Packing FAQ [was: HP2648 heartbreak]

From: Vintage Computer Festival <vcf_at_siconic.com>
Date: Sat Feb 12 15:56:31 2005

On Sat, 12 Feb 2005, Eric F. wrote:

> Sellam wrote:
>
> > I have a packing FAQ that I usually send to people when
> > something is being shipped to me that I absolutely want
> > to get to me in one piece.
>
> This FAQ may be something worth posting to the list... ?

I've got two versions. Here's the first:

Please pack everything as tightly as possible so that the contents do not
shift around during shipping. Please try to avoid using lots of shredded
paper to package the materials. It works OK enough but it weighs
considerably more than styrofoam peanuts and increases the shipping cost.

Please avoid using companies like Mailboxes Etc. to pack the materials.
They will charge an excessive amount of money. If you cannot pack the
materials yourself, please have a friend or relative to do it for you
(and pay them if you must, we will reimburse you).

Please use either UPS Ground, Fedex Ground or the USPS to ship. If you
wouldn't mind, you can compare rates online at the UPS, Fedex and USPS
websites. Books are usually cheapest to ship using the USPS Book Rate
(ask the post office personnel to ship books at the "book rate").

UPS Quick Cost

http://www.ups.com/using/services/rave/rate.html

Fedex Rate Quote

http://www.fedex.com/us/rates/

USPS Rate Calculator

http://www.usps.gov/business/calcs.htm

Please send along a receipt of the shipping costs so that we can properly
reimburse you.

The address to send the package(s) to is:

VintageTech
2442 Research Drive
Livermore, California 94550

Thanks very much!

---
And here's the second (more detailed):
When packing an item, please keep these suggestions in mind:
Always use a strong packaging tape to seal boxes.  If you use
cheap tape, apply two or more strips on each seam.  For very heavy
items, please use gummed tape (this is the type that you moisten on
one side and then apply to the box seam).
Use a sturdy cardboard box with walls that are at least a quarter inch
thick (thicker for heavier items of 25lbs or more).
If you are reusing a container, please make sure it is not torn or weak
in any areas.  If so, please apply ample tape (gummed tape prefered) to
the area to prevent it from ripping during transit.  Please remove any
existing tape on opened flaps before applying new tape.
If you don't have a suitable box, please purchase one and add it to your
shipping costs.
For shipping one large item:
Wrap the item in bubble wrap and tape.  Place 1-2 inches of foam peanuts
at the bottom of the container.  Place the item inside.  Fill in the
remaining gaps with foam peanuts or remnants.  Pack the foam tightly.
The item should not be able to move.  There should be at least 1 inch
of foam surrounding the item.
For shipping several items in one box:
Wrap each item individually with bubble wrap and tape.  Place 1-2 inches
of foam peanuts at the bottom of the container.  Place each item inside
the container.  Fill around the item with foam peanuts.  There should be
at least an inch of foam around each item.  For especially heavy items,
you may want to create an individual compartment within the box for the
item by using pieces of cardboard.  Better yet, place heavy items in
their own box, then place the box with the rest of the items.  These
precautions are necessary because during shipping items can get shifted
severely.  Once all items are in the box, fill in the remaining gaps with
foam peanuts or remnants.  Pack the foam tightly.  No items should be
able to move.  There should be at least 1 inch of foam on each wall of
the container.
Never allow foam to come in contact with or get insied a computer.
Always cover the computer with a bag or bubble wrap.
Bare circuit boards should be wrapped inside either an anti-static bag
or in aluminum foil, then wrapped in bubble wrap.  When combining with
other items, they should be packed inside their own box to prevent the
chips on the board from being damaged, then placed in the box following
the guidelines above.
When shipping CRTs (monitors) place an extra sheet of thick cardboard
on the outside of the glass for added protection.
For shipping books or manuals:
Please wrap each volume or up to 4 volumes together in bubble wrap.  This
is to prevent any corners from being bumped.  Place them inside a sturdy
box.  Books can be combined with hardware if the guidelines above are
followed.
For shipping floppy disks, magnetic tapes, or other storage media:
For 1 or 2 disks, please place them between sturdy sheets of cardboard.
Otherwise, disks should ideally be shipped in either their original
cardboard box or a plastic disk storage container.
If disks are to be shipped with hardware, they must be placed inside
a sturdy box or container and then included with the rest of the hardware
following the guidelines above.
Place tapes inside their own box before combining with other items.
Any box that contains magnetic media (disks, tapes, etc.) should have
the words "MAGENTIC MEDIA INSIDE" prominently written on at least 2 sides
of the outside of the box in black or red marker.
---
Use either as you please.  I hereby release these works into the public
domain :)
Even better if you leave the shipping address the same and I get all your
goodies ;)
-- 
Sellam Ismail                                        Vintage Computer Festival
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Received on Sat Feb 12 2005 - 15:56:31 GMT