What is a fragile item?<\/h2>\n\n\n
We\u2019re classifying fragile items as breakable items and\/or items that need special packaging for shipping. These items need multiple layers of packaging, have specific carrier specifications to follow, and honestly, they just require a little extra love to survive their journey in transit. Some examples can include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Food<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Plants<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Musical Instruments<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ice Cream<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Jewelry<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bendable items <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
Guidelines for shipping fragile items<\/h2>\n\n\n
Like we just mentioned, sometimes fragile items need a bit of TLC to safely arrive to your customers. Carriers like USPS have specific guidelines for shipping items like food, plants, and bendable products. Whether it be cookies, a plant, or a new calendar, these items sometimes have packaging restrictions or guidelines around how they can be shipped. Plus, it\u2019s good to have a reminder about prepping some of these specialty shipments for transit. We\u2019re going to focus on food, plants, musical instruments, and bendable items, but feel free to check out our guides from the previous section for shipping other specialty items! <\/p>\n\n\n
Shipping food with USPS <\/h3>\n\n\n
Food items, especially perishable food items, have to follow carrier guidelines to keep your food from turning into mush or crumbles instead of delicious little treats. Everything is shipped at your own risk, so taking the extra steps given by carriers like USPS is worth the time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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One thing to note: These example guidelines are from USPS, so check with <\/em>UPS<\/em><\/a> and <\/em>FedEx<\/em><\/a> directly for their specific guidelines. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n
Shipping plants and musical instruments<\/h3>\n\n\n
Fragile items like plants<\/a> and musical instruments have to be securely placed in your packaging to keep them from breaking. The biggest thing to remember with these items is that they could potentially shift in transit, so any spaces surrounding your items need to be filled with eco-friendly packing peanuts, paper, and other packing materials. This way, your fragile pieces stay in place and are less likely to shift around, meaning they have a better chance of making it to their new homes without damage<\/a>. Luna London Candles has a wonderful YouTube video where owner Ishani Parbhoo shows how to package breakable items like candles, and you can check it out below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Plants<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n