Fragile Shipping 101: How to Pack Fragile Items for Safe Transit

At the risk of stating the obvious, we’ll say it: No customer wants damaged goods! And no brand wants to disappoint customers and foot the bill for a replacement! At Smart Warehousing, we know that proper packaging is a key part of logistics management and essential to prevent damage during shipping, save on costs, and avoid customer complaints. 

As your company considers the proper packaging for fragile items, remember the old saying: expect the unexpected. Your team may take plenty of caution and care when packing! But what happens when the package leaves for its destination?

Your package could get inadvertently tossed onto the back of a truck, become the victim of poor handling, be dropped on a doorstep or a conveyor belt, or be balanced perilously on a narrow front step . . . the list goes on! Then there’s damage due to the elements, like humidity, rain, snow, condensation, or other moisture. Even infestations can happen (insects and rodents and animals, oh my!). 

How can you set your items up for safe arrival? Let’s unpack the best practices for fragile item shipping.  

Essential Materials for Packing Fragile Items

If you're sending fragile items, you need to take extra care with the materials you use to pack them. Luckily, with a few essential items and some know-how, you can give your precious cargo the protection it deserves. Here are the must-have materials for brands that ship fragile items:

• Bubble wrap
• Packing tape
• Packing peanuts
• Foam inserts
• Cardboard boxes
• Scissors
  

While packing materials like bubble wrap and packing peanuts are essential for protecting fragile items, it's also important to consider using eco-friendly packaging options. Ecofriendly shipping supplies can reduce your brand’s environmental impact and still keep your items safe during transit. Consider biodegradable packing peanuts made from cornstarch or recycled paper, compostable bubble wrap made from recycled plastic, and cardboard boxes made from recycled materials. Making the switch to eco-friendly packaging materials can not only benefit the planet, but it can also appeal to environmentally-conscious customers who prioritize sustainability.

Eight Techniques to Pack Fragile Items

Whether your brand has been shipping delicate items for years, or you’re just starting out, here are eight expert tips and techniques for safe shipping:

1. Choose the right box size: Make sure your box is slightly larger than your item to leave room for protective padding. But if it’s too large, your item can jostle inside and get damaged. 
   
2. Wrap the item in bubble wrap: We're not talking about a measly layer here! Make sure all sides are covered well.
3. Use packing peanuts or foam inserts: Once your item is safely cocooned in bubble wrap, place it in the box and fill the gaps with packing peanuts or foam inserts.
4. Check for movement: Once you have packed your fragile items, give the box a gentle shake to ensure nothing moves around. If you feel any movement, add additional padding until the contents are secure.
5. Seal the box well with packing tape: A tight seal makes a big difference. Use clear packing tape to secure all seams and corners of the box. 
6. Mark your box: Consider adding a "fragile" or "handle with care" label to the outside of the box. 
7. Choose the right shipping method: Consider using a shipping method that offers extra protection, such as special handling or fragile item shipping. You may need to pay a bit more for these services, but the added protection can be well worth it!
8. Consider insurance for fragile items: While proper packing can prevent damage during shipping, accidents can still happen. Consider insurance for your fragile items to provide added protection and peace of mind. Many shipping companies offer insurance options that can cover the cost of lost or damaged items.
   

Delicate Differences: Tailoring Your Packing Techniques for Various Fragile Items

It's important to recognize that not all delicate items are created equally. Different materials and shapes require different packing techniques to ensure they arrive safely at their destination.

• Glassware: Wrap each item with bubble wrap and place them in a box with dividers. Fill the gaps with packing peanuts to prevent them from moving.
• Electronics: Use foam inserts or packing peanuts to fill the gaps in the box. 
• Paintings or canvases: Wrap each in bubble wrap, and use cardboard or foam inserts to protect the corners. Place the artwork in a box with extra padding and label the box as fragile.

• Ceramics: Wrap ceramics in bubble wrap and place them in a box with packing peanuts or foam inserts. Make sure the items do not touch each other to prevent damage.
• Mirrors: Mirrors should be wrapped in bubble wrap and placed in a divider box. Fill the gaps with packing peanuts or foam inserts to prevent movement.
• Antiques: Antiques call for custom crates or boxes to provide extra protection. Wrap the items in bubble wrap and use foam inserts or packing peanuts to prevent movement. Since antiques are often one-of-a-kind, insurance and special handling are recommended.
• Musical instruments: Pack musical instruments in their cases if possible. If not, wrap them in bubble wrap and use foam inserts or packing peanuts to provide extra protection.

By using the right materials and techniques, you can rest assured that your company’s fragile items are packed correctly and can arrive safely — even if the unexpected does occur.

Need a shipping partner that understands and takes excellent care of your products? Smart Warehousing is here to help. With a coast-to-coast footprint consisting of 38 warehouses, over 12 million square feet, and 12 geographies, we offer 1-2 day shipping to 100% of the USA — and you can trust that we’ll pack items with excellence at every location. You’ll benefit from our logistics and fulfillment experts, and our professional warehouse staff who will use the right packaging for each product you sell. Get in touch with us today.