Fragile items are at risk of breaking when shipments aren’t handled with care. From packaging to delivery, each step must be done right to avoid loss. Whether you ship electronics, glassware, or sensitive tools, the right approach can make all the difference.
Poor handling doesn’t just break items—it can break customer trust too. In fact, 73% of participants indicated that they would be unlikely to purchase from the company again after receiving a damaged item.
In this blog, we look at how fragile shipping can be improved to reduce the risk of items getting damaged in transit and to protect customer relationships.
What Fragile Shipping Needs to Work Well
To understand what fragile shipping needs to work well, you have to consider all the steps that ensure safe delivery from start to finish. It’s not just about packing a box—it’s about building a complete, reliable process:
- Identify Fragile Features: Determine the item’s breakable areas, such as corners, glass parts, or sensitive components. This helps inform the type of support needed.
- Choose Packaging Materials Wisely: Use packaging that fits the item’s shape, size, and weight. Pick from bubble wrap, foam inserts, corrugated dividers, or molded pulp for different needs.
- Cushion and Box Items Securely: Ensure items are snug inside the box with no empty spaces. Use double-boxing for added safety when needed.
- Label for Visibility and Compliance: Apply “Fragile” and “Handle with Care” labels in multiple spots. Use arrows to indicate upright positioning.
- Train Teams on Handling Procedures: Make sure all staff involved in packing, moving, and loading know the correct procedures to avoid mistakes that lead to broken items.
Each of these practices supports the full fragile shipping process and helps build a more reliable supply chain. A strong distribution management system ensures these practices are consistently applied at scale, reducing errors and delays across the board.
Steps in Freight Handling That Prevent Breakage
Freight handling plays a major role in whether fragile items arrive intact or broken. Even with perfect packaging, the way shipments are handled in transit can make or break a delivery—literally. That’s why it’s important to follow a reliable set of steps that reduce risk every step of the way.
Let’s walk through the steps that help protect fragile items during freight handling:
Step 1: Pre-Shipment Inspection
Check each item before it ships. Look for any cracks, weak areas, or defects. Avoid shipping anything already worn or cracked.
Step 2: Correct Packaging
Use strong boxes, corner protectors, and materials like foam, bubble wrap, or air pillows. Match materials to item weight and shape.
Step 3: Proper Labeling
Always mark the box as “Fragile.” Include arrows showing which side should face up. Use clear and waterproof labels.
Step 4: Gentle Loading
Place fragile boxes on top, not underneath heavier loads. Train staff to avoid tossing or dragging boxes.
Step 5: Controlled Movement
Use trolleys, forklifts, or carts when moving delicate shipments. Make sure handling equipment is in good shape and used properly.
With these freight handling steps, the risk of something getting damaged in transit is much lower. Freight handling is not just a support process—it’s a critical part of delivering fragile items safely and maintaining your company’s reputation. With proper freight handling, and using advanced Transport Management Systems (TMS) can further streamline this process, allowing better tracking, route planning, and handling coordination..
The Common Causes of Damage in Transit
When it comes to fragile shipping, understanding what causes items to get damaged in transit is just as important as knowing how to prevent it. Many issues occur before the item even leaves the warehouse. Others happen during transportation or at the final handling stage. These causes can seem small, but they lead to big losses when not managed properly.
Below is a breakdown of the most common reasons fragile shipments end up damaged in transit, and what they can cost your business.
| Cause | How It Affects Fragile Shipping |
| Poor Packaging | Items shift, bump, and break easily. |
| Rough Handling | Boxes get dropped, crushed, or stacked incorrectly. |
| Inadequate Labels | Handlers don’t know what’s inside or how to treat it. |
| Moisture or Heat | Materials warp, melt, or corrode if not protected. |
| Long Transit Time | More time on the road means more chances for impact. |
To improve fragile shipping, you need to control these risks. Use stronger materials, better labeling, and quick routes. A solid transportation management strategy can tie these elements together, optimizing delivery paths and ensuring fewer items are damaged in transit.
Damaged in transit claims can also hurt your brand’s reputation and increase insurance costs. Reducing the number of items damaged in transit is a smart way to improve customer retention.
Shipping Protection Tips That Make a Real Difference
When shipping breakable items, every layer of protection matters. Whether you’re choosing the right box, the best filler, or deciding how to label each mailer, attention to detail prevents disappointment. The right tools—like a sticker that clearly says “Handle with Care” or a bubble cushioning wrap for moving—go a long way.
Use the tips below to protect fragile items better. These suggestions are built around proven shipping protection practices that reduce breakage and improve delivery outcomes:
Tip #1: Double-Box Delicate Items
Place a padded inner box inside a larger outer box. Fill the space between the two boxes with cushioning material to prevent impact from rough handling or drops.
Tip #2: Use the Right Fill
Choose protective materials based on the item’s size and weight. Use bubble wrap for light goods and foam inserts for heavier or sharp-edged products to avoid movement and breakage.
Tip #3: Seal With Strong Tape
Apply at least three strips of strong tape across all seams, and reinforce the edges to prevent the box from splitting open during transit.
Tip #4: Avoid Empty Space
Prevent items from shifting during transport by filling all gaps with packing material, ensuring a snug and secure fit inside the box.
Tip #5: Test Your Packaging
Drop-test your boxes to see how they hold up under stress. Make adjustments to your materials and techniques based on what fails during the test.
Tip #6: Work With Experienced Carriers
Partner with carriers that specialize in freight handling. Their experience ensures safer loading, transport, and delivery for fragile items every step of the way.
Shipping protection is not just about the box—it’s about the full journey. Strong shipping protection ensures items survive loading docks, long drives, and final delivery. Companies that prioritize shipping protection reduce returns, increase customer satisfaction, and lower operational risks. Every layer of shipping protection you add helps defend against impact, vibration, or environmental damage.
Let’s Keep Your Fragile Shipments Safe
We understand how frustrating it is to deal with broken items, unhappy customers, and lost revenue due to products damaged in transit. That’s why Supply Chain Solutions partners with businesses to improve fragile shipping from the inside out—from better packaging to smarter freight handling. Our goal is to provide shipping protection that actually works.
Let us help you build a custom shipping protection plan that fits your products and your operations. Contact us today to make fragile shipping and items damaged in transit—one less thing to worry about.
