Shipping electronics can be daunting. After all, electronic devices, such as laptops, phones, and others, are delicate and potentially hazardous items. They can break or create dangerous situations during transit if not handled properly.
Because of this, sending electronics requires extra caution. And it makes the process more complex than shipping ordinary items. Fortunately, there are a few key points to keep in mind that can guide you through the process of shipping any electronic equipment.
Research package shipping regulations
People often find package shipping confusing or intimidating because they don’t know or don’t understand the regulations. That’s why it’s essential to start by researching what there is to know about shipping particular goods.
Although parcel shipping is available almost anywhere in the world, not all items can be sent freely. Some are prohibited and others are restricted because they can pose a danger to people involved in package delivery. And the trickiest part is that each country has its own regulations.
That’s why when shi
Disassemble the device if possible
When dealing with sending electronic equipment, keep in mind two types of security – the safety of the people involved and the safety of the item. The latter can be done by properly preparing the gadget for shipment.
For that, disassemble the device as much as possible. This includes removing any attached accessories, such as cables, and taking out parts that can be disconnected. It’s necessary so that no part of the equipment is sticking out. Otherwise, the equipment could get damaged during transportation.
Disassembling makes it easier to pack electronics. It is a lot simpler and safer to wrap each part of the device separately. And then put them all into the shipping box rather than try to safeguard every protruding element.
Separating the accessories can also help you to save on shipping costs. It allows you to divide the weight of the equipment between several packages. To check what is more beneficial – to send electronics in one or multiple parcels – consult a shipping rates calculator.
Apply safety measures for sending lithium-ion batteries
What makes shipping electronics complicated is that many devices contain lithium-ion batteries. They are a great way to power up a gadget, but they also come with risks. Lessening them is a must to ensure the safety of the people involved.
Lithium-ion batteries can overheat and they’re vulnerable to high voltage. Because of these characteristics, they’re classified as hazardous goods in package shipping. Nonetheless, you can ship them internationally by complying with the respective safety measures.
There are two main things to keep in mind. First of all, do not remove the battery from the device. It may seem safer to separate it from the equipment. But in reality, this can do more harm than good. Lithium-ion batteries can accumulate static electricity when taken out and ignite as a result.
Secondly, do not charge the battery to full before packing the electronics for shipping. It’s recommended to keep the charge around 30%. It will lessen the risk of the battery malfunctioning and catching fire.
Secure the power button
For the safest package delivery, make sure that the electronic equipment doesn’t turn on during transportation. If a gadget switches on, it can heat up, affect the lithium-ion battery and cause a dangerous accident. That’s why it’s critical to double-check if you have properly turned the device off and take measures to secure the power button.
You can cover the power button with a small piece of cardboard or simply tape over it. Both of these measures can easily be removed once electronics delivery is completed and won’t damage the equipment in any way.
If you follow these steps thoroughly, shipping electronics won’t be a difficulty, but rather a smooth and safe process.
Author’s bio
Ernesta Ranonyte is a marketing specialist from AEC Parcel Service and specializes in outlining packing and shipping tips in her creative content.
