Proper packing of modules for shipping

[GuitarGuyLP]

I figured with the recent threads about modules being damaged, and who is responsible I figured it was time for a thread on how people like to pack modules for transit.

For me it varies based on how far it is going, and what service I am using.

I think the minimum is an original box wrapped in bubble wrap, with some foam added in the box to prevent the module from moving around, and then if it is going short distance I use flat rate mailer envelopes, if it is going long distance double boxed with additional packing material to make sure it will not shift around in the box.

How do you pack modules?? Lets get a good information resource started.

 

[Rising Farce]

I don't think the original box is sufficient, even with padding inside. It's simply too small to offer any kind of crush protection, or to redistribute the shock it will invariably endure in transit.

That said, here's my method:

1. Wrap the module in two or three layers of bubble wrap and tape the wrap in place.
2. Fill the bottom of the box (in my case, typically a USPS Medium Flat Rate) with packing peanuts, foam, or newspaper.
3. Place the bubble-wrapped module in the box.
4. Fill any remaining empty space with more peanuts, foam, or paper.
5. Secure the box with liberal amounts of packing tape, doing your best to seal any gaps that could admit moisture.

In short, assume that the package is going to be treated poorly, and proceed accordingly.

 

[eyeball987]

I have received modules with nothing but a bubble envelope for packaging up to a solid double box job with cut foam as cushioning.

I double box myself with lots of bubble wrap and no movement inside. I tape all of the openings on the outer box as well.

 

[disk11]

5. Secure the box with liberal amounts of packing tape, doing your best to seal any gaps that could admit moisture.

My mother worked at a company that did all its outgoing shipping with UPS, so they had a rep come pick stuff up. He would kick the boxes, and if the box gave at all, he told them to repack it. There are also frequent horror stories of delivery guys throwing packages. So pack accordingly.

I would also suggest anti-static bags for the modules.

 

[Jaded Faith]

You don't even want to know some of the stuff that shows up here. If it wasn't broken before is was sent, it SURE was by the time it arrived. :shock:

Some pointers:

- A padded or bubble mailer is far from sufficient. Yes, I have received just a non-boxed module placed in a non-padded USPS Priority envelope....more than once.

- Brown craft paper wrapped around a Randall box is not sufficient.

- Ideally, there would be at least 1/2" to 1" around all sides of the module (in a Randall box) with the most padding on the top and front sides of the module.

 

[wesarvin]

So a bubble wrapped module inside a Randall box inside a bubble mailer is bad?

If so, all apologies to those whom I shipped to!

 

[eyeball987]

- A padded or bubble mailer is far from sufficient. Yes, I have received just a non-boxed module placed in a non-padded USPS Priority envelope....more than once.

Lucky for me, that only happened once. I believe it was a stock Scary that actually did arrive alive! This was early in my MTS days a few years ago.

This module has been JF'd twice now. Once for the standard mods and then again last year for updates.

 

[Kapo_Polenton]

I generally wrap tight in bubble wrap 2 to 3 times around and then use a box that fits snug. I usually stuff bottom with some extra wrap, sides and corners with some or some paper and some wrap thrown on top. Esentially you don't want the module to slide around. I received one that had a lot of room to slide around in the box and the chassis around the faceplate had started to bend. It is important more than anything that there is no movement. The rest is bubble wrap taped firmly around the module and a good box.

 

[eyeball987]

I just shipped two modules and received praise for packing the way I described above. FWIW.

 

[rvf263]

I just shipped a Brahma to JF and bubble wrapped it, foam/bubble wrap on all sides in a small box (no movement), then inside a larger box with foam/bubble wrap paper again on all sides with no movement.
Not that it helps but I always declare FRAGILE ELECTRONICS to the USPS clerk and they stamp it Fragile.

I asked one time at USPS office how they handle something fragile vs. not fragile. They told me:

Not Fragile, throw it in the bin
Fragile, walk over to the bin and drop it in.

:shock:

 

[iekobrid]

Does it matter what kind of bubble wrap or foam is used? Should it be antistatic, low fat, gluten free, decaf?

 

[m0jo]

You know, there are some lunchboxes that fit modules pretty well.

I've recieved some wrapped in bubble plastic, in a lunchbox (perfect against crushing) and then wrapped in more bubbled (against shock) in a box.

Kind of like double boxing, but definitly tougher!

 

[Hamner1]

I've never had an issue when module was wrapped in bubble wrap and placed in original box (or similar size box) then that box bubble wrapped and placed in another box.

 

[m0jo]

I've never had an issue when module was wrapped in bubble wrap and placed in original box (or similar size box) then that box bubble wrapped and placed in another box.

I've also recieved some just in the normal box ... and really within Europe that is survivable. Our postal services are pretty nice to your stuff.
It seems US postal services (or maybe intercontinental services) are way rougher. Seems strange to me .. you're basically screwing up the one thing you're being paid to do. :?

 

[drewiv]

you're basically screwing up the one thing you're being paid to do. :?

The current hiring/firing practices of USPS simply exacerbate their problem. My current postal carrier has been on medical leave for 5 years, still getting paid and another postal worker has to cover the route on a daily basis (in addition to their own). So, I have 5 different postal carriers. I get mail at my work location 2-3 times a week; I'm being completely serious. Her medical issue is she can't walk up stairs. Seeing as she clearly weighs over 350 lbs. and was hired as a letter carrier, I can't understand this situation. How is being 200 pounds overweight a "medical issue?" Sorry, just venting. The state of USPS is horrendous and it pisses me off. Don't get me started on labor laws and why this person is still employed and being paid for NOT doing their job.

Okay, boys... back on topic.

 

[HughJasol]

I always use a USPS Priority Medium Flat Rate box (and in the rare cases where I don't I use a similar-sized generic box); well wrapped in bubble wrap, with peanuts or more bubble wrap to fill the box completely on all six sides so that the module is pretty much centered inside the box. I pack it so that once I've sealed the box up I can shake it vigorously in all directions without feeling any movement inside; and I know I could throw the box up in the air and let it fall to the ground without hurting the module in the slightest (not that I would do that).

I remember when I received my BMAN module I bought on eBay. The seller shipped it to me in a USPS Priority SMALL Flate Rate box! There was no bubble wrap or other packing material. How could there be? . . . there was barely room in that box for the module itself! I was so pissed - especially since the shipping charge I paid would have covered the cost of a Medium Flate Rate box. But somehow, by the stroke of luck, the module was perfectly fine (I didn't leave Neutral or Negative feedback - I just didn't leave any feedback at all).