Most shipping damage doesn’t happen in the air or on the road. It happens before the package even leaves your hands. Minor mistakes like a misstep in packing, a forgotten label or a box that seemed ‘good enough’ make the difference between a seamless delivery and a costly disaster.
Tech shipments don’t get special treatment. They tumble down conveyor belts, get tossed into trucks and sit in sorting facilities for hours — just like everything else. If you’re not protecting them properly, you’re rolling the dice every time you send one out.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Shipping Automotive and Mechanical Parts Safely
The biggest mistakes that cost you money
Even businesses that ship tech products daily can run into avoidable expensive mistakes. Some of the most common include:
- Weak packaging – If your box isn’t built to absorb impact, the device inside will.
- Skipping key labels – Placing labels over seams or using incorrect handling instructions can cause delays or outright rejections.
- Making theft easy – Branded packaging, a lack of signature requirements or improper security can make expensive shipments easy targets.
- Overlooking insurance gaps – Think carrier liability covers you? Not always. Many shippers assume their package is fully protected, only to find out their carrier’s liability is capped far below the value of most tech products.
Avoiding these risks doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your shipping process, just a few strategic adjustments.
Packaging tech shipments the right way
The best defense against damage is solid, impact-resistant packaging. If you’re using the manufacturer’s original box, that’s a good start — but it’s rarely enough on its own.
Instead, make sure to:
- Use the double-boxing method – Place the manufacturer’s box inside a larger outer box with cushioning in between.
- Cushion devices with at least three inches of material – Use anti-static foam, air cushions or molded inserts to prevent movement and absorb impact.
- Reinforce seams and edges with high-quality packaging tape – Use the H-taping method to avoid splits and tears in transit.
And avoid:
- Using packing peanuts incorrectly — If using loose-fill peanuts, ensure they surround the item on all sides to prevent shifting.
- Reaching for standard bubble wrap — Standard bubble wrap can generate static, which may damage sensitive electronics. Always choose an anti-static version.
- Overstuffing boxes — Too much pressure can crack screens or damage internal wiring.
Once packed, shake the box gently. If you hear movement, you need more cushioning. A properly packed tech shipment should feel like it’s cushioned in place, ready to handle whatever bumps come its way.
Preventing theft before it happens
Electronics are one of the most frequently stolen shipment categories, and thieves are getting smarter about how they target packages. To reduce risks:
- Use plain, unbranded packaging — Flashy boxes advertise what’s inside and make your shipment an easy target.
- Require a signature for delivery — This prevents packages from being left unattended and disappearing from doorsteps.
- Choose secure drop-off locations — Shipping to a business address or secure locker adds another layer of protection.
Related: When porch pirates strike, build customer loyalty instead
The final layer of protection
Even the best packaging and security measures can’t prevent everything. Accidents happen. Packages get dropped, stolen or lost in transit. That’s why shipping insurance is a must, especially for high-value tech products.
Related: Understanding Parcel Insurance
Carrier liability is often not enough, leaving businesses to cover losses out of pocket. But third-party shipping insurance can offer an added layer of protection, helping you mitigate losses if something goes wrong.
Want full protection for your tech shipments? See how Parcel Insurance Plan can keep your business covered from damage, delays and disasters. Start with a quote today: pipinsure.com/quote/.
