Packing advice for shipping?

[bassmyf]

Hey Gang,
Have some new things coming in, and may possibly have to downsize a bass or two. I`ll definetly give LTGers first shot if and when the time comes, but I`ve never packed an instrument for shipping before. Can anyone point me to a thread or link somewhere with good info for packing/shipping.Regretably, the 2 likely candidates only have gig bags.

Thanks

 

[Frosty]

I have never lost an instrument due to shipment damage following Frank's advice:

http://www.frets.com/fretspages/Musician/GenMaint/Packing/packing1.html

 

[rcadian]

I also ensure there is some bubble wrap between the heel button - if there is one - and the case, and paper or bubble wrap in the bottom of the box so that if the box gets dropped on it's end, the shock and vibrations won't get past the bubble wrap to affect the button. I remember reading a story about a Martin splitting up the middle of its top due to such an accident...

Rc

 

[john_kidder]

I some bubble wrap between the heel button - if there is one - and the case, and paper or bubble wrap in the bottom of the box so that if the box gets dropped on it's end, the shock and vibrations won't get past the bubble wrap to affect the button.

That padding is essential, but paper is better - bubble wrap can affect the finish if warm.

 

[Qvart]

Can anyone point me to a thread or link somewhere with good info for packing/shipping. Regretably, the 2 likely candidates only have gig bags.

Thanks

I use a good box and lots of packing peanuts. If I don't have enough of those I fill the remaining space with paper or plastic bags. Anything that is flexible enough to absorb shock while cushioning the guitar inside. Be sure to check how the packing will settle and add as much as needed. Basically, the packing materials should act like a cocoon around the guitar whether it's in a case or a gig bag. Packing peanuts are easy to use because you can put a layer of them in the bottom of the box, put the guitar in and hold it in the center, then fill the space around the guitar with them.

I shipped one guitar in a gig bag using the above packing supplies and everything went fine. The gig bag was a very nicely padded (F*nder) one so I didn't worry too much about extra packing inside around the guitar. But if you ship in a hard case look for ways the guitar might shift around inside and add packing inside the case if necessary - a towel or t-shirt works great. Also, plastic air bags are good. Loosen the strings a bit too.

For the outside, be sure to tape down any edges or seams that could get caught and torn in transit. Remove all previous shipping labels and (especially) bar code stickers, and put clear tape over your shipping label to protect it in case it should get any moisture on it (although shipping companies will link the shipping information to the barcode sticker they put on the package, I still think it's a good idea).

There's been a lot of discussion lately about shipping via UPS but I have never had a problem with them. I've only had one acoustic shipped to me so that was the only opportunity for the occurrence of the dreaded end pin jam. If your basses are solid that shouldn't be as much of an issue but I would add some packing around the bottom of the guitar just in case. Of course you can always take it to someone and pay to have it packed. It's relatively inexpensive.

I haven't had any experience with insurance claims for damaged items but I always pay for insurance (unless the item is close in value to the $100 insurance included in basic UPS Ground shipping). You might want to check into other options for insurance besides what the shipping companies offer.

Hey, I worked in shipping and receiving for awhile...

Hope that helps. Good luck!

 

[chazmo]

I'd avoid UPS, if possible, and go with USPS if you can keep the shipping box down to a non-oversize (Taylor-sized) box.

 

[coastie99]

I'd avoid UPS, if possible, and go with USPS

AMEN !!! to what Chaz sez !

 

[Frosty]

I don't understand the USPS is better than UPS assertion - what am I missing?

I have always shipped/received via UPS and one feature I prefer over USPS is the detailed step-by-step tracking information available at UPS. USPS does not provide that service, and they have limitations on carton size. What is the upside?

 

[fronobulax]

I don't understand the USPS is better than UPS assertion - what am I missing?

I have always shipped/received via UPS and one feature I prefer over USPS is the detailed step-by-step tracking information available at UPS. USPS does not provide that service, and they have limitations on carton size. What is the upside?

Here's one place to start. If I can summarize the words of LTGers with more experience I believe the following statements are true and supported anecdotally, if not statistically:

UPS offers a packing service, but they do not know how to pack guitars well.
UPS is more likely to damage a well packed guitar than USPS.
UPS is more likely to disallow claims regardless of insurance, or customer documentation.

It would seem that the folks who make the claim are more concerned with the condition upon arrival than they are about getting lost in transit.

 

[rcadian]

There is a packing horror story thread over at AGF at the moment...and the moral seems to be Overpack, OVERPACK, OVERPACK!!!

