Shipping Glass Items: How to Pack Glassware

Find out the best way to ship glass internationally

Whether you plan on shipping glass locally or internationally, you will need to pack your item carefully to avoid breakage. Get tips and advice on the best way to ship glass. Benefit from our experience in the field and check our guidelines on how to safely pack glassware for shipping.

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Glass items are usually restricted or prohibited for shipping. Please note that insurance may not apply.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

What to know before sending glass by post or courier

Consider the following points before booking the service to make sure you ship your glassware in the best way:

Use appropriate packaging materials to pack your glassware for shipping it without breaking.
Measure the parcel dimensions and weight to determine the best shipping service for you.
Check the estimated delivery time and print the shipping label if required for your service.
Make sure someone will be present at both addresses for pick-up and delivery.

SMALLER SHIPMENT

How to ship glassware internationally

Depending on the size and time-sensitivity of your shipment, Eurosender recommends:

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*Please bear in mind that some courier companies may include fragile items in their list of prohibited items. For any clarifications, please contact our team of specialists via chat.

PACKING GUIDE

How to pack glass for shipping

Use the following instructions to pack and ship various glassware items such as wine glasses, bottles, framed art:

When shipping glass-framed pictures, mirrors, or other flat glass products, protect the glass by crossing it with two pieces of tape in the shape of an X.
Wrap each item with crumpled paper followed by layers of bubble wrap and secure the materials with tape, carefully protecting the edges.
Fill the bottom of a cardboard box with cushioning material and place your items inside, filling the voids with more cushioning.
For extra protection when shipping glass, you can place this box inside a larger one filled with padding materials.
Make sure the items are secure, then seal the box with tape. You can also add a “Fragile” or “Handle with care” label, however, the courier is not obliged to treat it as such if the service is not dedicated to fragile items such as glass.

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LARGER LOAD

How to ship bulky or numerous glass items

When shipping large glass pieces or multiple glass items internationally, you can choose between different transport services to better match your needs:

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*Please bear in mind that some courier companies may include fragile items in their list of prohibited items. For any clarifications, please contact our team of specialists via chat.

HOW TO PACK

Van Delivery: the best way to pack glass for shipping or moving

Relocating with our Van Delivery Service is the best way to ship small or large glass items together with other belongings. Even though there are no packaging restrictions when booking this service, we still recommend protecting the items with cushioning when shipping glass internationally in a van, as follows:

Protect smaller glass items such as crystal or wine glasses, bottles, and jars with plenty of packing material. If possible, pack them in a cardboard box with a sheet of cardboard between each item to prevent them from knocking against each other
When packing bulkier glass items such as a mirror or glass table, we recommend using protective blankets to cover the item and keep it safe. Secure the blanket with tape or ropes.
If you need additional help with loading and unloading the items, please inform us during the booking process.

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

FAQ about sending glass by post or courier

Where can I buy moving boxes for glassware?

When packing glassware for shipping, we recommend using cardboard boxes. You can buy moving boxes at hardware stores or use second-hand ones, as long as they are in good shape, without holes or scratches. Make sure the box is strong enough to withstand your glass item during transit.

When shipping glass bottles or cups, you may prefer to use a box that is made for this type of item, with internal divisions that guarantee the bottles are not in contact with each other.

What is the best way to ship glass bottles?

Companies that sell alcoholic beverages and need to send big loads of glass bottles via courier should choose our Pallet Delivery or Van Delivery services. If you are wondering how to ship glassware such as bottles, freight transport is a very safe alternative because bottles can easily be stacked.

Individuals who wish to ship one or two glass bottles might prefer to ship them together with other personal belongings in a box. Many people send a bottle of wine, along with clothes and other items when moving abroad. In such cases, you can use your clothes and other soft items as cushioning for the bottle inside the box. Alternatively, you can also use bottle cardboard boxes as they have the exact size and offer excellent protection. Read more about shipping glass bottles.

How do I properly pack flat glass items for shipping?

When shipping mirrors, window panes or other flat glass items, it is very important to adequately protect the surface. Make an “X” with a strong adhesive tape going from one corner of the item to the other. The tape will help to make sure the item stays intact during the move. This procedure is also recommended when shipping a painting in a glass frame or any other item with a flat glass surface.

Can I ship glass in a bubble mailer?

No, you should never pack and ship glass in a bubble mailer as this is not a suitable packaging material for such a fragile item. Glass should ideally be completely covered with crumpled paper and multiple layers of bubble wrap, then packed in a double or triple wall cardboard box with plenty of cushioning material.

Can I send glass in the post or by courier?

Although it is possible to send glass in the post or by courier, it is important to consider breakable items such as glassware are usually not protected by insurance. Your main concern when sending glass in the post or by courier should be guaranteeing that the parcel is safely protected so that the item can reach its destination intact.

How much does it cost to ship glass internationally?

Prices vary greatly depending on the shipping route, parcel size and also whether you choose a specialist or general courier service. Specialist couriers charge higher rates for shipping glass internationally because of their special handling, packaging and transport solutions. If you are looking for lower prices, you can opt for general courier services, but you are responsible for packing your glassware properly for shipping.

What is the cheapest way to ship glassware internationally?

The cheapest way to ship glass internationally is through our Standard Service. You can get an instant quote by inserting your shipping information in our booking tool above. This option is available if you are shipping within the EU.

If you are shipping a large sheet of glass or a greater quantity of glass internationally, we recommend booking a Van Delivery Service. You will get a van dedicated to your load and delivered directly to the destination without any stopovers. There are fewer packaging requirements with the Van Delivery Service, however, we still recommend packing your glass carefully for shipping it in a van to minimise the risk of damage.

How do I transport glass in a van?

The best way to ship glass is by putting it in an upright position. You will need to brace the glass to keep it rigid and in a stable upright position while it is being transported. Don't hesitate to contact us via chat if you need more tips on how to pack your glassware for shipping safely by van.

Which is the best courier to choose for sending glass items?

Generally speaking, couriers that are specialised in handling and transporting fragile items are the best option, as they know exactly how to ship glass safely. 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. Read more about shipping breakables.

What are the best packing materials to use when shipping glass internationally without breaking it?

Below are the most common packing materials people use for sending glass by post or courier:

Double or triple wall corrugated box, slightly bigger than the item.
Cushioning materials: packing peanuts, bubble wrap, crumpled paper, etc.
Strong adhesive tape for fixing the packaging and reinforcing the edges of the box.

Will I be compensated if glass items in my parcel break during shipping?

No, since breakable items such as glass cannot be covered by shipping insurance, you will not be entitled to compensation for any glassware that breaks during shipping.

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