There are many reasons you may need to ship something. Shipping packages can sometimes be cheaper than moving them. Each case is different. National Movers usually charge by the pound. Books are heavy. It may be cheaper to ship them with the U.S. Postal Service instead of using a National Mover. The U.S. Postal Service has a special low cost rate for books called Media Mail. This can cost less than one half of a cent per pound. Some snowbirds use shipping to get their belongings to Florida. They may have too many items to bring on the airplane or in their car if they are going to stay in Florida for a few months during the winter. Often they will ship their belongings to our storage facility. We put their things in their storage unit and they are here when they arrive.

Proper Box

Using the right box for the job is important. You don't want your package to bust open while in transit. You don't want the box to be crushed causing damage to the contents. Corrugated boxes are the best for shipping. Thinner boxes such as shoe boxes don't have the strength you need for shipping. The box should be large enough to allow room for cushioning material.

Pack and Protect It

Using the right size box is important. The box should be large enough to hold your item with some room for cushioning material. Use enough packing so the item doesn't shift inside the box. Unwanted movement is the major cause of damage when an item is being shipped. Stuff hollow items with packing material may help prevent breakage. Remove batteries if this applies and pack separately. A good test is to shake the box once it is packed. If you hear movement, you may need to add more packing material. Crumpled wrapping paper, bubble wrap®, packing peanuts and shredded paper make good packing material.

Sealing Tape

Use a good quality packing tape to seal the box. We sell clear packing tape and self adhesive paper tape. Glass-reinforced tape is also a good strong choice. Seal the center seams on the top and bottom of the box. Sealing all other openings will help prevent snags on shipping machinery.

Label

Label the package with who you are shipping it to and your return address. Be sure to include the complete address for both, including any unit or apartment number. Avoid putting the shipping label over a seam or on top of the packing tape. Adding a layer of clear packing tape over the label can help secure the label and prevent smudging or ink from running should the package get wet.

Choose a Shipping Carrier

Shipping from a UPS Store or Pack and Ship type store offers convenience. Often these stores add a surcharge for their service. You can go to shippers’ websites and calculate how much a shipment should cost. Most will accept credit card payment. You can usually schedule a pick up at your location. This may be less expensive than the Pack and Ship type store.

Insurance and Tracking

Almost all Shipping Carriers offer insurance. Some include a minimum amount such as $100 in their shipping price. Higher limits cost more. Some do not include any insurance in their shipping price, it is all extra. Some shippers allow you to track the package on their website. Others charge extra for shipping confirmation. Go to the shippers' websites and you can calculate your costs with the options that you need.

Shipping Limits

Most shipping carriers have limits for package size and weight. Here is some basic information to get you started. Please check each carrier's website for more details. Size is usually calculated as length plus girth. Length is the longest side of the parcel. Girth is the measurement around the parcel (2 times the width plus 2 times the height).

DHL length plus girth must not exceed 165 inches (maximum length is 108 inches). Shipping weight that exceeds 150 lbs may have additional surcharges.
Fed Ex Ground length plus girth must not exceed 130 inches. Shipping weight must not exceed 150 lbs. FedEx Home Delivery has a weight limit of 70 lbs.
UPS length plus girth must not exceed 156 inches (maximum length is 108 inches). Shipping weight must not exceed 150 lbs.
USPS Parcel Post length plus girth must not exceed 130 inches. Shipping weight must not exceed 70 pounds.
USPS other services length plus girth must not exceed 108 inches. Shipping weight must not exceed 70 pounds.

Shipping Links

Below are some shipping links that you may find useful.

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