Rc

 

[jp]

In addition to the frets.com site, this is another site with great packing tips. He ships high-end archtops.

http://www.archtop.com/ac_tips.html

Also, don't forget to loosen the strings. One drop with strings at full tension means broken headstock. I've gotten a guitar with a snapped head stock because the owner didn't loosen the strings.

 

[bassmyf]

Thanks everyone for your links and tips. Think I have a pretty good idea to start. Know you guys always have the answers.

 

[fungusyoung]

I don't understand the USPS is better than UPS assertion - what am I missing?

I have always shipped/received via UPS and one feature I prefer over USPS is the detailed step-by-step tracking information available at UPS. USPS does not provide that service, and they have limitations on carton size. What is the upside?

Honestly, I find pretty much all tracking to be overrated. UPS and FedEx give you great info like "out for delivery", but they don't tell you ANYTHING when something goes south. I also find that UPS has no problem consistently leaving packages outside on my stoop in the rain (located on a busy street). And the damage.... I've shipped a lot of gear during the past 5 years, and they are the only ones to damage a guitar, which was a gift for my son that arrived with the headstock through the top of the box. Honestly, I can't even believe they delivered it because the damage was so far beyond obvious. One of their UPS stores also packed it... loosely with peanuts & use no other cushioning inside. And that's just my own experience, but I've also heard way more horror stories about them vs. USPS.

USPS has done a fantastic job for me, and I've probably shipped 100 or more items (guitars, amps, pedals, etc.) within the past 2 years alone without issue. Even Scratch commented about how clean an outer box looked upon arrival with a guitar in it because shipments with other carriers often looked like they had been through a war zone.

 

[chazmo]

Yeah, frosty, maybe it's just luck of the draw, but I've heard very few (if any??) horror stories from stuff shipped by the post office. UPS, though I've had good luck with them thus far, has definitely had their share of complaints. I've seen UPS poke holes in some of my boxes, but luckily there's been no damage.

Tracking is nice, but I have to say that I do trust the post office to deliver my item. The size limitation thing *is* an issue because an oversize package can ONLY be shipped parcel post (6 days, or more)... THat said, I'll trade safety against speed any day of the week.

 

[JimBetts]

I apologize if I'm repeating information already covered...

I've shipped guitars via USPS, UPS, FedEx and DHL. I haven't had any damage problems with any, thank goodness! I will tell you that I've been very confused by the cost of shipping between these shippers, more so I’ve been confused as to how people on eBay consistently advertise flat-rate shipping between $25 and $35; the first guitar I ever shipped I sent USPS and the cost was over $60! Then I realized these guys must be eating some of the shipping costs, but then discovered that may not be the case.

What I’ve learned…

Know your shipping cost verses the carrier…
Know that weight makes a difference…
Know the dimensions make a difference…
Weight cost may be less important than overall dimensions of the container…
The overall dimensions of the container may be less important than weight…
Mom & Pop shops (Mailbox Etc and the like) will cost you more…
Insurance is important but expensive…

For me it’s less expensive to ship via UPS IF I take my container directly to the UPS hub. The convenience with tracking with UPS is outstanding for the shipper and the recipient. The piece of mind with the insurance is equally outstanding with UPS. I won’t ship another guitar using another carrier unless the recipient specifically request another carrier.

I’ve always considered myself an excellent packer; I’m consistently being accused of overbuilding when it comes to projects and that’s carried over to packing anything I mail/ship. However, when I recently made a guitar trade with someone several states away he sent me the following two websites. The recommendations given on these sites was eye-opening to say the least. Again, I thought I was doing everything correctly but these webpage’s and the info they give made me very comfortable in terms of proper packing.

Anyway, I hope this information helps…

http://www.bryankimsey.com/shipping/
http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Musician/GenMaint/Packing/packing1.html

 

[chazmo]

Forget it. USPS is apparently susceptible too. Sigh (see the link). Use your car.

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/foru ... p?t=153748

 

[mad dog]

Not sure if this is on those tip lists:

In addition to carefully isolating the instrument (in gig bag or whatever) within the shipping box, I also use additional cardboard sheets as inserts within the outer box. Acts like a double wall, very effectively when you packed things down tightly enough. I've had a few boxes take hard scrapes or tears on the outside ... this reduces the chance that such s knock actually opens up the box.

The other thing I always do is detune. Much easier on the headstock when shipping non-fender type necks. And, shipping in a case, i'll bubble wrap or cushion the neck headtock especially within the case. Lots of headstock breaks happen in the case during shipping.

Michael D.