|
|
Some points to consider when packing yourself:
- Carriers have extra charges for larger boxes. The biggest box you can find may cost you more then really necessary.
- Shipments are generally priced on a Size X Distance X Weight X Speed Formula. The more it weighs, the farther it is going, the sooner you want it there and in some cases the larger the box - the greater the price. Consider these facts as you read the rest of the lists.
- While the USPS will accept brown craft-paper wrapping, UPS, FedEx and DHL/Airborne frown on it. They prefer a carrier rated corrugated box. Shipments can be refused is packed in the incorrect containers.
- Boxes must be full. Your box will not always be on the top. That means the box must support the weight of the other boxes on it as it flyers through turbulence or bounces down the road in a truck. A box with air between the top of the box and the contents will crush downward. Fragile items can easily break.
- Many boxes are provided for free by the carriers - however they can only be used for the service level and carrier that provided them. Priority Mail boxes from the US Postal Service can only be used for Priority Mail sent via the Post Office. UPS or FedEx boxes will only be accepted by the carriers that provided the boxes.
- Newspaper is the worse packing material you can use. You may think that because it is free (you bought the paper to ready it) it is free to use. Wrong. Newspaper has weight. More weight costs money for shipping fees. Newspaper packs down. Packed newspaper leaves air gaps in the box, letting it possible crush. Newspaper is dirty. The ink will come off and could get all over what ever you are shipping.
- Time is money. As a general rule for shipping Next Day Air, 2 Day Air and 3 Day Air with any carrier - 2 Day Air costs 1/2 of Next Day Air and 3 Day (Economy) Air costs 1/2 to 3/4 of 2 Day Air. Simply, if you need it there on Friday, shipping by Tuesday will be substantially less then shipping on Thursday.
-
|
