Which shipping service is best for fragile items? (2023)

Which type of transport is suitable for fragile goods?

Medium of Transport

For local shipping, the challenges come down to picking which courier delivery company can provide the safest delivery service. Meanwhile, options for international shipping can either be through air or sea. The best medium of transport for fragile packages is air freight as it's quicker.

Shipping fragile items with UPS

UPS doesn't charge extra for handling fragile items. If your eCommerce business ships a lot of products that need extra protection, your order fulfillment warehouse can help you safely pack and ship fragile items with UPS.

When it comes to shipping freight that's fragile, USPS is a good option. Shipping fragile items via USPS (United States Postal Service) or UPS to ship your items? You'll want to consider using their Special Handling-Fragile service. This requires that your package have an affixed “Special Handling-Fragile” sticker.

Shipping with FedEx

If you have a fragile item, FedEx can ship it. Don't trust yourself when it comes to packaging? No worries. FedEx offers pack and ship services for any customer who rather let FedEx handle breakable products for them at an additional cost.

The post office provides a red sticker, which says “special handling fragile” and is shipped separately from the regular mail. Just writing “fragile” or putting on an orange fragile sticker (free at USPS.com) you won't be charged extra, but the package won't get special handling.

DHL provides a range of packaging supplies that are tried and tested. However, if you prefer to use your own materials, the following provides some general guidelines. Always use high quality corrugated cardboard boxes for parcels. For fragile or heavy items, double-wall or tri-wall constructions are recommended.

The leading transportation service providers are expert in packing and shipping delicate items. You can contact them and book their packing & moving services. They handle moving challenges like packing and shipping fragile items every day. So, you can trust them.

First, carefully pack the item in bubble wrap, and then layer the bottom of the box with packing peanuts. Carefully place the item inside a sturdy box; fill the empty space with newspaper, bubble wrap, foam, and more packing peanuts. Pack the box firmly.

If we compare UPS and FedEx domestic services, UPS is cheaper than FedEx. UPS is recognized as the best option for domestic package shipments as it offers cheaper shipping rates, while FedEx ranks as the most expensive carrier.

UPS is a better option for faster delivery and larger packages, whereas USPS is a better option for smaller packages that don't require fast delivery.

Which is cheaper UPS or USPS or FedEx?

Which is the cheapest shipping option in the United States: USPS, UPS or FedEx? According to the rates outlined above, USPS does beat out both UPS and FedEx for the cheapest pricing for both domestic and international shipping.

While USPS and FedEx leave it up to you to properly pack your fragile items, UPS specifically offers fragile packing services. Their workers are trained in packing techniques such as block-and-brace, double box, and suspension, and they'll properly pack your fragile items so you don't have to.

USPS doesn't charge extra for shipping liquids and you can use any of their shipping options including: Priority Mail: 1-3 days shipping time.

In the case of UPS, packages that weigh up to 150 lbs. So they use a lot of force. You can write fragile on a package, but if you don't have it packed properly, it's going to get broken no matter what you've written on the box. Both carriers have packaging requirements for fragile packages listed on their website.

U.S.P.S statement instructed packages to be marked 'fragile' if they can break. The postal service also offers preferential handling for fragile items for an added fee, but that does not insure the item against damage. While a response from FedEx included a list of packing tips but no mention of fragile labels.

If we compare FedEx and UPS Ground services, UPS is typically faster than FedEx. One of the possible reasons for this is that UPS has a larger fleet of trucks in the USA and, therefore, is able to process and reach several locations faster than FedEx.

FedEx courier services are cheaper for domestic shipments, while DHL is cheaper for international shipments. FedEx is typically faster for domestic transportation in the US, while DHL Express service is usually the fastest international shipping option.

After crunching the numbers, the magazine concluded that the USPS had the gentlest touch. While FedEx and UPS averaged three and two big drops per trip, respectively, or the number of acceleration spikes exceeding 6 g's per trip, the USPS averaged 0.5 drops.

