Do you need to send an item overseas, but it’s fragile, and you’re worried that it might not survive the shipping? Fret no more! Even when sending fragile items, international package shipping will be easy if you follow these Top five tips. Let’s dig into it!
1. Choose a box that’s right
The right packaging is the best protection for any fragile goods. Bags or envelopes won’t do. It would be best if you had a cardboard box. It’s better to pick an unused box, but if you have an old one in excellent condition, you can also use it. Ensure the box is clean of any misleading writings on the surface.
The box should be slightly larger than your item, but not too big. Too much empty space will lead to your goods rolling around the packaging. It also shouldn’t be too small. You need to have space to put in the padding materials. Don’t forget to consider the weight of your item. It’s usually better to send heavier goods in smaller boxes when international package shipping is concerned.
2. Wrap items separately
You already have a box. Now it’s time to start packing your goods. If you’re shipping more than one item, try to wrap them separately. Put them in different pieces of bubble wrap or fold them in separate pieces of newspaper. It will help to keep the items from bumping into each other. For breakable goods, place foam wrap to keep them apart to avoid collision. If you send packages to Poland, Norway, or Russia, that’s a long distance for any parcel. Make sure your items are prepared for anything that may happen.
If your items are weighty, consider packing them in separate smaller parcels, rather than putting them together in one big box.
3. Take care of the inner packaging
When shipping fragile items, inner packaging is crucial. Get enough cushioning materials, such as bubble wrap, packing peanuts, air cushions, foam wrap, or simple crumpled paper. Be sure to put more than one layer of padding. Start with the bottom of the box. Place enough cushioning materials to protect the items from being crushed when the package is put on the ground or on another parcel.
It’s important to fill empty spaces with as much cushioning material as possible. It’ll not only protect the items from being squashed by outside pressure but will also immobilize them. But don’t overdo it. Packing items too tightly might give the opposite result. Some looseness is okay.
Contrary to the external packaging (i.e., the box), cushioning materials do not lose their quality after one use. You can reuse them many times to save money. It’ll make parcel shipping less expensive.
4. Label your parcel correctly
When shipping internationally, you must label your parcel properly. This will let the courier know that the package contains delicate items. The most used and accepted label for that is “FRAGILE.” It should be clearly visible on the surface of the package, preferably on all sides. You can also indicate how the parcel should be handled by placing the label “This Side Up.” It’ll greatly help the provider of international package shipping services.
Don’t hesitate to use bold stickers or even buy packing tape with the writing “Fragile” on it. Nothing is too eye-catching when it’s for the sake of protecting your goods.
5. Get insurance
Are you still worried about your fragile item? It’s natural! Get some peace of mind and insure your package. Most parcel service providers have the option to pay extra for insurance. Sometimes you may choose how much the insurance will cover. Full coverage is advised, but not obligatory. Some shipping companies might even have insurance already included in their shipping rates for free.
Sending fragile items makes international package shipping more daunting than it already is. But if you follow these tips, you’ll find shipping fragile goods easy and reliable.
