How to Ship Small Packages:
Take advantage of the resources found at USPS and UPS. They are excellent at shipping small packages throughout the country. A few tips;
- Pack your items densely, eliminating as much air as possible.
- Avoid air shipping to close destinations, ground transport can get there just as fast but cheaper.
- Track packages to ensure timely delivery.
- Request a refund if delivered late.
Contact us to learn more strategies to lower your small package costs.
How To Ship Large and Valuable Items:
Did you ever think about how to ship large TV's or a piano? We can help. In addition, here are a few eBay and packaging tips:
Shipping Large Items:
1. Consider using a household goods or high-value white-glove carrier. We partner with the best in the industry.
2. Consider extra-value insurance on those expensive or hard to replace items.
Packing Your Large Items:
Make Sure to Properly Insure Your Items:
Standard Shipping Insurance may not cover the full value of an item if damaged. See our how to's on Shipping Insurance.
Choose the Right Box:
Use a box that's strong enough to protect the contents and large enough to leave space for adequate cushioning. New boxes are best, but if you choose a previously used box, make sure you remove old shipping labels and the box is in good shape with no weak spots or cracks. Old or new, make sure the box is made of heavy corrugated cardboard.
Corrugated Cardboard:
If you can not find a box to pack your Freight use Corrugated Cardboard to wrap your item in top bottom and all sides make sure that all of the Freight is totally covered.
Protect and Pack: Don't skimp on cushioning material! Pack items tightly to avoid shifting, and make sure the cushioning material covers all sides of the object. If you're shipping several items together, wrap each one separately and provide enough cushioning to prevent movement. You can never have too much cushioning!
Seal Carefully:
After packing, gently shake the box. If nothing moves, it's ready to be sealed for Shipping. For a strong seal, always use packing tape that is designed for shipping. Make sure to Cover all seams with tape, and be sure not to leave any open areas which could snag.
Address Correctly:
Use the BOL as the address label on each box or hand write a label with the name and address of the recipient.
Choose the right Crate:
If you do not have a factory crate and are going to build one there are two types of crates that the Freight Carriers will accept as proper crates Make sure that your Freight is properly secured on the inside of your crate so that it does not break loose during shipment. This will help insure the shipper that the receiver’s item will arrive safely.
Corrugated Cardboard Crate:
This is a crate made with the base being a pallet or wood and having a wood frame all the way around and corrugated Cardboard attached to the sides and to the top
Wooden Crate: This is a crate totally made out of wood. The top, bottom and all sides are made of wood or a wood substance.
Palletizing your Shipment:
If you are using a pallet make sure that your freight is properly secured to it. In some cases the Carriers want items on a pallet to also be covered in shrink wrap or corrugated cardboard. This is also a protection factor for your Freight and will give you peace of mind.
Packaging Tips for Valuable Items:
Coins, stamps, or jewelry.
Be discreet about the contents of the package. Use a larger box and insure your shipment appropriately. Special limitations may apply for international shipments containing jewelry and gemstones, so confirm value limits with your carrier.
Collectibles, pottery, and glass.
For fragile items, the outer box must be large enough to allow at least 3 inches of cushioning all around the item. Wrap and box items individually to protect them from each other. Position items in the center of the box and away from the bottom, sides, and top of the box. If the item has a hollow center, such as a vase, fill the hollow area with paper to make the item more solid.
Electronic items and computers.
Ship these items in their original factory packaging whenever possible. If electronic components are exposed, use antistatic materials should be used. Do not use Styrofoam peanuts, Kraft paper, foam in place, blankets, or newspaper. Insure your shipment appropriately.
Fabric and wallpaper.
Rolled goods travel best when shipped in corrugated boxes. If a fabric roll is shipped in a bag, make sure the bag is tightly wrapped and taped to reduce the risk of tearing.
Antiques and art.
Remove any glass, wrap it carefully, and package it separately. Don't use paper, hardboard, or corrugate to pack artwork. If you're insuring the item, have a current bill of sale, invoice, or a statement from a certified appraiser in case you need to file a claim with your carrier.