It might be difficult to send glass consignment wherever you want, but in a way, FedEx has some special actions and offerings that provide security to glass material packaging.
FedEx makes the use of the different means such as proper packing and marking, monitoring, and insuring to keep safe these kinds of parcels in their travel from start to finish. This manual tells you the story of the fragile articles transported by FedEx and the things you can perform to be sure of their having a safe arrival.
What Counts as a Fragile Item in FedEx Shipping
Fragile items are those that can easily break, crack, or get damaged during a FedEx shipping if they are not given extra param. Such items may be glassware, ceramics, electronics, artwork, mirrors, scientific instruments, antiques, or any other similarly delicate materials. FedEx uses a different approach for these kinds of products because they require special packaging and are handled carefully all through the shipping process.
Knowing what is considered fragile makes sense for both the sender and FedEx. The identification is used by the company as an indicator for the safe and proper handling of the package.
Along with that comes the possibility of sending the package with additional services like insurance or extra handling options. If your item cannot tolerate drops, pressure, or rough movement, then it is a fragile one and it has to be packed in accordance with FedEx instructions so that the risk of damage is minimized.
FedEx Packaging Guidelines for Fragile Shipments
FedEx implements special labels and markings to make sure that fragile packages are cared for properly on the way to their destination. When you are shipping a delicate item, you may put a “Fragile” label or a “Handle with Care” sticker on the package. These labels inform FedEx staff that the package is full of fragile items and therefore should be handled with care and not be stacked under heavy boxes.
Correct labeling is one of the ways to make sure that the package will be put in safer places during transportation and storage. It is also advised by FedEx to use clear, visible labels on the four sides of the package so that the warning is not overlooked.
Besides, the use of orientation arrows can indicate the side of the box that should be kept up, thus handlers will not turn it the wrong way. Although labeling does not assure that there will be no damage, it is a very important step to elevate the treatment of your fragile shipment throughout its journey.
Special Labels and Markings for Fragile Packages
FedEx implements special labels and markings to make sure that fragile packages are cared for properly on the way to their destination. When you are shipping a delicate item, you may put a “Fragile” label or a “Handle with Care” sticker on the package. These labels inform FedEx staff that the
package is full of fragile items and therefore should be handled with care and not be stacked under heavy boxes.
Correct labeling is one of the ways to make sure that the package will be put in safer places during transportation and storage. It is also advised by FedEx to use clear, visible labels on the four sides of the package so that the warning is not overlooked.
Besides, the use of orientation arrows can indicate the side of the box that should be kept up, thus handlers will not turn it the wrong way. Although labeling does not assure that there will be no damage, it is a very important step to elevate the treatment of your fragile shipment throughout its journey.
Protective Materials Used by FedEx to Prevent Damage
FedEx uses various protective materials to ensure the safe transport of fragile items. One of the popular materials is bubble wrap that provides a delicate surface with a cushion and makes the product a little resistant to shock. Besides, foam inserts and packing peanuts are used to fill the gaps in the box so as to prevent the product from moving during the transport.
In the case of heavy or extremely valuable fragile items, FedEx may resort to custom foam molds, air pillows, or double-boxing methods to give them more layers of protection. These materials help to create a buffer zone which lessens the effect of the drop, vibration or pressure from stacking.
Also, strong corrugated boxes and reinforced corners are employed to deepen the package structure. Thus, along with the proper labeling and handling, these protective materials used by FedEx will be your fragile shipment’s safe ticket to the perfect condition even after it is transported over a long distance or across the border.
Extra Handling Services Offered by FedEx
FedEx delivers additional handling services to customers who seek extra protection for fragile or highly valuable items. These are not just ordinary shipments, but specially treated packages that receive special attention throughout the delivery process.
One highlight is FedEx Extra Care Handling which is less mechanical and more manual, hence your package is handled with care, the conveyor belt is used less, and it is put in trucks or planes preferably where air flows or spaces are optimal for the package.
Moreover, if reasonable consideration is given to extremely fragile or costly things, FedEx, through FedEx Office and FedEx Custom Critical, extends the offer of customized packaging solutions. These may be services or products like professional packing by experts, temperature control, or specially designed packages. Besides, customers can opt to add on **shipping insurance that will cover the item’s value in case of damages.
When these extra handling options are employed, fragile items get more careful treatment, which is a major factor in the decrease of breakages due to sorting, transit, or delivery. This method is particularly great when you want to send glassware, electronics, antiques, or medical equipment that requires security.
Insurance Options for Fragile Shipments
In case you are shipping fragile things, you should definitely think of adding FedEx insurance, which is a very good means of protecting your shipment in monetary terms.
FedEx allows the clients to ‘attribute a value’ to their package, which is the utmost sum that they can get as a refund if the package is lost or damaged. This alternative is extremely handy for any kind of fragile or expensive items such as glassware, electronics, artwork, or antiques.
While arranging a shipment, one can buy FedEx Declared Value Coverage through the website or at the local shipping center. If the value of the item is beyond the standard coverage, you are allowed to purchase extra insurance to correspond to the full value.
In a situation when a customer experiences a loss or damage, they have an option of filing a claim along with providing the proof of value and damage in order to receive a compensation. Although insurance is not a solution to breakage, it still offers financial protection as well as peace of mind to the clients while their goods are being transported.
Tracking and Monitoring Fragile Deliveries
FedEx supplies reliable tracking and monitoring tools to customers that enable them to track their fragile shipments closely. Right after shipping your package, you are given a unique tracking number that permits you to track the whole route in real-time through the FedEx website or mobile app. The stages of the shipment such as pick up, processing at sorting facilities, in transit, and out for delivery, can all be seen by you.
In the case of extremely valuable or fragile pieces, FedEx offers advanced tracking options, which include detailed scan events and delivery notifications via email or text.
There are a few services that allow proactive monitoring, i.e., the FedEx teams monitor the progress of the shipment and deal with the delays quickly. By employing these tracking tools, the sender and the receiver can be completely informed, make plans for the safe receipt, and if there is an occurrence of any kind of issue, they can react immediately.
What to Do If a Fragile Item Arrives Damaged
If your delicate piece of work comes to you in a broken state, it is highly recommended that you do the following without wasting time: In the very first moment, it is very important to thoroughly inspect the package, and item, and make sure everything is in order.
In fact, take clear photos of the box, packaging materials, and the damaged product from different angles. These photos will be very helpful when you file a claim.
After that, be sure to hold on to all the packaging materials, such as the box and the cushioning because FedEx might require that you send them for inspection during the claims stage. On the FedEx website, or at a FedEx station, you can file a damage claim. You will require the tracking number, proof of value (such as a receipt), and your photos to do this.
FedEx will decide on the claim and, if they agree, they will give you the money you are entitled to either based on the declared value or the insurance. The faster you report the incident, the greater will be your chance of a smooth and successful claim process.
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