A GORILLA, LARGER THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE, WILL THROW IT...
Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2004 11:37 am
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.
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.