Picking out the perfect gift for each loved one is a joy. Whether you shop all year or enjoy the last-minute rush, you can always find a unique gift for every person on your holiday list. The last step is to box them up and ship them if you can't deliver the gift in person. But what if the gift is particularly large or fragile? How do you ship large or fragile gifts for the holidays? With the help of our shipping experts at Pak Mail, you have nothing to worry about. We can help you choose the proper packaging materials, packing techniques, and shipping method to ensure your gifts arrive safe and sound in time for the holidays.
Choosing the Right Packaging Materials
The first step is to choose the right combination of box and that can both support and protect your gift. Double boxing is normal to ensure your gift is safe from bumps and puncture damage on the journey. For heavy items, you will need a reinforced box or even a wooden crate. Padding should fit snugly around the item providing both cushioning and support. If you double-box, place a layer of padding in between the boxes, as well. Then securely seal and clearly label to ensure safe delivery.
Packing Techniques for Fragile Items
- Wrap
- Support
- Special Considerations
Fragile items should be gently layered and wrapped. Nestle cloth, crumpled paper, or packing peanuts into open spaces and surrounding the item. Wrap the item like you would a delicate glass ornament packed for the season in several layers of paper. Then nestle the item into a bed of padding and fill the rest of the box. Secure items inside the box so they can't move around. Use snug padding or even custom cardboard supports. There may also be special considerations for items such as glassware, electronics or other delicate items. For example, electronics should also be protected from extreme temperatures and the electrical components wrapped to ensure they aren't disturbed.
If you're not comfortable packing fragile items, Pak Mail's packing experts have you covered. They can securely pack or crate any fragile items that need extra care. That way, you can leave it up to the professionals.
Packing Techniques for Large Items
- Disassemble when necessary
- Crate
- Secure
For large and bulky gifts, custom crating is a popular option to ensure large items don't get damaged during transit. Pak Mail's custom crating services start with disassembling (when necessary) the item into smaller and more manageable pieces for easy shipping. The possibility of disassembly (and ease of reassembly) of course, depends on the item. Pak Mail's crating team will firmly secure and support your gift inside the crate and use supports and padding materials to protect the gift and keep it from shifting inside the crate during transit.
Choosing the Right Carrier
Which shipping carrier should you choose for a large or fragile item? Start by comparing the top shipping providers with Pak Mail's shipping experts. Pak Mail partners with many national, international and regional carriers to provide options to fit your specific needs. For large items, Pak Mail will identify carriers that can handle the size and weight of your shipment, as well as provide tracking information.
Tips for Ensuring Safe Delivery
What to Do
- Plan ahead. Ship your packages early to avoid last-minute shipping rushes and costs. It's better for gifts to arrive early instead of late.
- Monitor the weather and consider how weather conditions could affect your delivery speed.
- Communicate with the gift recipients so they know a package is arriving and when to expect it. This is particularly important if they need to receive the package in person.
What Not to Do
- If packing yourself, don't use insufficient packaging. Wrap, support, and protect your items carefully so your gift arrives intact.
- Don't ignore carrier guidelines, especially for large and heavy gifts and holiday shipping timing.
- Don't procrastinate. Get your gifts out early so you don't have to worry about last-minute and late shipping.
Ship Large & Fragile Holiday Gifts Perfectly
With the help of Pak Mail, you can prepare, pack, and ship every holiday gift with perfect protection and on-time delivery. Our packing and shipping pros will ensure that even your most fragile or oversized gifts make it to their destination intact and in time for holiday unwrapping. Call or visit Pak Mail for all your packing and shipping needs.