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Packing & Shipping Resource
Too much of a good thing can be... wonderful. (Mae West)
Nothing succeeds like excess. (Unknown)
Whenever we ship an object, it is subject to all manner of treatment. To safeguard our fine antiques and collectibles, we must always err on the side of excess. Remember: Even though the box is carefully labeled FRAGILE, this is no indication that it will be handled as such.
For outer protection use a sturdy box or padded bag to protect the contents. If no such box is at hand, you may procure one from the supermarket or, alternatively, you may buy various boxes or padded envelopes from office supply stores or the US Post Office.
Use a box or padded bag large enough to allow for plenty of cushioning material--at least 1"--around the contents. Other materials that can be used include paper towels, tissue paper or bubble wrap. Newspapers rolled into pads are ideal for cushioning if the item is lightweight.
When packaging several items in the same box--particularly fragile
goods--ensure they are separated from each other by at least 1"of cushioning material. If the item could be harmed by moisture, encase it in a plastic bag.
When shipping pottery, porcelain or glassware, the box-within-a-box method is strongly recommended. (Pottery & glass are most often damaged by puncturing.) This zwei-box technique is as follows:
First pack the item(s) as above. Close the inner box and shake it. If a delicate item moves around during shipping, an insurance claim will surely follow. If you hear any sound, take a deep breath, open the box and add more stuffing. Once stabilized, insert the first box into the outer box. The outer box should be about 2" larger all around than the inner one. Stuff the space with newspapers or other padding until the inner box doesn't rattle. Voila.
Boxes should be firmly sealed along all the flaps and edges with a good quality, self-adhesive tape. For small boxes, the tape should be at least 2 "wide. Remember: The larger and heavier your parcel, the wider and stronger the tape needs to be. Never use masking or cellophane tape. Be sure to leave a place for the insurance stamp if using US PostalService.
Having carefully packaged your parcel, remember to address it clearly and fully. The recipient's address should be written in capital letters. Also, include your own address on the outer cover in the top left corner so if for any reason your shipping service cannot deliver, it can be returned to sender. Ideally a separate label showing both the sender's and the recipient's address should be put inside the parcel.
A proper packing job does require a certain amount of effort. (If you ship items regularly, you will find all goes more easily once you have the proper materials on hand.) Be assured; the effort is worthwhile. Your recipient will be delighted when your beautiful object arrives in pristine condition.
Rules of Thumb:
For small and inexpensive items use USPostal Service
For large and/or expensive items use UPS
For convenience use Mail Boxes Etc.
For timeliness, use Fed Ex
For furniture or outsize objects, use motor freight
Purchase insurance at least equal to the selling price of the object.
Shipping charges can be tricky to estimate. The following links should prove helpful in estimating these costs and in resolving other shipping dilemmas.:
US Postal Service
United States Postal Service
At this site both a postage calculator and an Express Mail tracking service are offered.
US Postal Service Packing Tips also links to a Consumer Information with links to Mailing Tips.
US Postal Service Insurance Rates:
1st $50 value=$.75
$51 to $100 value=$1.60
For every $100 above $100, add $.90 up to $5,000
Registered mail insurance is $4.95 for the first $100
Phone information:1-(800)725-2161.
When packing for US Postal Service, do leave a place for the insurance stamp. It will not adhere to tape.
United Parcel Service (UPS)
UPS Site
The site has a cost calculator and a package tracking link.
For those interested, there is also a tutorial about ECommerce.
UPS Insurance Rates:
The first $100 is free.
After that, the fee is $.35 cents per every $100 over the first $100.
1-800-PICK-UPS 1-(800)742-5877
International services originating in the United States and Canada:
1-(800)782-7892.
Federal Express (FedEx)
FEDEX Website
Fedex E-Mail: webmaster@fedex.com
Select country if other than United States.
Cost Calculator: http://www.fedex.com/us/rates/
Package Tracking: http://www.fedex.com/us/tracking/
Fedex Insurance Rates:
Up to $100 =free
$101 to $500=$2.50
Every hundred thereafter is an extra $.50
Fedex US Customer Service: 1-800-GO-FEDEX (800)463-3339
Fedex International Customer Service (800) 247-4747--tracing, commitment times, required US export documentation, rates, supply orders, drop-off locations, schedule courier pickups, claims
U.S. Billing Inquiries:1-800-622-1147
Fedex Freight Services (800) 332-0807--heavy weight shipments
Mail Boxes Etc.
Mail Boxes Site
Wait for map to load, click on country. Do Not Use Search.
Mail Boxes Etc. uses other carriers -- USPS, UPS, FedEx. But they offer convenience and can box and pack the item for you.
Motor Freight Carriers
Large items, such as furniture, are shipped motor freight.
One carrier frequently used by those in the art market is:
Yellow Freight 1 (800) 610-6500
For an item to be shipped via motor freight, it must first be crated. This process adds substantially to the costs. If items are to be picked up for crating, this adds to the expense.
Rule of Thumb:
Crating, insurance and motor freight will run roughly 10-15% of the value of an item over $1000. (Unless the item is enormously heavy.) $150-$200/ item is the minimum for motor freight.
DISCLAIMER: Please note that the information given here is accurate & current to the best of our knowledge. Biddington's cannot assume responsibility for any problems encountered in following this information or by using these vendors. Biddington's welcomes corrections or additions to these pages. Please email us: P&S Resource.
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Downloading or printing for online or print reproduction of any materials without specific written permission from Biddington's, Inc. is prohibited.
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