How to ship glass items safely to prevent additional costs

 US-PDGov

 
Knowing how to ship glass items safely improves the cost effectiveness of glass transportation expenses. This is because damaged goods cost more than expenses used to prevent them from becoming so. Moreover, in the case of businesses, ensuring glass does not get damaged helps maintain profits.

Glass exists in many shapes, sizes and thicknesses and is characteristically fragile in many cases. Each type of glass should therefore provide insight into the initial packaging and handling requirements. Many types of moving methods for glass exist including mobile glass stands, boxes, bags, foam and other types of protective inserts.

Step 1: Measure the glass

By measuring the glass you'll know how big and protective a glass container you'll need. The glass can be measured with a ruler or tape measure. For uneven glass shapes such as auto windows, square off edges and corners by measuring continuing straight lines until they meet. For example, a piece of glass with four sides may have a curved top piece. In this instance locate the area of the top with the highest measurement. Then measure a straight line at this height until you meet an invisible extended line for each of the sides.
Step 2: Identify shipping method

Once the glass dimensions including thickness have been measured identify all the methods that will allow you to ship glass items safely. For example, for local deliveries, reduce glass logistic expenses to transport the glass independent of an outside service provided a safe transportation method is used. International shipments may require the use of wood frames and padding safe for machine handling and transportation bins. This step will have a large influence on how costly shipping glass items safely will be.

Step 3: Package the glass

An important aspect of how well glass items are shipped safely is the packaging. Packing materials include foam, cardboard boxes, wood racks, plastic boxes, tape, strap fasteners etc. For two way deliveries, shipper approved reusable but sturdy lightweight and waterproof shipping containers are cost effective. For businesses that need to ship glass items frequently, fitting a service truck with glass racks may also be a good idea according to Better Stained Glass. In any case, ensure the glass is placed securely in the packaging.

Step 4: Check insurance

For one time or infrequent shipments of glass items, how safely glass items are shipped can be enhanced with shipper insurance. However for more consistent glass shipments, check with your business insurer to see if the business' insurance includes or can be amended to include property logistics. Shippers who are bonded and/or insured themselves can also improve how safely glass items are shipped, and may provide a competitive guarantee of their own.

Step 5: Instruct the shipper

Provide shipping instructions and label the glass items to be shipped fragile. The shippers instructions should include delivery address, sender information, and handling requirements. Locally registered logistics businesses and transport companies with whom you have worked with before or have been referred to you may easier and more reliable to deal with. Take the time to read any contractual agreements or terms of service between the business and the shipper before signing.