USPS ^® created the Caution Heavy and Special Handling — Fragile labels to ensure that mailpieces bearing either label are separated from the mailstream and given special handling during dispatch, processing, and transportation. Label 035CH, Caution Heavy, is a visual alert for packages that weigh 35 lbs. and over.

If you're sending a glass bottle via the USPS, we recommend placing it within an inner container that is sealed and waterproof. Then, place your inner container within outer packaging with plenty of cushioning material.

What is the best packing material for fragile items?

Polystyrene peanuts, commonly known as packing peanuts, are a common filler for boxes. Affordable and lightweight, they cushion fragile items. Consider using biodegradable packing peanuts for an eco-friendly option.

Fragile items, i.e. Glass, China, Resin, etc. Use some bubble wrap at least 5cm thick and wrap the extremities of the item e.g. limbs of figurines, ears, etc. Then wrap the rest of the item carefully. Place the item in a strong rigid container, which is ideally the correct size for the item.

When it comes to packing fragile items: Always put your valuable, most fragile items in your carry-on! Keep them wrapped in soft materials and stuffed with things like socks, underwear, or bubble wrap. All items should be at least two inches apart from each other and five inches from the sides of your luggage.

Wrap the Glass in Bubble Wrap

Wrap your glass item in a layer of packing paper or newspaper and secure it in place with a piece of tape. Then wrap the glass in several layers of bubble wrap and tape it in place. Your glass should be covered in three to four layers of bubble wrap when you're done.

Ideally you want to keep the weight and size to a certain size to keep it within the priority mail dimensions. On average the cost of shipping a glass is about $7.00 through USPS inside the United states. International shipping is possible (we do it at SBG) but will cost more.

Rates are based on the total actual weight or the total dimensional weight of all packages in a shipment, whichever is greater.

For domestic services within the United States, USPS is usually faster than FedEx with parcels being delivered in less than 2 days. However, for international deliveries, FedEx is usually preferred among shippers due to their wider network and expertise in overnight shipping.

For First-Class Mail, shape and weight will determine the price. For Priority Mail, the price is a combination of weight, size, and how far the mailpiece is traveling. Priority Mail pieces that exceed one cubic foot, are subject to "dimensional weight pricing".

Is it cheaper to use a flat rate box or your own box USPS?

As we mentioned above, combining your own custom packaging with the right USPS service is often more cost-effective than using flat-rate boxes. One such option is taking advantage of cubic pricing. Priority Mail cubic pricing is a more efficient USPS service for shipping small packages that weigh up to 20 pounds.

Registered Mail is the most secure way to send a package through the USPS. As part of the security conditions for this mail class, Registered Mail must be sent with proof of mailing which requires a trip to the Post Office (you cannot deposit your package in a collection box).

USPS Priority Mail offers a cost-effective option when sending items between 1-10 lbs, while FedEx and UPS Ground/Home delivery offer the lowest rates for heavy packages within the US.

If you're shipping a package up to 20 pounds and within a certain volume range (1728 cubic inches), USPS Priority mail is your best option. If your package exceeds these specifications, carriers like FedEx or UPS will most likely be a cheaper option.

UPS is often more expensive than USPS due to fees and surcharges, especially when it comes to shipping smaller packages. Generally, USPS offers much better rates when shipping smaller packages of less than two pounds. UPS typically is a better choice when shipping larger, heavier packages by offering superior value.

And it turns out, some of the biggest and oldest carriers are the ones who have a high damage rate. UPS delivered the highest percentage of damaged packages at 11 percent, followed by USPS at 10 percent, and FedEx with a seven percent.

Ship non-hazardous, non-dangerous liquids in watertight plastic containers whenever possible. Tape lid in an X pattern when the liquid container has a screw-on top. Fill empty voids in the box or envelope with packing paper or bubble packaging.

Is Mail X-Rayed? Some of the mail that is sent through the United States Postal Service will pass through an X-Ray machine. There are no specific guidelines as to what may or may not be x-rayed, though mail sent to or through larger cities is likely to pass through an X-Ray machine.

