Top 15 Tips for Packing and Shipping Sports Equipment
Sports are one of the main reasons people travel to various destinations around the world. As such, it has become quite common for sports geeks to travel with bikes, skis, surfboards and other sports equipment. It is, therefore, important that the sports equipment are packed and securely shipped for you to get the best out of them. RunRex provides you with packing and shipping tips that will have your equipment get to their destination safe and in good condition.
1. Ship the equipment on time
It is important that you arrange for early shipment to ensure that you do not miss the competition you are to attend or have to incur more expenses by hiring equipment in case of late arrival. It is quite common for shipment to experience hitches like delays or even having your shipment sent to the wrong destination. Shipping early can help you sort out these challenges early enough to ensure you are on time for your sporting expedition.
2. Pad each sports gear piece separately
Separately padding each piece minimizes the risk of any damage happening to them during transit. They could break or be starched hence reducing their value and their performance. If the equipment is a rental, you will end up incurring more cost courtesy of the damages.
3. Use hard casing
Hard casings protect the equipment even when the ride is bumpy. It is the most recommended option to take if you have sports equipment that is quite expensive. Getting these type of casings will require you to pay more due to increase in the dimension or the shipping box, the extra costs are worth it, and you cannot compare them to the costs of replacing damaged equipment.
4. Employ the services of equipment shipping companies
While you can ship using regular airlines’ shipment services, the costs you will incur will be quite high. Equipment shipping companies offer this service for sports equipment at lower prices. Bulk shipments can earn you discounts. Hence you will end up saving more. These companies, also, provide more assurance with regards to the safety of your sports equipment.
5. Have quality insurance
Quality insurance will help you minimize the financial implications that may befall you experience any damage or loss of your equipment during transit. As such, purpose to get a comprehensive insurance cover that will take care of all aspects the shipping.
6. Lock your bag
It is an extra precaution to take to prevent your equipment from falling off or someone stealing them. A combination lock for your travel-bag can go a long way in ensuring the safety of your equipment.
7. Use water proof shipping boxes
Many metallic materials tend to rust when exposed to water. It is, therefore, vital that a person uses a water proof shipping box for all their equipment to ensure that the integrity of their equipment stays intact throughout the shipping process.
8. Expensive sports gadgets should be in the carry-on bag
There are various electronic devices used for sporting. Having them shipped in the shipping box puts them at risk or being stolen. Also, most insurance providers do not cover for such gadgets. As such, it is important that you carry them with you just to ensure that they are safe.
9. Label your shipping box and bag
Label your shipping box with a visible mark because the tag by the shipping company may rip off. In case such happens, it may be quite difficult to identify your package. Therefore, have your shipping box labeled for easy tracking.
10. Call professionals to help you with the packing
This idea might seem irrelevant to you, but the truth is that letting a professional handle the packaging will help you avoid any problems with the packing. The professional will do the packaging professionally, save you time and help your shipping process be smooth.
11. Contact your destination in advance
Contact you shipment destination in advance and know their policies. If you don’t comply with policies, your equipment may be sent back hence inconveniencing you. Get to sort out the specifics in advance for a smooth process.
12. Confirmation numbers
Confirmation numbers will help in the identification of your package once it gets to its destination. It will make sure that the recipient has an easy time confirming the arrival of the shipment to the destination.
13. Let the shipping company start the shipping right from you packed your equipment
It gives you some leverage in case of any damage to the equipment during transit. Let the shipping company handle the transportation right from where the packing took place.
14. Look out for shipping discounts
The various shipping companies usually have discounts for loyal customers. Clients who are shipping in huge volumes will most likely benefit from the discounts. Always watch out for any discount offered by the shipping company as you can save some cash.
15. Track your shipment
From the moment the shipment process begins, maintain communication with the shipment company to track your shipment and have them update you regularly on the status of your shipment.