Packing Engineering needed for shipping frames

Rozmataz

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Jun 13, 2002
Posts
2,773
Loc
Fingerlakes Region of NYS
I know I have received framed items by freight that have been packed really carefully with a piece of corrugated that lifts it off the base and sides of the carton...

Does anyone have a good template for something like this? Or other packing suggestions.

What I am shipping are two frames that are 15" round outside dimensions - with glass - of course. Very lightweight pieces.

Thanks,

Roz
 
I have received several boxes that you describe from the Disney Corporation that uses them to ship their framed animated cels. They are beautifully packaged with an “egg carton” foam to protect the “art”.

Unfortunately other than the Disney Logo there is no indication who really manufactured the product.

However, try ULINE.

They’ve got all kinds of nifty packaging products that you might be able to adapt.
 
Roz,

I have used a method for the past 8 or 9 years that has worked well for me. I haven't had a single damage claim and have shipped over the entire country and also to England and Japan.

I build a shipping crate out of 1x4 lumber, sometimes called firring strips in the construction stores, that is about 2" bigger in dimension all directions than the frame. If the frame is deeper, I go to 1x6 lumber and larger. I miter the sides on my chop saws, glue and screw the corners together much like building a frame, and cover the flat faces with 1/8" masonite. It is fairly cheap and is strong. Place one face on the framework and then fill the cavity with enough 1" bubble wrap to center the framing in the center of the crate in all directions. After placing the framing in the crate, fill the remainder with 1" bubble wrap and place the masonite top on it. I glue and use 1" deck screws to fasten everything together. It may require some work to open up at its destination but it is far better than receiving a crushed cardboard box with broken framing in it.

In case you are wondering about charges, I charge $35 for any small crates up to about 14x18 and $45 - $50 for larger crates up to about 32x40 (plus actual shipping charges). I use a time and materials scale for anything larger than that.

I hope this gives you some ideas on how to proceed.

Framerguy
 
I have given up on the flexability of bubble back sheets and "poly foam popcorn". Instead I have been using 1" - 1.5" rigid stryrofoam sheeting from Home Depot. There is no shifting of the padding. I then cover the foam package (all 6 sides have foam) with 2 layers of triple wall corrugated board (300# rating vs 200# rating). The triple wall board is from the bottoms of 40x60 foam center board cartons. It is stronger (heavier and thicker) than the tops.
 
I have used a technique similar to what LJ uses when they ship their models. Set two pieces of strong cardboard on the face and obverse of the framed piece. Cut the cardboard about 6" larger than the piece on all four sides. Use any method you want to make sure the piece stays in the center of the cardboard. (ie, heavy foam, bubble wrap, or cut down into the cardboard on each side with two cuts and bend the center around the frame.) Then, place this "frame holder" into a box that is just the size of the cardboard and high enough to add at least one layer of large bubble wrap (I like two) to either side.

When you're done, the frame is floating in the center of the larger box. The only thing that will do it harm is a direct hit with a fork truck. Most "casual" assaults on the sides of the box do not penetrate the box, the spacing, and the inside cardbaord. I have shipped like that across the US with no problem.

This is realatively inexpensive, yet sturdy.

Hope that was clear.
 
Wow! What great techniques...

Cliff - that is the one I couldn't remember how it was done...How would you put 2 together in one box??

and Jerry - funny - I don't trust UPS with stuff ever since my mother watched as they threw (literally) boxes of my prized possessions off the back of the truck onto the driveway - years ago!! Fortunately only one item broke.

Thanks,

Roz
 
I usually put one to a box, but if I were to put two in, I'd package them in the two pieces of cardboard as before, separate them with an "air space" like foam or bubble wrap, and place them with the glass facing inward.

The shipping store across the street always puts a film on the glass in case it breaks, but I haven't seen the necessity for that.
 
Roz,

I use picture packers and boxes I had made to fit the packers specifically. If Greg is going to be in the area and he can let me know,I can have them at the store. I bought cases of the packers when we were shipping a lot. I can have a set(s) at the store, along with a box to use and he can take them with him. You can actually pack both and use the same box (box is large enough) - box size requires fed ex or someone [like them to ship. Post office will accept smaller boxes and they seem to arrive in better shape.
OR, check out their website:
URL=http://www.picturepacker.com]picture packer[/URL]

Greg needs to let me know ahead of time so I can bring them to the store - he can't "appear" like he usually does :D

elaine
 
check out www.airfloatsys.com
They build and sell corrugated cardboard boxes and flats specifically designed for shipping framed and unframed art.

For what its worth...I've had both DHL and Fedex stick the tines of a forklift through a crate made of Masonite or 1/4" plywood and 1 by material. The DHL was an empty frame, so it didn't matter. The Fedex was two framed prints...skewered.

Take note of the limit of liability and limitations on specific materials that won't be covered (glass for instance) should an incident occur with any of the major carriers. USPS is the only one you can ship items of excess value with glass and still obtain insurance directly. You will have to buy insurance from a third party should you choose to ship UPS, DHL, or Fedex.
 
Thanks for the suggestions of package comapnies. I've got a customer wanting 1400 16X20 frames over the next two year period to ship out and wants glass in the frame. I need to get the quote in and was wondering where to go for adequate shipping containers.

Thanx!

Dave Makielski

"Pull together...Get farther faster."
 
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