Packing fragile items might be tedious because you must safely ensure they reach the desired location. If such items are not packed appropriately, then it is apparent that they will break while handling or moving. Hence, it is advisable to use corrugated Gaylord boxes while packing fragile items to keep them safe from breaking.
Gaylord boxes are cost-effective and are popularly used in warehouses to ship inventories. They will help you keep the fragile items safe and sound while shipping across different locations. More importantly, they are lightweight and durable and won’t add more cost to your shipping charges. Besides using these boxes, you must consider some essential things mentioned in this article while packing the fragile items.
Pick the right box:
First, you must pick a corrugated box that is not too large or small for the items. That’s because leaving too much extra space in the box can be disastrous for the items. They will be unstable while shipping and bound to move around. If there are multiple items, they will break by falling over each other. On the other hand, if you pick a tiny box, the items will come out of the box during transportation or damage due to friction.
Hence, you must look for a box slightly bigger than the item’s size. Once you place all the items in it, cover up the extra space by adding plastic peanuts, bubble wrap, or paper. You can also add small items to cover the space and keep the fragile items in one place during transportation.
Place heavier items at the bottom:
If you have many fragile items, it wouldn’t be convenient to pack them in separate boxes. But you must ensure that you place them appropriately in a single box. You can categorize them as per their weight and then place the heavier ones at the bottom and the lighter ones on the top. To keep the items safe, mark your box’s sides with signs or arrows to specify how the box should be carried and positioned.
Wrap the fragile items separately:
Ensure you wrap the fragile and non-fragile items separately so they don’t rub against each other. You can keep them in separate boxes and label them with specific indicators. Don’t risk keeping the items loose, or they will get damaged during shipping or transportation.
Save money by choosing used shipping materials:
If you don’t ship items frequently, consider using used shipping materials to cut down on buying new ones. The Gaylord Box Exchange provides the option of exchanging used Gaylord boxes, which can help you save some money. These boxes are reusable and inspected to ensure great protection for the items. You can also search for used pallets to handle heavy boxes effectively.
Protect from moisture damage:
If your box gets damaged because of rain, snow, or mud, it can wear off, and the items may fall apart. Thus, you must make your box moisture-resistant even if the items are wrapped in plastic. You can use the packaging tape to seal out moisture and check that every corner is appropriately covered. You can also use flat plastic pieces to hold up your Gaylord boxes’ walls and ensure they areare adequately packed. You can also use vermiculite, a spongy mineral known for absorbing moisture and protecting the items from external factors.
Add the right labels and stickers to the box:
Adding the right labels and stickers while packing fragile items is essential to inform the carrier about handling the box. Various labels are available, especially for packing fragile items. For instance, a ‘fragile’ label indicates the carrier should handle the box with extra caution; a ‘This end up’ label indicates the carrier is forcing the box in the proper direction; and a ‘Keep Cold’ label indicates that the package needs to be refrigerated or kept at a cold temperature.
More importantly, if the items are hazardous, you need to add a specific label. This will help the carrier identify the hazardous materials contained in the box and handle them accordingly. You can also add the do’s and don’ts to the package to be shipped and unpacked in a specific manner.
Use dunnage bags for extra protection:
Although you packed the items with bubble wrap or paper, they might still get damaged when the vehicle operators hit a few bumps. Hence, you have to be careful enough to secure fragile items from damage. For that, you can use dunnage bags, as they offer a perfect solution for keeping the items in place and preventing them from shifting or bumping against each other. These bags are reusable and recyclable and provide great performance for all kinds of shipments.
Use additional wrapping for long-distance packages:
If the items are supposed to ship overseas or long distances, you must wrap them because many people will handle them over time. You never know what would happen with the box. Hence, keeping it over-packed with additional bubble wraps, safety signs, and handling labels is better.
Pack according to the item’s type:
It is advisable to use different packing materials for different fragile items. For example, if you want to pack glass items such as bottles of wine, glasses, or sculptures, wrap them separately in bubble wrap. If the glass item contains liquid, make sure to seal it tightly to avoid any leakage, which would ruin other items in the package.
Conclusion:
Packing the fragile items appropriately will help you in several ways. You won’t have to worry about their safety during the transition, and you will ensure the product is appropriately delivered to the desired location. Moreover, the carrier will be aware of how to handle the parcel.