USPS, UPS and FedEx allow shipping of liquids. You need to use a waterproof container. Follow all regulations for your liquid, especially if it is flammable or hazardous. Not all countries and states allow direct shipping of alcohol.

How do I ship a fragile box UPS?

Please be sure that you wrap each item separately. Fragile articles need separation from each other, and from the corners, sides, top, and bottom of the box. Each item should be surrounded by at least two inches (5.08 cm) of cushioning and be placed at least two inches (5.08 cm) away from the walls of the box.

Adding a fragile label or writing fragile on your package in most cases does not cause your package to be handled with special care. The reasons are the fragile message is over used and the message is just not noticed by handlers.

Label the Package Correctly

It's also a good idea to label your box with “fragile” advisories so that those handling the package can clearly see that it's fragile and treat it accordingly. Finally, ensure that all labels stay on by covering them with an extra layer of packing tape.

Use filler like crumpled newspaper, peanuts, or other cushioning material to keep your product from moving around. Wrap fragile products individually in a minimum 3" thickness of air-cellular cushioning material, and then fill any empty spaces with loose-fill peanuts or other cushioning material.

Polystyrene peanuts, commonly known as packing peanuts, are a common filler for boxes. Affordable and lightweight, they cushion fragile items. Consider using biodegradable packing peanuts for an eco-friendly option.

4 Don't Write "Fragile" on the Box.

USPS ^® created the Caution Heavy and Special Handling — Fragile labels to ensure that mailpieces bearing either label are separated from the mailstream and given special handling during dispatch, processing, and transportation. Label 035CH, Caution Heavy, is a visual alert for packages that weigh 35 lbs. and over.

Wrap the Glass in Bubble Wrap

Wrap your glass item in a layer of packing paper or newspaper and secure it in place with a piece of tape. Then wrap the glass in several layers of bubble wrap and tape it in place. Your glass should be covered in three to four layers of bubble wrap when you're done.

If you're sending a glass bottle via the USPS, we recommend placing it within an inner container that is sealed and waterproof. Then, place your inner container within outer packaging with plenty of cushioning material.

Bubble wrap will protect all of your belongings from impact damage, which is why it is the clear winner for protecting larger items. Packing paper doesn't have the weight or air-filled cushioning power of bubble wrap.

Which packing is required for fragile and breakable products?

Use a Small Packaging Box

The usual rule for packing fragile items is to use a packaging box that is only slightly bigger than the product. This does not leave any empty spaces for the product to shift around and the product can stay put in one place. This restricts movement and firmly holds the package together.

Of the two packing materials, neither is better than the other as they each serve their own purpose. Bubble wrap protects the surface of an item and packing peanuts help to prevent movement while cushioning the belongings in a box.

If you use a fragile sticker on your package through the USPS, you will be charged an additional $10.45 for that service. The buyer will get a postage due sticker.

Adding a fragile label or writing fragile on your package in most cases does not cause your package to be handled with special care. The reasons are the fragile message is over used and the message is just not noticed by handlers.

Please be sure that you wrap each item separately. Fragile articles need separation from each other, and from the corners, sides, top, and bottom of the box. Each item should be surrounded by at least two inches (5.08 cm) of cushioning and be placed at least two inches (5.08 cm) away from the walls of the box.

After crunching the numbers, the magazine concluded that the USPS had the gentlest touch. While FedEx and UPS averaged three and two big drops per trip, respectively, or the number of acceleration spikes exceeding 6 g's per trip, the USPS averaged 0.5 drops.

USPS doesn't charge extra for shipping liquids and you can use any of their shipping options including: Priority Mail: 1-3 days shipping time.

Label the Package Correctly

It's also a good idea to label your box with “fragile” advisories so that those handling the package can clearly see that it's fragile and treat it accordingly. Finally, ensure that all labels stay on by covering them with an extra layer of packing tape.