Here are some ideas on how to make fragile items shipping overseas easier and most importantly safer. Let’s dive in to smarter global shipments.
Get Right Materials
When sending fragile items from one country to another, using proper packaging materials is one of the most important things. It will help you protect breakables from inside and out.
Here’s a quick list of essentials to get when sending fragile goods:
● Wooden, cardboard, or another sturdy box
● Wide and strong packing tape
● Internal packaging - craft paper, packing peanuts, foam, or bubble wrap
Having all this will let you pack the items properly for the international journey. Make sure you choose high-quality materials to get the best protection for your vulnerable package.
Use Plenty Of Internal Packaging
Usually, international shipments take a longer period to reach the destination point and are handled by dozens of people in the transportation process. Imagine you need to send a package from the States to Poland. It can be thrown or dropped multiple times on its way. Obviously, shipping to Poland from the USA will be less scary if you’ll have your breakable goods protected properly.
Thus, the most important part when packing breakables is internal packaging. Use plenty of it to secure the goods from moving and smashing into each other. If you’re not thrilled with the idea of buying internal packaging materials each time you need to ship fragile items, you can reuse them. If you occasionally receive packages yourself, don’t throw away packaging materials. Any materials that are not damaged and function well are good to be used again.
Use A Strong Box
Unlike internal packaging materials, it is not recommended to reuse a cardboard box. The box has to be in perfect condition - not damaged and not lousy. For high-value, heavy, and unique goods you may also want to use stronger packaging than cardboard, such as wooden boxes.
Another important thing about a box for shipping is its size. It has to be optimally sized to avoid items from moving around in the box. Avoid empty spaces as much as possible. Also, note that small boxes are better for heavy goods.
Also, it would be smart to take some time to prepare the bottom of a box. You can tape it with extra layers of tape and put plenty of internal packaging materials on the bottom. But most importantly, put the heaviest breakables on the bottom of a box. It will prevent lighter items from crushing.
Package With Care
If you want to pack breakables correctly, it will take you longer than packing regular stuff. It will also require superior care and attention to detail. Therefore, prepare yourself to spend some time protecting your goods.
It’s recommended to wrap each item separately to prevent smashing items into each other. If you’re shipping, for example, vases or cups, fill hollow items with packing materials. You can also use cardboard to divide items to avoid collisions. When it’s all done and placed into a box, fill the remaining empty spaces with internal packaging materials.
Label Accordingly
Shipping fragile goods won’t be successful without proper box labeling. You need to inform everyone who will have contact with your package during its transit that the content inside is fragile and needs extra attention. The best way to do it is to add bold stickers with correct expressions on the package.
Labels like Fragile or Handle With Care are the most popular ones. Plus, they are recognized internationally, so it’s safe for overseas shipping. You might also want to use a This Way Up label for better transportation. All this will let the shipping carrier know that your packages need special care.
Choose A Shipping Company Wisely
On top of everything mentioned above is your choice of the shipping carrier. Whether your fragile goods are packed poorly or perfectly well, they won’t reach the destination point in a good condition if your chosen shipping company lacks professionalism. Irresponsible and lousy workers are more likely to ruin or lost your package. So, be smart when leaving your fragile goods to a random courier. A trustworthy shipping company that cooperates with reliable partners will deliver your goods overseas safely and not shattered into pieces.
Smart Secure Shipments Globally
In a few words, shipping fragile items from one country to another is simpler if you follow these tips. Ship without fear of breaking your items by properly packing, labeling, and choosing the right shipping company.
