Shipping glass items can be one of the most challenging tasks, but it doesn’t have to be. Packaging is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word ‘shipping’; it helps products to get from one point to another unharmed. Shipping fragile items like glass requires proper packing, making the use of protective packaging even more crucial.
Let us guide you on how to ship glass items. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to ship glass items without getting them broken.
How to ship glass items?
Following are the steps you must look into when shipping glass or fragile items.
- Material Selection
- Preparing the Items
- Use the Right Type of Box
- Use Void Fillers
- Labeling
- Start Shipping
Material Selection
The first thing involved in shipping fragile items is to select the appropriate material. When it comes to custom printed packaging, you can find different types of materials, including cardboard and corrugated cardboard. However, for shipping glass or fragile items, the most appropriate material is corrugated cardboard.
Corrugated cardboard comes in various thickness levels, and the most common ones are B-flute 1/8″ and E-flute 1/16″. Both of these thicknesses are ideal for shipping fragile items. Using the right thickness level depends on the product you want to ship. Cardboard and corrugated cardboard are commonly used for shipping highly fragile items like glass or delicate electronics. Additionally, you can also use customized rigid boxes that offer superior protection due to their sturdy, multi-layered structure.
B-flute 1/8″: Perfect for shipping heavier and larger products. Corrugated Shipping Boxes are made of B-flute corrugated material.
E-flute 1/16″: Ideal for slightly heavier shipping products. Mailer packaging boxes and subscription boxes are the perfect example.
Now that you have determined which material to use, the next step is to prepare the items that need to be shipped.
Preparing the Items
Preparing the items is vital for safe glass shipping. Wrap each piece of glassware individually before placing it in the shipping box. Begin with a layer of paper, then secure it with at least three layers of bubble wrap for adequate protection.
Alternatively, you can use a box with inserts customized to fit your products. Paper inserts work well for very small glassware, while corrugated cardboard inserts offer more protection for moderately sized items.
If you need the highest level of shock absorption, foam inserts are the best option, especially for fragile or valuable glass items. However, foam inserts are less eco-friendly and don’t allow for printed designs.
Use the right type of box
Selecting the appropriate box for shipping your items is crucial, especially for fragile items. The type of box you opt for greatly influences the outcome of your shipping process!
Various box styles are available in the market, but the most suitable ones include corrugated shipping boxes for bulkier items. For products like nail polish, candle jars, or similar items, custom mailer boxes are the most appropriate choice.
Use Void Fillers
Void fillers play a vital role in protecting glass items during shipping, and packaging peanuts is an excellent option for this purpose. These lightweight, cushioning materials fill empty spaces within the shipping box, providing a buffer that helps prevent movement and absorbs shocks.
By surrounding fragile glass items with packing peanuts, the risk of breakage or damage during transit is significantly reduced. The peanuts conform to the shape of the items, offering customized support and ensuring they remain securely in place.
This added layer of protection enhances the overall packaging integrity and ensures that glass items reach their destination unharmed.
Labels
Labels play a crucial role in shipping fragile items by providing essential information to handlers and carriers, ensuring proper care and handling throughout the shipping process. Specifically, labels marked with “Fragile” or “Handle with Care” alert shipping personnel to the delicate nature of the contents, prompting them to exercise caution when handling the package.
These labels serve as visual cues, reminding everyone involved in the shipping chain to take extra care to avoid rough handling or stacking heavy items on top. Additionally, labels indicating orientation arrows help ensure that packages are kept upright, reducing the risk of damage to fragile items such as glass.
Overall, labels serve as important communication tools, helping to minimize the chances of breakage and ensuring the safe delivery of fragile items to their destination.
Start Shipping
Once your glass items are meticulously packed and your box is securely filled, it’s time to seal the deal. Use high-quality packing tape, reinforcing both the bottom and top seams of your box. Generously apply your “Fragile” labels to multiple sides of the box for maximum visibility.
Choose a reliable shipping carrier that offers insurance options for fragile items. When you hand over your well-prepared package, emphasize its delicate nature to the shipping clerk.
By taking these careful steps, you significantly increase the odds of your glass items arriving at their destination safe and sound.
