How to pack fragile items for shipping: a step-by-step guide
Here’s what you need to do to pack fragile items for shipping:
Prepare your fragile item for packing
Before you even start packing, check that your item is in perfect condition for delivery. In business terms, this means quality assurance: that items have no defects and look good. Glassware should be polished and crack-free, art pieces should be dry and ready to pack, and electronics should be tested, working, and ready to ship.
It seems obvious, but it’s the only way to ensure you don’t send damaged items to anyone.
Select the right packaging materials
There are two things to consider when sourcing the right packaging material:
Investing in secure and sustainable packaging
Choosing the correct-sized packaging.
Yes, you want sturdy packaging that won’t pop open when dropped or manhandled, but given the packaging industry’s impact on the environment, it’s also important to think of sustainability.
Research shows that 91 percent of packaging waste—much of which is made of unsustainable materials like plastic—ends up in landfills or other environmental depots like the oceans. You don’t want to add to that.
With many sustainable packaging materials now available, you can easily find an option that will withstand rough handling without harming the planet. In short, consider using renewable materials that are easy to reuse and recycle.
Size-wise, you’ll need a box, mailer, or envelope that leaves the right amount of space for cushioning materials. Too big, and you’ll be shipping “air,” and too small, and you won’t be able to fit a protective layer around your fragile goods.
If you’re shipping multiple items in one package, remember to wrap individual items separately so they don’t bump into each other within the package.
Use cushioning techniques for maximum protection
Once you’ve selected the right packaging for your items, you’ll also need some extra materials to hold them in place, absorb shocks, and prevent scratches or any other damage during shipping.
If your postal packaging of choice is a cardboard box, you’ll have to use filler materials. If you’re using mailer bags or envelopes, they may come with a protective layer or you’ll have to source some wrapping material to go around the item.
Again, it’s important to consider if you can make a sustainable choice when it comes to filling or wrapping materials for protection. Plastic bubble wrap has been the go-to choice here for decades, but as it’s produced by burning fossil fuels and hard to recycle, we prefer more sustainable bubble wrap alternatives. If you’re just shipping a personal parcel, you can even use old newspapers or other scrap paper here.
When cushioning fragile items, it is important to pad them from all sides. This means you should add the cushioning elements into the package first, then your item, and then all around and on top of the item. Ideally, all the padding should hold your product in place, not sloshing around in the package.
Seal and secure the package
Next, it’s time to seal and secure the package. This is most likely the simplest step and most smaller packaging come with sealable openings. For bigger boxes, you can use tape to seal the middle seam and each end.
Using fragile shipping labels and indicators
When your package is sealed and ready for shipment, the next step is to label it as “FRAGILE.” Although you’ve taken all the precautions to keep the item safe, it’s still important to label fragile items. This informs the shipper that the parcel contains delicate cargo and will increase the chances that they, too, handle it with care.
Types of fragile labels and where to get them
Which fragile labels should you use? It depends.
Source: DHL
If you simply want to mention that a package contains delicate items, a label with the word FRAGILE should suffice. But if you have specific information to convey, consider these other options:
Fragile label specifying glass contents: These labels typically say “FRAGILE. GLASS. HANDLE WITH CARE” or something similar.
Fragile label with instructions to keep dry: If your package contains items that should not get wet, you may consider using this label.
Fragile label with directions on position: These fragile labels also include “This Side Up” so carriers know what position to store or transport the package in.
Fragile stickers with temperature warnings: If an item will sustain damage at a certain temperature, you may use this kind of label.
You can purchase fragile labels at most stationery stores or at the post office. Some people also print them at home.
Writing FRAGILE on the package: Does it help?
Since most shipping companies have largely automated their processes, FRAGILE labels might not be as useful as many people think. As your package goes through scans on the conveyor belt and is passed from airplane to vehicle, there is usually little opportunity to spot fragile items.
Does this mean that labeling fragile packages is pointless? No, fragile labels come in handy when your package is in the hands of manpower, moving it into delivery vans or sorting through it at certain points of the shipping process.
Ultimately, though, the best way to help your package travel safely is by packaging it securely.
Choosing the best carrier for fragile items
Which carrier to use for shipping your fragile items? This section will help.
Most (if not all) carriers do not offer special fragile shipping services but may allow you to purchase additional insurance just in case your package is damaged en route. For example, the United States Postal Service (USPS) had a Special Handling service for fragile items for a fee but discontinued it in 2022.
Here are some of the most globally popular carriers and their offerings:
DHL: DHL recommends using Express shipping services for fragile items and only offers fragile handling for these services—at no extra cost. You can also purchase additional insurance for more peace of mind.
FedEx: FedEx does not offer any special services for handling fragile items. Instead, they request that you package the items securely and label them as FRAGILE to reduce the risk of damage. FedEx offers up to $1000 in liability for fragile items, but you can also purchase extra insurance if necessary.
UPS: UPS does not offer special fragile handling fees but provides a packing service for fragile items called Pack & Ship. Pack & Ship guarantees customers full reimbursement equal to the item’s value and shipping expenses, including the cost of shipping materials. The price of this service varies by UPS store.
Pack fragile items safely and sustainably
As you prepare to package your fragile items for shipping, choose secure packaging and use good cushioning to prevent damage to precious cargo. Don’t forget to choose packaging materials that are lighter on the planet, too.
If you’re in the market for beautiful, customizable, and sustainable protective postal packaging, check out our options here at Woola. We offer free samples to interested businesses—request free samples here.
