prepare it for the move.

Special handling required

Above all, when it comes to transporting items, you need to hire a provider with a proven record and who you can trust. Be sure to check references and to ask if the company is insured. No amount of preparation and packing will protect your shipment from improper handling.

Companies like On Time Logistics provide a variety of service options, such as on-demand delivery services, medical courier and warehousing/distribution. If you have questions about how to package your items for safe delivery, give us a call at 888-261-8282.