Ship records safely: cases, stabilization and cardboard

A record can be damaged by pressure, movement and unfavorable storage. Therefore, a suitable format, stable surfaces and a clean separation of plate and outer packaging are important for shipping. A thin envelope alone is not enough for a sensitive phonogram.

Measure according to the full content

Measure plate, inner sleeve, cover and any existing inserts. In the case of 12-inch plate is often a packaging format around 320 × 320 mm offered, but the actual usable space must fit the complete structure. Double albums and several plates require more height. Do not press the content into a too flat box.

Prepare the plate

Gently touch the phonogram and use a suitable, clean inner sleeve. With an open collection, it may be useful to pack the record in its inner shell next to the cover so that it does not hit the cover edge when moving. The record remains protected; “outside the cover” does not mean loose and unprotected.

In the case of an original sealed collector’s item, you agree the procedure with the receiver. A sealed output should not be opened without consultation. An additional protective construction may be required for valuable or special formats.

Stabilize and secure against movement

1. Separate sensitive surfaces with suitable covers.
2. Place stable, matching intermediate layers on both sides of the packaged album.
3. Use a sufficiently solid record shipping box.
4. Close small cavities without creating any pressure on plate or cover.
5. Check whether the content is moving in the closed package.

For several plates all individual pieces need a suitable protection. Intermediate layers and the available height must match the entire stack. A larger quantity makes a previously suitable carton not automatically resilient enough.

Closure outer packaging

Use the intended closure or a suitable packing tape. Old shipping labels must be removed. A reference to sensitive content can supplement the labelling but does not guarantee any special treatment. The packaging should be designed for the normal transport process.

Dispatch and storage

Check external dimensions and weight at the specific shipping service. InPost subjects mentioned in the original are not specifications for German providers. After reception, records should be stored clean, dry, far from heat sources and in an appropriate upright position. A shipping box is not automatically a permanent archive solution.

Undamaged packaging can serve again if stability and dimensions fit. In particular, check corners and flat protective layers. At the next shipment, the protection structure must be evaluated for the actual content.