5 golden rules for shipping extra-heavy items

bunch of pallets stacked on top of eachother close up

One of the key shipping challenges businesses face is how to safely and efficiently ship extra-heavy items. If you haven't done it before, it can be a daunting prospect. But there are key tips you can use to help make extra-heavy items become a seamless part of your logistics operation.

Choosing the right box

First things first, decide on the box you're going to ship your item in. It needs to be large enough to comfortably fit the item, and durable enough that it'll be able to carry it without breaking. Invest in a good quality box to make sure your package reaches its destination safely.

Wrap and cushion

Once the item is in the box, wrap it up securely. You can do this with a variety of different things such as packing peanuts, bubble wrap, corrugated cardboard strips - the choice is yours. Whatever you use, the goal is the same: to prevent the item from moving around during transit.

Be generous with tape

Securing the box should be done with reinforced, waterproof packing tape. That will not only add some extra structural stability, but it will prevent the box from opening while it's being shipped. Consider double-taping for that extra peace of mind.

Consider breaking up the shipment

If you can, think about splitting up the shipment. Three smaller packages, for example, will be easier to ship than one much larger and heavier one. Doing so prevents one single package from becoming too heavy to move safely and securely. It's no less efficient, yet will make the whole shipping process easier.

Choose the right pallet

Your pallet material matters when shipping extra-heavy parcels. Many regular pallets are made from softer wood, which naturally won't offer much support. It would be worth considering investing in hardwood, plastic, or maybe even metal pallets depending on how often you ship heavy goods.

Keep these tips in mind and you'll find shipping extra-heavy pallets doesn't have to be a chore. If you choose the right packaging, think logically, and always secure your boxes well, you should have no issues. Contact ParcelBroker if you need any more help.

Pallets by XcBiker licensed under Creative Commons 4.0