October 30th, 2017 by Chris Race
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.
- 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).
- 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.
- Freight on a pallet: Van conversion kits from Wayfarer Vans are wrapped in felt blankets and placed in custom corrugated boxes.
- 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
Posted in Artwork Shipping, Crating, DHL, FedEx, Freight, Furniture Shipping, Packaging, Packing, Pallet, Shipping, UPS, USPS Priority Mail
September 1st, 2017 by Chris Race
Directional arrows work… sometimes
We recently had a discussion with a customer about shipping plants inside a box with “up” arrows. UPS, FedEx, DHL, USPS and other small-package carriers do not guarantee that a package will remain in the “up” position throughout its shipping journey.
This interaction prompted some research; it never hurts to enhance — or confirm — our shipping knowledge. Under Packaging Guidelines for Flowers and Plants on the FedEx Express website, we found the following bullet point: “Secure contents inside the shipping container, because directional arrows cannot always be honored, and plants and flowers may be shipped in different orientations.”
This is true of all small-package shipments. A package is handled multiple times before reaching its destination. There is no guarantee that a package will remain in its original “upright” position. The carrier sorting facilities employ conveyor belts. A question to ask: Can the contents of this package survive a 4-foot fall off a conveyor belt?
At Pak Mail we ensure all items are properly packed based on fragility, value, and even sentimentality, so they arrive at their destination safely.
Packaging with UP Arrow
Posted in Consumer Tips, DHL, FedEx, Packaging, Shipping, UPS, USPS Priority Mail
May 23rd, 2017 by Chris Race
Yes, we can! Game on!
Pictures of this Bubble Hockey Non-video Arcade Game tell the story of this eBay shipment.
Bubble Hockey Arcade Game on a pallet
Bubble Hockey Arcade Game with styro-lined box
Bubble Hockey Arcade Game box being placed on pallet
Bubble Hockey Arcade Game outside and ready for pickup
Posted in Auction Shipping, LTL Truck Freight, Packaging, Pallet
May 5th, 2017 by Chris Race
Antique Trunk Packing Prep for Shipping
Antique Trunk on Pallet Ready for Carrier Pickup
Pak Mail ships large and awkward items.
Pak Mail easily ships small packages with UPS, FedEx, or DHL to US and international destinations. Large and awkward items are easy for Pak Mail to ship, too. We choose the best protective packaging for the item based on its fragility, place it on a pallet, and ship it with one of our contracted freight carriers — ground, air, or ocean.
Posted in Air Freight, Antique Shipping, Freight, LTL Truck Freight, Ocean Freight, Packaging, Packing, Pallet, Shipping
April 28th, 2017 by Chris Race
Crating process for bronze artwork shipping
Pak Mail ships bronze artwork for local galleries. This Jane A. Rankin bronze required a wood crate on a pallet. Wood braces are covered with a soft material, strategically placed against the bronze, and screwed to the crate. When the crating process is complete, the bronze is secure and ready for freight shipping.
Pak Mail ships artwork — all shapes, sizes, and art media.
Starting the crating process for bronze by Jane A. Rankin.
Bracing inside crate for Jane A. Rankin bronze.
Completed crate for Jane A. Rankin bronze ready for carrier pickup.
Posted in Artwork Shipping, Crating, Freight, LTL Truck Freight, Packaging, Shipping
April 25th, 2017 by Chris Race
Caring Transitions of Colorado Springs Online Auction Ends May 3
Chandelier – Caring Transitions of Colorado Springs Online Auction
Pak Mail provides packing and shipping for Caring Transitions of Colorado Springs’ out-of-town online auction customers. The current auction ends May 3. Lots of practical items, as well as treasures — big and small — are available in this auction.
Pak Mail handles all shapes and sizes of shipments. Smaller items ship UPS or FedEx; larger items ship with one of our contracted freight carriers. Packaging services range from a simple stock corrugated box to fragile handling and a custom-made doublewall corrugated box to protective packaging on a pallet. You can request a quote prior to placing a bid.
Good luck bidding… and have fun!
Posted in Auction Shipping, FedEx, Freight, Local Business, Packaging, Packing, Pallet, Shipping, UPS
February 7th, 2017 by Chris Race
Shipments arrive safely when properly packed.
Domestic US shipping involves more than choosing the right carrier – UPS, FedEx, USPS, or freight. Packing for shipping requirements vary and are based on the following factors:
- Size – length plus girth over 166 inches
- Weight – total weight over 150 pounds
- Fragility – antiques, electronics, artwork, glass
- Orientation – item must remain in upright position
- Value – high-value items require additional packaging
Pictures speak a thousand words.
