If you're like me you LOVE getting packages, wether it be a new tool, a part for your Toyota or a package of Omaha steaks, getting packages always seems to make the day brighter. BUT there is something that can darken even the brightest of brown box days.

Yep that's right, seeing a smashed box or hearing the unmistakeable sound of 1000 pieces of your 1 piece item. No one likes that feeling of dread and the overall feeling of disappointment that you get when you receive a smashed item.





That's what this post is for, to prevent you from giving someone that feeling of dread and despair and in its place give them a feeling of ecstasy and joy!

They key to packing a box that will be safe is simple, always remember the #1 rule;

- Your item/box must be able to withstand a drop from 5ft.

First you must pick out a box that will be best suited for the item you're shipping. I know this sounds easy, and for the most part it is, but i've received a number of packages that have gotten destroyed because the wrong box was chosen. Here are a few things to remember when choosing a box.

- Make sure the box has no rips or tears in it, duh common sense here!

Not good


- Picking a box too small is no good because this places the item too close to the box walls where it could get easily damaged by something running into the box, also this does not leave sufficient room for packing material (which we'll get into later).

Too small


- Picking a box too big is also no good, where it does allow you to put packing material in, if you don't put enough the item could slide around inside and get damaged. Also a larger box means more costly to fill with packing material and a higher shipping cost.

Too big


- A medium sized box is good, one that is big enough for you to cover your item in about 2"-3" of packing materials.

Perfect


- Never "make" a box by taping 2 together, it won't hold. If you don't have one that fits, go buy one.

Remember, your item/box must be able to withstand a drop from 5ft.

Let's move on to packing materials shall we?

Bubble wrap, air packs, foam, packing peanuts and even crumpled up newspaper and old rags (in certain circumstances) are good packing materials assuming they are used correctly.



Things like, empty boxes, rolled up tape and empty bottles (yes it's happened to me) they are not okay and should NEVER be used.

Ok so you've got your box picked out, and your packing materials ready, now it's time to pack your item for shipping.

- Pointy items, i.e. screwdriver, bolts or anything else that can poke through the box and stab someone need to have the ends wrapped in multiple layers of packing materials and then taped off to ensure that no one will get hurt by an item sticking out of the box.

- Be sure to wrap your items with a few layers of material (I prefer bubble wrap).





- Make sure your box also has a good layer of padding in it because, your item/box must be able to withstand a drop from 5ft.






Now last but not least, taping up the box;

- Use a good amount of tape to ensure that a 5ft drop won't rip the tape and leave your box exposed.

- Please use packing tape, that's what it's there for.

Other things to note;

- If the box is heavy label it as such, remember we are trying to avoid accidents.

- When you apply your label make sure it is in a clean, flat spot to ensure visibility and durability.

By following these simple guidelines you will ensure that your package will make it to it's destination safely.

Happy shipping everyone!

*The author (me) has worked for both the United States Post Office and for the Federal Express.*

 

I agree with this totally. Very nice post.
I have bought and sold hundreds of thing on eBay. Pack like crap= negative feedback especially if you charged $15 and sent it to me in your kid's shoebox from Payless shoes.

I have bought 30-40 things from YT members and I can only recall one thing that wasn't packed great.

If you ask nicely at some businesses they will give you old packing material.
I get packing materials from the recycle area where I work.

 

I wrote this in the hopes that at least 1 person will find this helpful. I recently received a set of wheels for my Galant and it was a miracle that they weren't lost or damaged, that's what prompted me to write this.

 

Bumping for exposure

 

dude, nice post!

when I was in training at my current job, people were complaining that I was taking too much time packaging parts and using too much material, lol. apparently, they don't know now to package things either... but yeah I'm OCD when it comes to packaging stuff that I'm shipping...


seriously though, well done on the thread! I love the pics

 

Thank you very much!

I think it should be a sticky!

 

it already is

 

how much for the alternator shipped to 08062??? JK

awesome write up though, i hope this gets alot of views!!

p.s. the majority of my family from my mothers and fathers side worked upper management for usps (thats where my parents met) and ive heard 1876674 times NEVER to work any position whatsoever for usps, apparently it SUCKS workin there. But hey thats just oppinions, right?

anyway, back to topic, and props to you for a great thread!

 

Yes!

Yeah the USPS isn't the most efficient place in the world... But they do pay well and if you can manage to land a good job there, they have awesome benefits (I was only a temp.).

Thanks for the compliments!

 

dude I stuck this when I replied to it

 

Great thread Swimmerboy!

I know im bumping an old thread but I would just like to add to this thread if thats cool... As an employee for UPS, you guys can imagine we do not hire the smartest people, and the company itself is focused on getting the max amount of packages into a trailer.. The standard procedure to getting the most boxes into a trailer is to stack them much like a brick wall, one on top of each other, heavier packages on the bottom, lighter on top. Anything that is under 8 pounds and that can be handled with one hand goes into a fabric bag to save space, and goes on the very top of the wall. Having said all of that, some people here are lacking in the intelligence department, and do not handle packages the way they are supposed to. Just a forewarning. A few tips i'd like to pass along-

TAPE TAPE TAPE. Please, for the love of all that is good, tape your box up well... I see at least 10-20 boxes every day that the taping failed on the box, opening and spilling the contents.. In short, one line of tape will not cut it.Tape down the seam, all the way to the other side of the box, and then tape across the seam.... Overkill? Absolutely not.

Use a box that is rated for what you are shipping... For example, we have contracts with a few fastener companies that ship bolts in bulk. Why would you ship a 60 pound bag of bolts in a box that is rated for 40? We get at least a few boxes weekly that split open and all of the bolts come out....fun. Underrated boxes with heavy items in them have a tendency to break open when they slide down the chutes in the hub...

This next one seems trivial, but please put the label on a FLAT surface, not on the crease, this helps the scanner pick up your label and update your packages tracking number. When it can't pick it up some guys just let it go into the trailer unscanned...no bueno. (smart people, right?)

Finally, If you ship oversize/overweight (70lbs or more) You especially need to pay attention to your packages, as they get handled the roughest. Things that probably qualify as oversize/weight- Bumpers, wheels, body panels, seats, you get the idea. Anything that can't fit in a standard sized shipping box. Body panels and bumpers need the most attention, wrap them twice or even three times over with bubble wrap and slide into a box if you can find one, and stuff packing material between the two items. Otherwise, fab up a crate made of plywood, see a few good ones before. These will be the strongest and most secure.

Sorry for the rant, i just hate having to see peoples items get damaged because of the inability to package something correctly... We all work hard for our stuff. Also, i assure you, this happens in EVERY shipping company, not just UPS. I've worked for two other major companies and its the same deal.

 

Thank you for adding to this thread.

The more people that see this and are helped the better.

 

I've found that it's not that expensive to either get a free used pallet, and strap the heavy item on it to ship via LTL (less than truckload) freight. When gas prices are about $4/gallon (they'll be back there soon enough), it winds up cheaper to freight than to drive 500 miles to pick up a door, engine, trans, etc.

The other shipping method (less than 70lbs) is to just get some 1/2" osb, and built a container/crate. Use drywall screw, build a frame to secure your part, and ship it. Cheap plywood/CDX works, too.