Best tips for making sure your items arrive in great condition.

Shipping fragile items can be quite worrying as you are putting trust in people to delivery your parcel with care, but with the right precautions, you can ensure your delicate goods reach their destination in perfect condition. Whether you’re a business owner, a frequent shipper, or simply sending a gift to a loved one, we’ll give you guidance and steps that will help you pack and ship fragile items safely. We’ll also highlight why DHL, one of the world’s leading logistics company, is an excellent choice for your shipping needs.

Packaging Materials Matter

Choose the Right Box

Recycling is always good but using a beat up old box to send items that can be considered delicate of valuable can be a big risky mistake. We recommend that you use a sturdy, corrugated cardboard box. Double-walled boxes offer extra protection and are ideal for heavy or highly fragile items. Ensure the box is appropriately sized for the item to prevent excessive movement during transit.

Use Quality Packing Materials

Invest in high-quality packing materials, such as bubble wrap, packing peanuts, foam inserts, and air pillows. These materials provide cushioning and help absorb shock during handling and transportation which will result in minimalizing the risk of your items become ruined and not fit for purpose.

Reinforce the Box

Reinforce the bottom of the box with strong packing tape to prevent it from breaking open under the weight of the contents. Apply at least three strips of tape to ensure the box is securely sealed – some tapes are not waterproof which can begin to peel off so we’d suggest using heavy duty tape like this which you can purchase on Amazon.

Packing Techniques

Wrap Each Item Individually

Wrap each fragile item individually with several layers of bubble wrap. Pay special attention to delicate parts, such as handles, spouts, or edges. Secure the bubble wrap with tape to keep it in place – The bubbles should be facing your object to provide the best protection especially for fragile items during shipping because the bubbles not only help keep your items safe, but this method will also help keep the bubbles safe.

Fill Empty Spaces

Fill any empty spaces in the box with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to prevent items from shifting during transit. This helps distribute weight evenly and reduces the risk of damage. I’ve been known to use newspaper to help buffer out spaces inside the box which I have found to be very effective.

Double Box for Extra Protection

For particularly fragile items, consider double boxing. Place the wrapped item in a smaller box, then place that box inside a larger one filled with padding material. This provides an additional layer of protection.

Label Clearly

Clearly label the box as “Fragile” on all sides. This alerts handlers to take extra care with your shipment. Adding “This Side Up” labels can also help ensure the box is handled correctly – awareness of a delicate item will decrease any heavy handling. Any shipping company will be grateful for the heads up but make sure that your item is fully covered before sending so please pay attention to the terms and conditions as some items may fall into the prohibited items list so there is a chance that the sender would not be able to claim.

Shipping with DHL

Why Choose DHL?

DHL is the world’s leading logistics company, with over 600,000 employees operating in more than 220 countries. The company have been operating since 1969 so have an abundance of experience within their vast network. DHL offers reliable and efficient shipping services tailored to meet the needs of customers worldwide.

Expertise in Handling Fragile Items

DHL has extensive experience in handling fragile items, offering specialised services to ensure your delicate goods are transported safely. Their team of professionals is trained to handle fragile shipments with care and precision.

Advanced Tracking and Customer Support

DHL provides advanced tracking tools that allow you to monitor your shipment in real-time. Their robust customer support ensures you can get assistance whenever needed, giving you peace of mind throughout the shipping process.

Restrictions to Be Aware Of

While DHL is equipped to handle a wide range of items, certain restrictions apply. It’s crucial to be aware of these to avoid any issues with your shipment:

• Aerosols, perfumes, and aftershaves: Including eau de parfum and eau de toilette.
• Batteries: Damaged, defective, or loose batteries of any type, including power banks and USB chargers.
• Cash: Including activated and unactivated credit/debit cards.
• Cosmetics and Medications: Certain restrictions apply within the EU.
• Foodstuffs and Alcohol: Subject to local regulations, especially for international shipments.
• Electronic Devices: Limit of two devices per box, batteries must be contained within devices.
• Hazardous and Dangerous Goods: Including flammable substances, dry ice, firearms, and ammunition.
• Valuables and High-Value Items: Restrictions on items with significant monetary value, such as antiques and fine art.

Ensure you review DHL’s full list of restricted items before shipping to avoid any complications.

Final Checks Before Shipping

Inspect Your Packaging

Before sealing the box, inspect the packaging to ensure all items are securely wrapped and there are no gaps in the padding. Give the box a gentle shake to check for movement; if you hear anything shifting, add more cushioning.

Seal the Box Securely

Seal the box with strong packing tape, making sure all seams are covered. Consider using water-activated tape for added security, especially for heavier packages.

Verify Shipping Address

Double-check the shipping address for accuracy. Include the recipient’s phone number and any special delivery instructions. Correct labelling helps avoid delays and ensures smooth delivery.

Purchase Insurance

For valuable or extremely fragile items, consider purchasing shipping insurance. This provides additional protection in case of loss or damage during transit.

Choose the Right Shipping Service

Select a shipping service that matches the urgency and nature of your shipment. DHL offers various service levels, from express delivery to standard shipping, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your needs.

Shipping fragile items doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these tips and choosing a reliable carrier like DHL, you can ensure your delicate goods arrive safely and on time. Remember, proper packaging, clear labelling, and awareness of shipping restrictions are key to successful shipping. Trust DHL’s expertise and comprehensive services to handle your fragile shipments with the utmost care and professionalism.