- The keyboard needed to remain upright throughout its journey.
- The blanket-wrap freight carrier required a crate for the large, fragile glass table top. The table and chairs will be wrapped in blankets for transportation.
- The small parquet table was wrapped in protective blankets and secured with Styrofoam. It shipped as a small package with FedEx Home.
- The USAFA graduate‘s trunk and totes weighed 235 pounds and shipped as freight on a pallet.
Palletizing a Freight Shipment for a USAFA Graduate
Parquet Wood Table from Goodwill Packed for FedEx Ground
Large Glass Table Top in a Crate for Blanket Wrap Freight
Protective Packaging for Keyboard Shipping on a Pallet
Posted in Dimensional Weight, FedEx, Freight, Packaging, Packing, Shipping, UPS, US Air Force Academy, USPS Priority Mail
November 12th, 2015 by Chris Race
The Christmas season is upon us. Where did the year go? Pak Mail offers secure packing services and shipping — UPS, FedEx, DHL, USPS. You do the shopping and gift wrapping… we’ll do the rest! We’ll help you choose the most cost-effective method to ensure your Christmas holiday gifts arrive safely and on time.
Quick tips for shipping holiday gifts:
- Keep all receipts for gifts purchased.
- Come prepared. Information includes:
- Ship-to name, address, & phone number;
- Contents of the package being shipped;
- Which items are fragile;
- Value of the item(s) being shipped; and
- When you would like the package to arrive.
- Ship early in the season.
- Perfume, wine, and liquor cannot be shipped.
- International & APO shipments require an itemized contents list for customs.
- Shipping guarantees can be interrupted by inclement weather, so ship as early as possible to allow for possible delays.
- There are no deliveries on Christmas Day.
Shipping holiday gifts is simple and easy at Pak Mail!
Posted in DHL, FedEx, International Shipping, Packaging, Packing, Seasonal, Shipping, UPS, USPS Priority Mail
April 28th, 2015 by Chris Race
Packing Peanuts for Container Gardening
Are you planting this Spring — flowers, vegetables and herbs? Tight on space and using containers for your gardening? You can save your back and reduce the weight of the containers with Styrofoam packing peanuts. Make sure you use the pesky plastic peanuts and not cornstarch ones. Cornstarch peanuts might be better for the environment, but when wet will dissolve into a gooey mess. How-to resources abound on the Internet. Simply search “using packing peanuts for container gardening” and you’ll have plenty of advice. Here are two that might be of interest: Garden Artistics or eHow Home. Instructions vary, but the basics are:
- Replace half to two-thirds of the potting soil with packing peanuts.
- Place the peanuts in the bottom of the container.
- Fill the rest of the container with potting soil.
- Add the plants and some water.
Pak Mail sells packing peanuts for container gardening. They are a lightweight solution to patio container gardening and provide excellent drainage. If you have an overabundance of peanuts from shipments, bring them to the store and we’ll recycle them for you.
Posted in Creativity, Packaging, Recycling, Seasonal
March 18th, 2015 by Chris Race
China Cups Packed for Small Move Shipping
Fragile China Packed for Small Move Shipping
Packing fragile items for small move freight carriers, as well as for UPS, FedEx, and DHL, is different from packing for moving companies. Moving companies typically pick up household items at one location and drive them to the destination without any unloading or reloading along the way. The recommended packing for moving fragile items is well documented by various moving companies like United Van Lines and Two Men And A Truck. This method incorporates sturdy corrugated boxes, packing tape, and lots of packing paper. Items are individually wrapped in the paper and cushioned tightly in the box with additional wadded up paper.
Standards for packing fragile items for small move shipping are set by the carriers and by declared value insurance companies. The shipped boxes are loaded and unloaded multiple times and may be stacked at the carrier facilities.
The packaging standards include a minimum of two inches of cushioning – bubble wrap and packing peanuts or Styrofoam, not paper – around all of the fragile item’s dimensions. For example, a fragile glass bowl measuring 8”x 8”x8” would require, at a minimum, a 12”x12”x12” box. If the item is valued under $200 and is easily replaced, that box with appropriate cushioning is sufficient. If the item is valued over $200 or is one of a kind and/or sentimental and not replaceable, it would be double-boxed in a 12”x12”x12” inner box and a 16”x16”x16” outer box, each with two inches of appropriate cushioning.
In the unlikely event of a damage claim with a shipping carrier, the outer box is examined for visible damage. If there is no damage to the outside of the box, the carrier representatives will examine the inner packaging to ensure standards have been met.
Pak Mail packs all small move fragile items securely for safe delivery.
Posted in Freight, Moving, Packaging, Packing, Small Move