Pak Mail packs stone for small package & freight shipping

Stone table tops require special packaging for safe shipping. Smaller pieces like the petrified wood slab can ship as a UPS or FedEx small package. The slab is protected and kept absolutely flat in a rigid Styro-lined box, which is then floated in a second box filled with peanuts. Small packages shipped with UPS or FedEx must withstand the rigors of handling by carrier drivers, various package orientations, and facility conveyor belts.

Larger, heavier pieces like the sandstone table top ship on a pallet with a freight carrier. The packaging also keeps the stone flat in a rigid Styro-lined box; a second box is not required. The finished package is placed on its edge and strapped to a pallet.

A little extra care ensures safe delivery.

Petrified wood table top packaged for small package shipping

Sandstone slab table top packaged for freight shipping

Shipping furniture and delicate glass items

A Pak Mail customer recently traveled to the Colorado Springs-Denver area to shop at our local household furnishings consignment shops. She came away with two tables, some paintings, and the glass chandelier pictured here. After packing the items and securing them to a custom pallet, the shipment left our store. It was delivered safely.

What is the best way to pack a solid glass chandelier? Suspended in a sturdy box or crate filled with packing peanuts, and strapped to a pallet for freight shipping. This method keeps all pressure off the delicate arms of the chandelier.

Delicate Green Glass Chandelier

Two pallets on Tuesday

Discover Goodwill online auction furniture to the left; US Air Force Academy footlocker to the right. Very diverse freight shipments today. Front lobby is empty and ready for more. What will come thru the front door next?

Fragility, value and shipping method determine packaging preparation

Pak Mail prepares items for packing and shipping based on several factors including fragility, value, and shipping method. Packaging prep for non-fragile items like clothing or soft toys is simple: place the items in a bag to keep them clean, then into the appropriate box for shipping with UPS, FedEx, DHL, USPS, or freight. Easy!

Packaging preparation for shipping other items is a little more complicated. The shipping method — freight on a pallet or small package — is the first consideration.

1. Freight on a pallet: Small pieces of framed artwork require glass mask, small bubble, and corrugated sandwiches. A small amount of cushioning material will keep them safe during transport. These pieces shipped with the furniture shown in #4. This same artwork shipped as a small package requires two inches of protection around all dimensions (large bubble and packing peanuts).
2. Small package with FedEx ground: High-value artwork needs soft foam on the plaster frame, acid-free paper on the painting, and Styro lining before being placed in a custom wooden crate.
3. Freight on a pallet: Van conversion kits from Wayfarer Vans are wrapped in felt blankets and placed in custom corrugated boxes.
4. Freight on a pallet: Delicate furniture is wrapped in a felt blanket before placing in a Styro-lined box.

1. preparing framed artwork

2. preparing high-value artwork for crate

3. preparing van conversion kit

4. preparing fine furniture

Furniture shipping

This is the only photo of this project; it was packed and out the back door – one, two three. The table and six chairs were purchased at Consign and Design, a fantastic shop on Garden of the Gods Rd, down the road from Pak Mail. The chairs were packed in pairs and shipped on a pallet with the table. All pieces were protected with felt blankets and styro-lined custom boxes.

Table and chairs from Consign and Design.

Busy season for packing and shipping

Being inundated with packing and shipping projects – believe it or not – is a fun challenge. Last week the guys picked up gallery items and household goods, quoted walk-in freight shipments,  packed everything securely, and shipped with our contracted carriers. This was in addition to small package shipping – artwork from the Commonwheel Artists Co-op in Manitou Springs, birthday gifts, and overnight documents. All deadlines were met!

Part 1 Pictures

Decorative Chair from The Great Republic Gallery

Decorative Chair in Custom Box on Pallet