Ceramics, glassware, artwork, mirrors and collectibles — packed to survive the drop test.
Fragile items are the most common source of damage claims on international shipments. Couriers process millions of parcels per day — drops, tilts, compression and vibration are unavoidable. The key to safely shipping glassware, ceramics, artwork and collectibles is the double-box method: the item is wrapped and placed in an inner box surrounded by cushioning, and that inner box is placed inside a larger outer box with additional padding between the two. This creates two independent shock-absorbing layers. Never rely on carrier 'fragile' labels to protect your items — they are not a packing substitute.
Select an inner box that is 5–8 cm larger than the item on every side. Choose an outer box that is 8–10 cm larger than the inner box on every side. Both boxes must be in good condition — never reuse crushed or water-damaged cardboard.
Line the base of the inner box with at least 5 cm of crumpled packing paper, foam peanuts or a folded foam sheet. This creates the lower cushion layer before the item goes in.
Wrap the item in two layers of bubble wrap (bubbles facing inward for glass surfaces). Seal each layer with tape. For hollow items like vases or bottles, stuff the interior cavity with crumpled paper first to prevent internal resonance damage.
Place the wrapped item in the inner box. Fill all remaining space with packing paper or peanuts until nothing moves. Seal the inner box with the H-tape method and shake it — zero movement is the target.
Place 8–10 cm of foam peanuts or crumpled paper in the base of the outer box. Place the sealed inner box on top, centred. Add 8–10 cm of cushioning on all four sides and the top.
Seal the outer box securely with multiple strips of 5 cm tape. Apply 'FRAGILE — THIS SIDE UP' labels on all four sides and the top. Write the delivery address clearly. Shake the outer box — if the inner box moves, add more fill.
Using single-wall cardboard for fragile items — always use double-wall corrugated boxes which are significantly stronger under compression.
Relying on 'Fragile' stickers to protect items — labels do not change how carriers handle parcels. Only proper packing prevents breakage.
Leaving empty space in the box — any void allows the item to shift and hit the box walls during transit. Fill every gap.
Wrapping items in only one layer of bubble wrap — always use at least two layers, especially for glass.
Reusing old, crushed or previously wet boxes — used boxes lose up to 50% of their compressive strength.
Packing multiple fragile items in one box without separating them — each item needs its own wrapped cocoon; they should never touch each other.
Use the 'drop test': seal the box, hold it at waist height and drop it. Open and check. If anything broke, repack before shipping.
For especially valuable items, photograph the packed item and the completed box before sealing — useful for insurance claims.
Ship artwork face-up whenever possible and mark clearly — carriers check these labels for orientation.
For vintage or irreplaceable items, consider declaring their full value and purchasing carrier insurance for the shipment.
Foam peanuts settle during transit. Overfill the box slightly so compression during shipping still leaves the item cushioned.
For mirrors or framed pictures, apply a large X of masking tape across the glass face before wrapping — this holds shards together if the glass cracks.
Not significantly. Fragile labels are a courtesy to handlers but automated sorting systems and conveyor belts do not distinguish between labelled and unlabelled parcels. The only reliable protection is correct packing. Apply the labels anyway as a visible signal, but never rely on them as your primary strategy.
The double-box method involves placing the wrapped fragile item inside a correctly sized inner box (fully cushioned), then placing that sealed inner box inside a larger outer box with a further 8–10 cm of cushioning between the two. This creates two shock-absorbing layers and is the industry-standard approach for fragile goods.
Yes. DHL, UPS, FedEx, DPD and GLS all accept glassware. However, damage claims for improperly packed glass may be denied if inspection shows insufficient packaging. Ensure you meet each carrier's packaging requirements, which typically specify minimum cushioning depths for fragile goods.
Wrap each plate individually in two layers of bubble wrap (bubble side in). Stand plates vertically in the box — they withstand compression better on their edge than lying flat. Place foam or paper between each wrapped plate and fill all space around them. Never stack plates flat without thick foam separation.
Most carriers offer declared value coverage as an add-on at booking. Declare the full replacement value, not just the purchase price. For very high-value or irreplaceable items, consider a specialist fine art or collectibles courier insurance policy which provides broader cover than standard carrier liability.
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