A Complete Guide to Fragile Goods Transportation: Ten Key Steps from Packaging to Sign-off

Transporting fragile goods is a “high-risk link” in the logistics industry. From glassware and ceramic products to precision instruments and electronic screens, such goods—characterized by fragile materials and sophisticated structures—often have a damage rate of 5% to 10%. This not only causes direct economic losses (e.g., over 100,000 yuan for a single damaged precision instrument) but also may delay project schedules and undermine customer trust. According to data from the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing, in 2023, claims disputes caused by improper operation in domestic fragile goods transportation accounted for 23% of total logistics disputes, with an average claim amount exceeding 8,000 yuan per case.

In fact, the risk of damage during fragile goods transportation is not uncontrollable. From “packaging protection” and “transportation management” to “sign-off confirmation,” each link has clear operating standards and risk avoidance key points. This article focuses on the full chain of fragile goods transportation, sorting out ten key steps from packaging to sign-off. Combined with practical cases and professional techniques, it provides a actionable “safety guide” for fragile goods transportation.

I. Step 1: Pre-Assessment – Clarify the Characteristics of Fragile Goods and Customize Protection Plans

Before packaging, a comprehensive assessment of the fragile goods’ “fragile points, weight, dimensions, and protection needs” is required to avoid insufficient protection or over-packaging (which increases transportation costs) caused by a “one-size-fits-all” packaging approach.

Core Operation Points:

1. Identify Fragile Points

• The fragile points of different fragile goods vary significantly: For glass products (e.g., wine glasses), the stems and rims are fragile; for ceramic products (e.g., vases), the necks and bottoms are prone to damage; for precision instruments (e.g., projectors), the lenses and displays require key protection; for electronic devices (e.g., laptops), the screens and interfaces are vulnerable to impact.
• Assessment methods: Check the product manual (which marks “fragile parts”) and conduct manual touch tests (to feel structural stability) to identify areas requiring key protection.

2. Confirm Transportation Environment Risks

• Predict environmental risks based on transportation methods (courier, road, air, sea): Road transportation requires anti-vibration measures (vibration frequency: 1-3 Hz); sea transportation requires moisture-proofing (humidity: 60%-80%); air transportation requires protection against pressure changes (precision instruments need sealing).
• Example: If wine glasses are transported by road (300 km, approximately 3 hours), anti-vibration protection should be strengthened; if ceramic tableware is transported by sea (15 days), additional moisture-proof packaging is necessary.

3. Develop a Protection Level Table

• Divide protection levels based on “goods value + fragility,” corresponding to different packaging materials and methods:

II. Step 2: Selection of Packaging Materials – Reject “Inferior Materials” – Choosing the Right Materials is the Foundation of Safety

The core of packaging fragile goods lies in “material adaptation.” Inferior or inappropriate packaging materials (e.g., thin bubble wrap, single-layer cartons) are one of the main causes of damage. Four core types of materials—”shock-absorbing, fixing, moisture-proof, and pressure-resistant”—should be selected based on the characteristics of the fragile goods.

Core Operation Points:

1. Shock-Absorbing Materials: Absorb Impact and Vibration

• Common shock-absorbing materials and their application scenarios:
• Bubble wrap: Suitable for wrapping irregular fragile goods (e.g., wine bottles). Choose “thickened bubble wrap” (bubble diameter ≥1cm, film thickness ≥0.15mm) and avoid “thin bubble wrap” (easily damaged with poor shock-absorbing effect);
• EPE foam: Suitable for protecting flat fragile goods (e.g., glass photo frames). With a thickness of 5-10mm, it can be cut into shapes matching the goods for better fit;
• Foam blocks/foam molds: Suitable for high-value precision goods (e.g., camera lenses). Custom foam molds enable “seamless fit between goods and mold,” preventing displacement during transportation;
• Air column bags: Suitable for batch transportation of small fragile goods (e.g., mobile phone screens). After inflation, they form independent shock-absorbing spaces, with impact resistance 3 times higher than that of bubble wrap.

2. Fixing Materials: Prevent Goods from Shifting Inside the Carton

• Directly wrapping fragile goods with transparent tape is prohibited (tape is highly adhesive and may scratch goods during unpacking). Instead, use:
• PP strapping tape: Used to fix shock-absorbing materials inside cartons. Choose PP strapping tape with a width ≥1.5cm and tensile strength ≥100N, and wrap it around the carton in a crisscross pattern to enhance pressure resistance;
• Filling cotton/newspapers: Fill gaps inside the carton (gaps ≤1cm) to prevent goods from shaking. Note: Newspapers should be crumpled into “fluffy balls” (not folded) to enhance shock absorption.

3. Protective Containers: Load-Bearing and Pressure-Resistant

• Choose “5-layer or thicker corrugated cartons” (bursting strength ≥1800kPa, edge compression strength ≥5000N/m) and avoid “3-layer thin cartons” (only suitable for non-fragile goods);
• For high-value fragile goods (e.g., antique vases), use “solid wooden crates” with a wood thickness ≥1.5cm. Line the interior with moisture-proof film, and mark warning signs such as “Fragile,” “This Side Up,” and “Do Not Stack” on the exterior (printed with red ink, font size ≥5cm).

