A GORILLA, LARGER THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE, WILL THROW IT...

Discussion of various shipping and packing methods, tips and tricks.
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K4ICL
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Joined: Wed Mar 05, 2003 1:07 pm
Location: Greenville, SC
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A GORILLA, LARGER THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE, WILL THROW IT...

Post by K4ICL »

SUGGESTED PACKING PROCEDURE

Assumptions:

A gorilla, larger than you can imagine, will throw the package at least 30 feet to another large gorilla. The second gorilla will not catch it and it will slam against the brick wall and drop to the concrete floor.

You will have to file a damage claim if you do not DOUBLE BOX the item. Dealing with damage claims is a REAL hassle, likely to involve much paper work and hard feelings.

The Reality

Shipping companies have automated their distribution systems, using bar codes to route packages. Your shipment will be moved through the read-and-sort process using conveyer belts. The conveyer system will drop your package from one belt to another at a heights of up to 40 inches. This means that your package will experience a free fall drop(s) at some phase of being carried from your QTH to its destination. IF YOU DON'T PACK IT PROPERLY, IT WILL BE DAMAGED.

Procedure to improve chances getting it there undamaged:

· Place item in plastic bag or other suitable plastic cover to protect it from packing materials and moisture. Same with any extra small items, manual, accessories, etc.

· Wrap item in at least five layers of the "small" bubble wrap or three layers of the "large" bubble wrap. There should be enough bubble wrap surrounding the item to absorb the shock of being dropped.

· Place item in suitable size cardboard box, preferably one that just fits the item with it bubble wrapping, including any manual and accessories. Fill any spaces in the box with Styrofoam “peanuts” so the item fit TIGHT in the box. DO NOT USE NEWSPAPER, WADDED PLASTIC OR ANYTHING NOT DESIGNED FOR THE PURPOSE.

· Seal the box carefully. Double tape everything. The better it is sealed, the better it will absorb the shock of being dropped.

· Put at least two inches of Styrofoam peanuts in a larger second box.

· Place sealed first box in center of the bottom of the larger second box, on top of the two inches of peanuts. There should be at least two inches of peanuts surrounding the inner box. For LARGE HEAVY items, there should be five inches. DO NOT USE WADDED NEWSPAPER OR SHEET PLASTIC AS A FILLER!

· Fill the remaining space in the second box with Styrofoam peanuts, leaving NO air space at the top. The inner "first" box MUST be securely held in place by the peanuts. If it shifts when you shake the package, ADD more peanuts, until it is secure.

· Seal the second box with packing tape then over the top and bottom "lids" again. Double tape everything.

· IMPORTANT: place on each surface, except the bottom, stickers or signs indicating that the contents of the package is a FRAGILE ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENT and DO NOT DROP. If you fail to do this, the package WILL BE HANDLED AS IF IT WERE A BOX OF ROCKS!

· Place address label on top of package, completely taping over with clear packing tape.

· IMPORTANT: Forward to the recipient the date you shipped and, when available, a tracking number.

Insurance:

Always insure the package for its ACTUAL value plus twenty percent.
Last edited by K4ICL on Wed Jun 15, 2005 2:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Cheers,

AL
K4ICL
W8SLC
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Mar 06, 2003 9:32 pm
Location: Marysville, OH

SUGGESTED PACKING PROCEDURE

Post by W8SLC »

RIGHT ON THE MONEY, AL!

I once paid $5 extra for "professional packaging" and received an oscilloscope wrapped in ONE layer of small bubble wrap, most of which was "popped", in a single box that had about 2 inches of space all around the 'scope! I think the trash collector kept it and sold it on eBay as "untested"!

There will be lots of war stories from this post.... glad you offered it.

Sherley, W8SLC
WB1FRW
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Joined: Wed Jul 16, 2003 1:54 pm

Post by WB1FRW »

Your packing sounds good but don't forget packages weighing over 70LBS via UPS are under different guidelines than packages that are of lighter weight. If someone plans to ship an SX-28 , 32v2 or other very heavy weight item ( packing beads will not do) whether or not you have a double box. Go to UPS website for exact Guidelines for packages over 70 lbs. You will need some sort of hard styrofoam , etc Not packing beads.
K4ICL
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Joined: Wed Mar 05, 2003 1:07 pm
Location: Greenville, SC
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SEVENTY POUND PLUS PACKAGES AND GORILLAS...

Post by K4ICL »

Gary is correct.

The shipment of large heavy items, such as an SX-28 requires a different approach. Such heavy items boarder on being FREIGHT, not shipping ordinary packages. The inertia of heavy objects shifting during transport will completely destroy "soft" packing protection, and eventually the item. Heavy packages MUST be properly created per UPS or other carrier's recommendations.

Some items may even require being bolted to a pallet or other shipping platform, suitable for fork lifting.

When in doubt, seek professional help. This is better than having the item arrive destroyed.
Cheers,

AL
K4ICL
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