How to Prepare Items for Shipping

how to properly ship fragile goods to Dominican Republic

For customers that have never shipped an item to the Dominican Republic before, it can be confusing. Afterall, it’s not everyday that you need to ship an item internationally. From finding the right shipping company, to packing your goods properly, it can be stressful at times. If you’re shipping a fragile item, it only adds to your worries. All in all, you just want to make sure that your items arrive safely at their destination. Not to worry! We’ve prepared a few tips below to help you ensure that your shipment arrives in one piece.

First and foremost, what is classified as a fragile item?

As you might expect, a fragile item is anything that can be easily broken or damaged. Aside from the obvious items such as glass, mirrors, ceramic, marble, and other similar goods. It can also include items such as musical instruments, electronics, technological accessories, laboratory materials, family heirlooms and valuable collectibles. When shipping fragile items, it is extremely important to ensure that you package your items are packaged properly to avoid any damage.

How to properly package fragile items for shipping

There are a few thigs to consider when preparing your fragile items for shipping. Check out the tips below to ensure your items arrive safely.

Use dunnage when packing your goods

Dunnage is cheap material such as cardboard, loose wood, packing peanuts or other material used to secure cargo during transportation. Ensure that dunnage is evenly distributed in your box and protects your goods from bottom, sides and top of the box.

Using the appropriate box size for your shipment

When choosing a box or container to package your shipment, it’s important to pick the right size. A box that is too small won’t allow you to fit in any dunnage. While, a box that is too large will have your goods bouncing around and be more susceptible to damage.

Wrap your item in an extra layer of protection

Before you even put your item in the box, it is best practice to wrap it in an extra layer of protection. If your item comes packaged in styrofoam, leave it on. Otherwise, wrap your item in packing foam or bubble wrap. If you don’t have packing foam or bubble wrap handy, use a blanket or a towel.

Add a sticker on your box that says “Fragile”

By adding a fragile notice to your package, it let’s your shipping carrier know that they should handle the package with extra care. If your package needs to be oriented a certain way, you can also add a sticker that says “This way up”.

Let your carrier know that your items are fragile

As an extra precaution, it’s always a good idea to let your carrier know that your package is fragile. They may be able to offer a special handling service to ensure your package is transported with extra care.

Insurance for fragile shipments

If your item is of high value and especially if it is fragile, it might be best to carry it with you as carry on during a flight to the Dominican Republic. Please remember all items will be opened and inspected by Customs in the Dominican Republic so damage may happen during inspection. Most shipping carriers include coverage for up to $100, but if you item is worth more than that, be sure to rethink it is worth risking it being shipped via ocean freight. Personal goods that are fragile do not have any other types of insurance available, best to wrap as well as possible at least you will have peace of mind knowing that you’re protected.