4. Moisture-Proof Materials: Deal with Humid Environments

• Add moisture-proof materials for sea transportation or transportation in rainy areas:
• Calcium chloride desiccants: Choose desiccants with moisture absorption capacity ≥300% of their own weight. Place one 50g desiccant pack per 10L of space;
• Sealed bags: Put small fragile goods (e.g., watch dials) into “vacuum-sealed bags,” evacuate the air, and then place them in cartons to isolate moisture.

III. Step 3: Packaging Operation – “Layered Protection + Seamless Fit” – Standards for Every Step

The core of packaging operations is “layered protection, seamless fit, and no gaps.” Incorrect packaging methods (e.g., goods directly touching the carton, incomplete wrapping with shock-absorbing materials) will significantly reduce the protective effect.

Core Operation Points (Taking “Ceramic Tea Sets” as an Example):

1. First Layer: Individual Protection for Goods

• Wrap each part of the tea set (teacups, tea trays, teapots) with 5mm-thick EPE foam. Overlap the edges of the foam by 2cm and fix it with transparent tape (tape should not directly touch the tea set);
• Add 2 extra layers of bubble wrap to the spout and handle of the teapot (fragile points) to enhance protection.

2. Second Layer: Place in Inner Box/Shock-Absorbing Mold

• Put the wrapped tea set into a “custom EPE foam inner box” (each compartment of the inner box matches the size of the tea set with an error ≤0.5cm) to ensure no looseness inside the inner box;
• Lay 1 layer of air column bags at the bottom of the inner box and cover the top with 1 layer of EPE foam to fill gaps.

3. Third Layer: Place in Outer Carton and Fix

• Choose a 5-layer reinforced corrugated carton for the outer box. Seal the bottom of the carton with tape using the “crisscross method” (tape length ≥2 times the carton height) to enhance load-bearing capacity;
• Place the inner box into the outer carton and fill gaps between the outer carton and inner box with filling cotton. After closing the carton lid, shake the carton—if there is no “sound of goods colliding,” the fixing is qualified;
• Wrap the outer carton with PP strapping tape in 2 crisscross layers and seal the carton seams with tape (sealing width ≥5cm) to prevent seam cracking during transportation.

4. Warning Signs: Remind Transporters to Exercise Caution

• Attach 1 “Fragile Goods Warning Label” (size ≥10cm×10cm, red background + black font) to the front, side, and top of the carton, marking “Handle with Care” and “Do Not Stack”;
• For high-value goods, mark “Contains Precision Instruments – Inspection Required Before Sign-off” on the carton to increase transporters’ attention.

IV. Step 4: Selection of Logistics Service Providers – Reject “Low-Price Traps” – Prioritize Providers with “Fragile Goods Transportation Qualifications”

Choosing a logistics service provider for fragile goods is crucial. Ordinary logistics providers lack “fragile goods transportation experience and protective measures” (e.g., no anti-vibration devices in transport vehicles), resulting in a damage rate 5 times higher than that of professional providers.

Core Operation Points:

1. Screening Criteria: Focus on “Qualifications, Equipment, and Cases”

• Qualifications: Choose providers with “specialized qualifications for fragile goods transportation” (e.g., SF Express “Fragile Goods Dedicated Line,” JD Logistics “Precision Instrument Transportation”). Avoid “small unqualified courier companies” (no claim protection);
• Equipment: Confirm whether transport vehicles are equipped with “air suspension systems” (to reduce vibration) and whether warehouses have “dedicated storage areas for fragile goods” (moisture-proof and temperature-controlled);
• Cases: Request the provider to provide “cases of similar fragile goods transportation” (e.g., cases of transporting DSLR cameras) and inquire about the damage rate (high-quality providers should have a fragile goods damage rate ≤1%).

2. Reject “Low-Price Temptations”: Calculate “Damage Costs” Clearly

• Example: For transporting a batch of ceramic tableware worth 50,000 yuan, an ordinary logistics provider quotes 200 yuan (no fragile goods protection, damage rate 10%), while a professional provider quotes 500 yuan (damage rate 0.5%);
• Cost comparison: If damaged, the ordinary provider’s claim amount is approximately 5,000 yuan (50,000 yuan ×10%), resulting in a total cost of 200 + 5,000 = 5,200 yuan; the professional provider’s total cost is 500 + 250 (50,000 yuan ×0.5%) = 750 yuan, which is more cost-effective.

3. Clarify Claim Terms: Avoid “Claim Difficulties”

• When signing a transportation contract, clearly specify:
• Insured Value: Insure according to the actual value of the goods (do not “underinsure,” otherwise claims will be based on the insured value);
• Claim Timeframe: Require “claims to be initiated within 48 hours of damage and settled within 7 days”;
• Liability Definition: Clarify whether damage is caused by “improper packaging” (shipper’s liability) or “improper transportation operations” (logistics provider’s liability) to avoid evasion of responsibility.

