Though couriers will accept most liquids, there are some liquids that are considered dangerous you will be unable to ship. It’s important to check with your local courier if you have any questions about the safety of a liquid.
Many of the liquids couriers don’t accept are substances that contain alcohol. But this doesn’t mean you can’t ship things like beer or wine. These types of beverages are usually accepted.
But other liquids like spirits, vape, aftershave, paints, and even perfumes are considered flammable items. Sahan Cargo may not ship these items because they could cause a danger to a carrier. In most cases, it is illegal to send something that could potentially cause harm to a carrier.
That means other things like bleach, gasoline, nail polish, and poisonous liquids are out too.
Again, it’s important to check with your courier service to find out what liquids are acceptable and which will be turned away.
TIPS ON HOW TO SHIP LIQUIDS SAFELY
There are a few different ways you can ship liquids, but the most important thing to consider is leaks. A liquid that isn’t packaged properly can cause a lot of damage to other items inside a package. In the worst case scenarios, it can even leak through the package and damage other packages.
Besides, what’s the point of shipping an item that will be gone by the time it arrives at its destination?
With that in mind, here are a few tips for packaging and shipping liquids safely.
1. MAKE SURE THE PRODUCT HAS A DOUBLE SEAL
A double seal is an extra layer of plastic either around the lid of the bottle or in the shape of a peel-off lid.
These double seals should keep the lid secure, and you won’t need any extra packaging around the bottle itself if it comes with a double seal. If your product doesn’t have a double seal, you should wrap a strip of strong tape around the lid area.
Making sure the lid won’t pop off during shipping is your first step.
2. PUT THE LIQUID IN A WATERPROOF BAG
Place the bottle containing your liquid inside a waterproof bag. If it sticks out of the bag, you need to find a large waterproof bag. The bottle should be completely sealed inside the waterproof bag.
Make sure the waterproof bag is completely closed.
Put Your Bottle (Waterproof Bag and All) in a Second Waterproof Bag
This is the best way to prevent leaking.
Once inside the second waterproof bag, take the tops of both bags and twist them together. You should then fold the twisted tops down over itself a few times and use a strong rubber band to hold the packaging in place.
If you don’t have any rubber bands, you can also use packing tape to keep the bags in place.
(Waterproof bags aren’t hard to find. Most places, including grocery stores, usually sell them).
3. PUT YOUR PACKAGED PRODUCT IN A CARDBOARD BOX
Spread a layer of foam peanuts or other packing material on the bottom of the bock. This will protect your product when it’s set on hard surfaces or other boxes.
Once there’s a nice layer on the bottom, place your product in the box and fill any leftover space with more foam peanuts. You should also put another layer of packing material on the top of your package. This will give it a layer of protection if other boxes are set on top of it.
4. PREPARE THE BOX
Tape any seams of your box closed with strong packing tape. This will the lid from opening as it’s handled and shipped.
Keep in mind, one layer of tape might not be enough. If you don’t feel like your box is properly secured after a single layer of tape, add a few other layers for good measure.
5. MARK YOUR BOX
Either using stickers or a permanent marker, make sure you write the words “LIQUID” and “Fragile” on every side of the package. This will let handlers know they must be careful with the box.
SHIPPING PERISHABLE LIQUIDS
Shipping perishable liquids should be packaged roughly the same, but because they must be kept cold, there will be a few alterations.
When you’re packing a perishable liquid, do everything the same until you’re ready to put your product into the box (sealing it in double waterproof bags).
1. PUT YOUR LIQUID IN A STYROFOAM COOLER
Instead of putting your waterproof bagged liquid directly into your cardboard box, any perishable liquids should go into a styrofoam cooler first. This will insulate the product from the heat and keep it at the temperature it’s supposed to be.
Once inside the cooler, surround the liquid with frozen gel packs. This will both keep it cold and keep it from sliding around inside the cooler.
2. PUT THE STYROFOAM COOLER IN A CARDBOARD BOX
Again, make sure there is a layer of foam peanuts or other packing material on the bottom of the box. Then once you put the entire styrofoam cooler in the box, fill the empty space with more foam peanuts.
Make sure the cooler is completely secure inside the box so it won’t move around and damage your product.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SHIPPING
While non-perishable liquids may not need any special type of shipping, you’ll want to get same day or overnight shipping for perishable liquids. This will ensure it doesn’t get too warm during shipment and spoil.
Remember, the faster your product reaches its final destination, the lower the risk of damage will be.
SHIPPING LIQUIDS SAFELY
Before you start shipping liquids, check with your local courier to make sure they’re able to deliver the product safely. And never go easy on the packaging. Because leaking is a risk, you should always seal your liquid in double waterproof bags and make sure it’s secure inside your cardboard box.
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