Shipping a Heavy Package? Things to Remember When Shipping Heavy or Large Items

Quite often than not, we get put off with the idea of shipping large items because we don’t know how to pack heavy items correctly. However, the fear is justifiable, if the packaging is weak, the damage to the high-value contents becomes inevitable. If you’re a small business or an individual apprehensive about shipping heavy items, you can get rid of the fear by considering a few things that ensure that your package reaches safely and undamaged to its destination.

Risks of Shipping A Bulkier Than Normal Package

• Damage to packaging
• High-value items get lost in transit
• Damage to contents of the package

Before you pack heavy Items, keep the following things in mind to minimize the risks of shipping heavy items:

• When shipping heavy items, your regular packaging items will not work. Make sure that you use appropriate packaging materials for packing heavy items.
• After you are done packing, you need suitable tools and technology to lift these heavy items. They are heavy, and you wouldn’t want to break your back lifting them.
• Consider the freight rules when shipping heavy items through the courier company of your choice.
• Type of packaging materials and supplies that are needed for shipping heavy items and from where to source them.

Pallet: You can use used or new pallet to send your package but ensure that it is strong to take the load of a heavy item. You can source the pellet from any hardware store.

Measuring Tape: A measuring tape is used to measure the dimensions of your shipment. You can get the tape from any stationery store, supermarket or hardware store.

Weighing Scales: You need weighing scale to weigh the shipment. You can procure it from a store or a gym.
Plastic Stretched Film: It is ideal for wrapping around a suitcase. You can obtain it from a stationery store, supermarket or hardware store.

Packing Peanuts: It is used for internal cushioning of the cardboard box. You can find it in the hardware stores.

Cardboard Box: It is used for packing your items. You can either take a used one from your supermarket or buy a new one from any stationery store or hardware store. Ensure that the box is sturdy and strong.

Foam: It is used for internal cushioning of the cardboard box. You can procure it from any hardware stores.

Bubble Wraps: Bubble wrap is used for protecting the objects inside the cardboard box. You can obtain bubble wraps from any stationery store, hardware store or supermarket.

Duct Tape: It is used for sealing the box. You can buy it from any stationery store, hardware store or supermarket.

4 Tips and Tricks to pack Heavy Items

To ensure that the heavy merchandise reaches its destination in top shape, here are tips and tricks on how to pack heavy items:

1. Spread the Weight and Do Not Overstuff

• Do not dump all items in one box to bring down the shipping and packaging costs. Rather, try to spread the weight evenly in the packages to get the weight under control. That way, there are less chances of dropping or manhandling of the package.
• If you have multiple items that need to go in a box, plan the weight distribution. Place the larger item at the bottom and the smallest at the top. This ensures proper weight distribution, thus reducing the chances of damaging them.

2. Pack Using Suitable Packing Materials

Your packaging has to be robust. These tricks can help in ensuring that your heavy package reaches undamaged to its destination:

• Bubble wraps work great for smaller items, but for shipping heavy items, you need thicker packaging layers like cardboard and thermocol.
• Do not use masking tape as it fails to hold the heavy weight and cracks instantly, thus causing damage to the product.
• Filling up the empty spaces in the box with just paper isn’t going to help. You need sturdy packaging materials, such as bubble wrap, thermocol or cardboard.
• Cushioning around the heavy item is vital as it helps the item to remain stable while in transit. Once you are done with the initial package, place it in another bigger and an inch wider box. To avoid friction, fill the spaces by stuffing packaging materials between the boxes.
• If you are shipping fragile items, mention it on the box. Writing “This Side Up” on the box may help in careful handling of your package.

3. Seal for Protection

• Place a scrap cardboard under the final seal of each box. This can prevent damage to the items in the box while cutting open the tape with a knife.
• Ensure that all corners are sealed with brown packing tape. If the boxes are heavy, fabric tape can be used for extra protection.

4. Paste the Labels

• Labels with the correct address and instructions (if any) have to be pasted on the box.
• Use a clear tape to paste these labels to ensure easy viewing.

For shipping a large parcel, proper packaging does the trick. You can ship heavy items without the fear of it getting damaged by ensuring that it is packed properly and is shipped through a reliable shipping/courier service. Want to be sure that your heavy package reaches its destination safely and undamaged, get in touch with Packaging Supply today!