Shipping fragile items overseas | Pack delicate goods
If you plan on shipping fragile items internationally, you will need to pack your parcel carefully. Get tips and advice on the best way to transport fragile items. Benefit from our experience in the field and check our guidelines on how to safely pack fragile items for shipping.
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Fragile and delicate items can be considered as restricted or prohibited for shipping. Please note that insurance may not apply.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
What to know before shipping fragile items internationally
The last thing you need is to have broken or damaged items delivered to your recipient. Follow these steps to ensure your fragile parcel delivery will go smoothly.
- Properly protect your fragile items for shipping internationally. Appropriate packaging materials are of utmost importance to guarantee your goods will be delivered in one piece.
- Measure the package dimensions and weight to determine the best shipping service for you.
- Check if you are required to print and attach the shipping label to your parcel. We will send this information via email once the service is confirmed.
- Make sure someone is present at the pick-up and delivery addresses when booking transport for your fragile items.
HOW TO SHIP
Solutions for sending fragile items by courier
HOW TO PACK
Packing guidelines for shipping fragile items overseas
Our logistics experts have put together recommendations that will help you properly pack fragile items for shipping internationally. The following guidelines apply for vases, plates, glass, canvas art or if you are sending other fragile items by courier.
- Wrap each item individually in bubble wrap and secure with tape. When shipping glasses or any item of similar shape, fill the piece with crumpled paper before wrapping it.
- When shipping oddly-shaped items, add crumpled paper or an extra box to make the shape “less odd”.
- Place the item in a previously padded cardboard box and fill all empty spaces with more cushioning. Make sure the objects are immovable and seal the box with adhesive tape.
- For extra protection, pad a bigger box with polystyrene sheets, insert the smaller box in it, and seal it.
- You can also add warning signs such as “Fragile” or “Handle with care” on your box, however, the courier is not obliged to treat it as such if the service is not dedicated to fragile items.
RECOMMENDED
The best courier service for fragile items
When shipping fragile items in bulk, whether for an international relocation or a single high-volume delivery, the safest option is to book a Van Delivery Service. With this service, you will have an entire vehicle reserved solely for you that will go directly from the collection to delivery locations.
Important: When booking a Van Delivery, you do not have to comply with any packaging requirements. However, we strongly recommend wrapping the fragile items you are moving in bubble wrap and packing them in a cardboard box for maximum protection.
Read more about fragile parcel delivery
We have compiled dedicated guides about shipping different types of fragile items overseas:
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FAQ on how to ship fragile items internationally
What are good packaging materials for safely packing fragile items for transport?
Make sure you have the right packaging materials when packing fragile items for shipping internationally. We recommend using the following:
- Cardboard boxes of different sizes;
- Cushioning materials: packing peanuts, bubble wrap, packing paper, polystyrene, etc;
- Adhesive tape and scissors.
What are the best ways of packing fragile items for freight shipments?
Pallets: When shipping fragile items internationally on a pallet, it is of utmost importance to ensure the pallet is correctly packed. To get started, simply follow our instructions above for preparing the boxes. Make sure the items are compact and immovable in the boxes before loading them onto the pallet.
What is the safest way to transport large quantities of breakable or delicate items?
The best solution for transporting large quantities of breakable and delicate items is the Van Delivery Service. An entire vehicle will be dedicated to your shipment, reducing the risk of damage associated with the multiple loading and unloading operations that take place in a standard shipment.
Which shipping company is best for fragile items?
Generally speaking, couriers that are specialised in handling and transporting fragile items are the best options, however their services come at a higher cost. Whenever you book shipping with Eurosender, you always get the lowest rate on the market for courier services that ship all kinds of items.
What is the cost of shipping fragile items internationally?
The cost of internationally shipping fragile or any type of items by courier is calculated based on the pick-up and delivery countries, the dimensions of the parcel and the service selected. For comparing the shipping rates of different logistics providers, simply use our booking tool above.
How do people send fragile items in the mail or courier?
Your main concern when sending fragile items by mail or courier should be guaranteeing that the parcel is safely protected so that the item can reach its destination intact. Since glassware and other fragile items are great gift ideas, people often decide to ship fragile items overseas using soft items such as clothes for protection. However, we strongly advise using appropriate packaging materials when shipping fragile items overseas as gifts since you send them at your own risk.
Does the post office charge extra for shipping fragile items overseas?
Some postal services may charge an additional fee for transporting fragile items as they require special handling. When you book shipping with Eurosender, you get an instant quote on our platform with no extra or hidden fees. Just make sure the fragile items are packed properly for shipping as they are restricted and therefore cannot be covered by insurance.
Where can I get a box for shipping fragile items internationally?
When packing fragile items for shipping, you can use new or used cardboard boxes. However, always make sure that they are strong and undamaged (without dents or holes) before sending fragile items with courier services. Cardboard boxes can be found in stationery stores or supermarkets.