As online purchases are increasing annually, the rate of shipments being delivered and the number of mishandling cases are growing as well.

In the e-commerce industry, everyone is harping on how important the same-day delivery service is, but it’s only one factor that makes a courier service efficient.  In fact, it’s equally important to ensure that  parcels are delivered in one piece.

When shipping fragile goods, you simply can’t leave their full safety to the hands of the courier service company – even if that means higher expenses and greater time spent  in  experimenting with the packaging.

Good thing, you can actually protect your package by simply identifying the possible damage-causing scenarios that it may be subjected to.  Here, Green Courier, a leading environmentally friendly courier service highlight hazards it may have to endure.

5 Transit Hazards Your Package May Encounter

1. Compression – your delivery must also be able to withstand pressure from all sides as the loads are transferred.
2. Scratches – items with finished surfaces should be protected from whatever else might damage it, including the items sharing the box.
3. Shocks – your package needs to have a cushion to keep its contents from breaking when thrown, tossed or dropped.
4. Sliding – filling in the empty space or sticking the items in place will keep them from rattling and sliding inside the box.
5. Vibration – conveyor belts, vehicles, aircraft vibrate packages which can loosen screws, unplug components and rub soft materials to dust.

How to Protect Your Package for Delivery

Finished Surfaces

Ceramic, wood, glass and other finished surfaces must be protected with a  scratch-proof material. For painted surfaces, an acid-free wax paper can be used. This may also serve as a buffer for the next layer when you’re packing several artworks in a single box.

Glass on the other hand can be covered with a protective tape while a foam can be used as protection against static discharges from electronics. Depending on fragility, the items may need to be wrapped with shock-proof materials to keep them from breaking.

Fragile Items

Fragile items require ample cushioning to ensure that they are shock-proof. You can wrap items with a layer of bubble wrap that is secured with tape. Fill in the void in and around the items with foam peanuts for added protection.

It is recommended that you use at least two inches of cushioning material for each item in the box and ensure that nothing rattles or slides inside before sealing the package.

Heavy Items

Heavy items are more susceptible to damage particularly when jammed together in one box.  To keep them from breaking, secure each item with a sheet of bubble wrap and sandwich them in between a cardboard sleeve to serve as a division inside the box. These layers will keep the items from rubbing against each other.

While it’s possible to pack heavy items together, you will have to take note that the heavier your shipment is, the more they’re likely to crush each other.

Common Packaging Materials

Polybag: This offers a cheap, water-resistant packaging that is best suited for items with a sturdy structure.

Corrugated Cardboard: This packaging offers both rigidity and impact protection.  It comes in a variety of thickness with the thicker ones ideal for heavier deliveries.

Bubble Wrap: This provides  total coverage for items that require shock-proofing.

Brown Paper: This is a cheap option that can be easily scrunched up around the item. This is not advisable for use in heavier parcels, nor would it be recommended for glass or other fragile materials.

Air Cushions: These small air-filled bags add protection for objects inside a box.

Foam Peanuts: These are a common cushioning material that is designed to interlock when compressed and free flow when loose.

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