V. Step 5: Pre-Transport Inspection – “Post-Packaging Testing + Information Verification” – Eliminate Risks Before Shipping

Packaging completion does not mean “everything is ready.” Physical tests are required to verify the protective effect, and logistics information should be checked to avoid misdelivery or loss caused by “information errors.”

Core Operation Points:

1. Physical Tests: Simulate Transportation Environments to Verify Protective Effect

• Three mandatory tests:
• Drop Test: Drop the packaged goods vertically from a height of 1.2 meters (simulating dropping during loading/unloading) onto a hard surface (e.g., concrete floor). Open the carton to check for damage. If shock-absorbing materials shift or goods crack, re-adjust the packaging plan;
• Shake Test: Hold the carton with both hands and shake it horizontally (1 time/second) for 10 seconds. If there is no “sound of goods colliding” inside the carton, the fixing is qualified; if there is noise, add more filling materials;
• Compression Test: Place a 5kg weight on top of the carton (simulating stacking pressure during transportation) and let it stand for 1 hour. Check for carton deformation (deformation ≤1cm is qualified). If the carton is dented, replace it with a thicker carton or add more strapping tape.

2. Information Verification: Avoid “Misdelivery or Missing Delivery”

• Verify logistics waybill information: Check the consignee’s name, phone number, and address “character by character,” especially details such as “community building number and floor” (e.g., “Building 1, XX Community” mistakenly written as “Building 10, XX Community” may lead to misdelivery);
• Mark special information: Note “Fragile – Handle with Care” and “Do Not Stack” on the waybill, and leave the shipper’s emergency contact number (to facilitate communication if problems arise during transportation);
• Take photos for records: Take photos of the packaged goods (including the waybill) for retention. These can serve as evidence for claims if damage or loss occurs later.

VI. Step 6: Selection of Transportation Methods – “Balance Between Timeliness and Safety” – Choose the Right Method for Different Scenarios

The transportation method for fragile goods should be selected based on “goods value, transportation distance, and timeliness requirements.” Blindly pursuing “low-cost slow transportation” or “express air transportation” may increase risks.

Core Operation Points:

1. Short-Distance Transportation (≤300km, 1-2 days): Prioritize Direct Road Lines

• Choose “direct dedicated lines” (no transshipment) and avoid “multi-stop transshipment” (more transshipments mean more loading/unloading and higher damage risks);
• Requirements for transport vehicles: Equipped with “air suspension systems” (to reduce road vibration) and “temperature-controlled compartments” (for moisture-sensitive fragile goods such as wooden crafts, control temperature at 15-25℃ and humidity ≤60%);
• Example: For transporting ceramic tableware from Hangzhou to Shanghai (170km), choose a direct Hangzhou-Shanghai road line. The transportation time is 4 hours, and the damage rate is 80% lower than that of transshipment.

2. Medium-to-Long-Distance Transportation (300-1000km, 3-5 days): Direct Road Lines or Air Transportation

• Low-value fragile goods (e.g., glass cups): Choose direct road lines (low cost, 3-4 days). Require the logistics provider to offer “real-time tracking and positioning” (check the goods’ location in real time to avoid mid-transport delays);
• High-value precision goods (e.g., medical equipment): Choose air transportation (1-2 days, reducing transportation time and vibration risks). Note: Air transportation requires “pressure-resistant and moisture-proof boxes” (to prevent packaging deformation caused by pressure changes).

3. Long-Distance/International Transportation (>1000km or cross-border): Sea Transportation + Professional Freight Forwarders

• Key points for sea transportation of fragile goods:
• Choose “Full Container Load (FCL)” and avoid “Less than Container Load (LCL)” (LCL goods require frequent loading/unloading and are prone to compression);
• Fix goods inside the container: Use wooden frames to fix goods to the container walls to prevent shifting during ship navigation (ship vibration frequency: 0.5-2Hz, which easily causes goods displacement);
• For international transportation, select “freight forwarders with fragile goods transportation experience” (e.g., when transporting glass products to Europe, they should be familiar with EU “fragile goods packaging standards” to avoid customs detention due to non-compliant packaging).

VII. Step 7: In-Transit Monitoring – “Real-Time Tracking + Abnormal Handling” – Respond Promptly to Emergencies

Fragile goods require “full-process monitoring” during transportation to avoid failure to handle emergencies (e.g., vehicle breakdowns, goods moisture damage) in a timely manner due to “loss of contact,” which increases the risk of damage.

Core Operation Points:

1. Real-Time Positioning and Tracking

• Require the logistics provider to offer “real-time goods positioning” (e.g., via GPS or logistics APP). Focus on:
• Whether the transportation route deviates (e.g., changing from “direct highway” to “provincial road detour”). Confirm if this is