I agree with Jim, but would like to add a sidenote. I recently went to a "UPS" store to have a fragile item shipped, not a radio. I asked them if they did the expanding foam packing and they said, "OK YES". When the item got to the other end it was destroyed and not foam packed. Yes, I insured it and yes I got reimbursed, but that is not the point. Follow Jim's instructions, don't skimp. Do it right and you will not be disappointed.
Mel, K6KBE --- On Sun, 2/27/11, Robert Harmon <k...@pacbell.net> wrote: From: Robert Harmon <k...@pacbell.net> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Radio Packing for Shipping To: "Jim Harris" <jim.w...@yahoo.com> Cc: "Elecraft Email" <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> Date: Sunday, February 27, 2011, 5:11 PM Jim, Thanks for the excellent guide on packing. I wasn't aware of the settling issue with packing peanuts, thats good to know. I will be packing up an Alpha amplifier for shipping soon, your info is duly noted! tnx es 73, Bob K6UJ On Feb 27, 2011, at 4:08 PM, Jim Harris wrote: > Hi to all, > > I've been reading the comments on packing radio's for shipping with > considerable interest. I've spent many years in the packing and shipping > world and offer a few comments here. Some years back I authored a several > page paper on packing that has been on eHam and I've give permission for it > to appear in a book on amateur radio. > > There are two aspects to consider when shipping. First is to obviously > protect the item, radio in this case, from damage. The amount and type of > packaging depends on fragility, weight and value of the item. As a broad and > general guideline the average modern non-tube radio should have at least four > inches of packing between the item and the outside of the box. Wrap the item > in two inches of bubble wrap and place it in a corrugated box. Wrap that box > in two more inches of bubble wrap and place in a second box. Notice there is > no mention of packing peanuts. They settle 10-15 percent in transit and > should only be used in corners and similar location and not as cushioning. > Be sure nothing will move or rattle inside either box. Slightly over stuff > the boxes. Use plenty of good quality packing tape, not cellophane or duct > tape on the boxes. Put name, to and from addresses, phone number, RMA number > etc in each box along with invoice and > other paper work. Put the RMA number on the outside of the box. Up to six > inches of cushioning may be needed depending on, again fragility, weight and > value including double wall boxes or crates. Seek a professionals guidance > if there is any question. > > Second is to assure you pack adequately so you can collect from the carrier > should the item be damaged. All carriers publish similar packing > guidelines. While an inch of packing may protect many items, if the item is > NOT packed in accordance with the carriers guidelines you will be awarded the > dreaded "insufficient cushioning" award from the carrier and the carrier will > NOT pay an insurance claim. Regardless of the amount of insurance or who is > responsible for the damage. > > Pack in accordance with the carriers guidelines. (See their websites for > guidelines.) Without doing so may result in damage and denial of a claim if > there is damage. > > BTW, do buy insurance. It's cheap when compared to the overall cost of your > radio. If there is damage be prepared to substantiate the insured > value. Don't be so foolish as to poorly pack a $2000 radio, insure it for > $5000 and expect to receive the full insured amount when it's damaged. The > carriers have heard and denied every scheme you can imagine. > > > Take pride in the USA. 73 > > > > Jim, W0EM > > > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
