Tips for Shipping Heavy Packages

We often get frightened at the thought of sending a heavier than normal package because of two reasons. One, we don’t know how to organize the items into a parcel, and two; lack of insight on the right service to use.

But you have reasons to worry if you’re not sure of your packaging or have to transport fragile high-value items. Plus, there are some risks associated with shipping heavy packages.

Whether you are shipping heavy packages for business or personal purposes, you can reduce the risks related to mailing heavy items by following these steps.

The Risks of Mailing Heavier than Normal Freight & How to reduce them 

What are some of the risks associated with shipping heavy packages from point A to B? Find out below:

• Damages to the package
• Expensive items may get lost during shipment
• Damages to products inside the package

But you can reduce these risks by remembering the following when shipping large heavy packages.

• You won’t be able to use your normal packaging items. Ensure you look for the right packaging materials for bulky items.
• Get the right tools and tech to carry or lift these items because it may be too heavy to lift.
• Follow the freight rules for transporting heavy packages by consulting the courier service you use.

Shipping Large Heavy Packages: The Right Packaging Materials

Like we’d hinted earlier, you cannot use your ordinary packaging materials for your heavy freight. You must look for supplies that will ensure your final package is strong enough to reach the “ship to” destination and protect for its contents from breakage.

Use this checklist when shipping heavy packages to your customers, business associates, or friends.

Cardboard Box: Go for a used box in a store or buy a new one from a supermarket. This is where you are going to organize your items; make sure it is strong and sturdy enough to support your load.

Weighing Scales: Rent or purchase a weighing scale from a nearby store depending on how often you need to ship items. You need it to weigh your freight.

Plastic Film: Buy a plastic film from a supermarket. You will need it to wrap your cargo.

Packing Peanuts: hardware stores stock these internal cushioning materials to use in your cardboard box. They help protect your content from breaking.

Bubble Wraps: these are used to protect the items inside the cargo box and can be purchased in supermarkets.

Pallet: Visit a hardware store for a new pallet to box your package but ensure it is strong enough to support the load of a weighty item.

Measuring Tape: Most if not all stationery stores and supermarket stock measuring tapes. You will need one to measure the dimensions (Length, height, and width) of your package.

Foam: get these internal cushioning materials to use inside your box.

Duct Tape: after packaging, use tape to seal your cardboard box.

With this long list of supplies at your disposal, you shouldn’t make any mistakes when preparing your cargo for shipping. Use the guide below to learn some packing tips.

Tactics and Tricks to Pack Your Bulky Cargo

The following packing techniques will help you ensure that your bulky merchandise arrives at their destination in excellent shape:

Avoid Overstuffing—Distribute the Weight 

Avoid stuffing all the cargo in a single box to cut down the cost of packing and shipping. Instead, distribute the weight equally in the boxes to ensure each package carries a load it can support. That way, you reduce the possibility of dropping the freight.

So when planning to ship multiple items in a single package or various boxes think of how you’ll distribute the weight equally.

Arrange large heavier items at the bottom top, and small lighter ones at the top. This approach ensures the proper distribution of weight to reduce the possibilities of damages when shipping large heavy packages.

Use Appropriate Packing Materials

Your package must be strong and robust. Here’s how to ensure it reaches its “ship to” location undamaged:

Use bubble wraps for smaller objects and thicker cushioning layers like thermocol for heavier items.

Don’t use masking tape. It doesn’t hold the heavy items and cracks immediately putting the contents of the box at risk.

Fill up any free space in the box using sturdy packaging materials like cardboard bubble wraps and thermocol. Do not just use pieces of paper as they won’t protect you heavy items. Adding cushioning material around weighty items ensures they remain stable during transportation.

Pack in two or more boxes. Once you have organized cargo in a box, put your package inside another bigger and wider box, and cushion the spaces between them to avoid friction.

For fragile items, add warning notes on the box by writings things like “This Side Up,” “Fragile,” or “handle with care” to ensure anyone handling the box is aware.

Seal the Box to protect its Contents

Add a piece of cardboard beneath the last seal to prevent damaging of the box contents when the recipient is cutting the tape using a sharp object like a knife.

Seal all corners of the box using brown tape. For very heavy boxes, use fabric tape for stronger sealing.

Stick the Labels

Use glue to stick labels with accurate address and any detail or instructions about the package. You can use clear (see-through) tape if you do not have glue to ensure hassle-free viewing of the delivery info.

Final Remarks

To deliver heavy freight safely, start by packaging your products carefully. Always use the right materials to wrap and avoid over-stuffing. That way, you can be confident your shipment will arrive its “ship to” location safe and sound.

Package correctly then leave the rest of the work to your courier company. The best services will ensure your cargo reaches its destination in time and good shape.