Proper Packaging Material

Writen by Dr. Alfred Savio

I have discussed before the importance of properly packaging your item for shipping. When it comes to fragile items, it is even more critical that the proper packaging material is used to protect the item.

1. At a minimum, proper packaging material means a new corrugated box on the outside, bubble wrap around the fragile item, and packing peanuts to fill any void space within the box. You should use a box larger than the size of the item after bubble wrapping it. For example, if the object measures 10"x4"x4" after bubble wrapping it, look for a box at least 14"x8"x8" to allow for 2" of peanuts on all sides to protect the object from anything that might strike the outside of the box.

2. For items such as dishes, use either small bubble wrap or rolled foam to separate each piece. Lay the foam roll or bubble down with the bubbles facing the dish, place the dish on the wrap, use another layer of wrap above the dish, lay down the next dish, and continue for up to about 8 dishes. Once you have protected the dishes in this manner, use large bubble wrap once around the whole stack.

3. Stemware, cups, and serving pieces should be individually wrapped with large bubble wrap. This helps to protect the larger pieces from breaking in transit.

4. On very fragile items, double boxing is recommended. Follow the guidance in number 1 above. Then find the next biggest box that will fit the first box in it and leave room for you to add 2 more inches of peanuts. Build the bottom of the large box, add 2" of peanuts, insert the smaller box, fill the remaining void space with peanuts, and seal the carton.

Remember to use carton sealing tape for all shipping boxes. Use of duct tape, masking tape, or Scotch tape is unacceptable for shipping. The duct tape and masking tape literally melt off of the packages in the very hot processing facilities. Scotch tape does not keep corrugated boxes sealed.

Fred Savio is a multiple center owner of The UPS Store franchise in southern New Jersey. Visit Fred's shipping blog at http://shippinginfo.blogspot.com/ or his store websites http://www.theupsstoreeggharbortownship.com or http://www.theupsstoremayslanding.com You can email him at fredsinfo2006@yahoo.com.