Packaging Computer Shipments

To help protect your computers and peripherals from shock

and vibration during transit, follow these instructions for
shipping via FedEx

services.
Page 2
Recommended Packaging Options
This brochure will help you pack and prepare your
computer and peripheral shipments. Follow the
instructions for the packaging method of your choice.
Shipping with original manufacturers packaging.
Shipping without original manufacturers packaging.
Shipping in a FedEx Laptop Box.
Shipping in a transit case.
Packaging freight shipments.
Shipping With Original
Manufacturers Packaging
Original packaging is usually designed to ship the
product once, not multiple times. Reuse can weaken
the packaging and place the inside product at risk.
Overboxing provides extra integrity for the weakened
original manufacturers packaging.
Using Original Packaging and an Outer Box
Inspect the original packaging to ensure that the
cushioning material and box are intact and unbroken.
Make any repairs with pressure-sensitive adhesive
plastic tape that is at least 2" wide. Pack the product
using all the original packaging components.
Obtain a box that is at least 6" larger in length, width,
and height than the original manufacturers packaging.
Fill the bottom of the box with 3" of packing material
(e.g., air-cellular cushioning material such as Bubble
Wrap

or loosefill peanuts). Do not use crushed paper.

Center the original manufacturers packaging inside
the outer box and fill empty spaces on all sides and the
top with packing material. The inner box should be sur-
rounded with at least 3" of packing material around all
six sides of the inner box.
Apply at least three strips of pressure-sensitive adhesive
plastic tape that is at least 2" wide to both the top and
bottom of the carton to protect the package and its
contents. Tape all seams or flaps.
Shipping Without Original
Manufacturers Packaging
We recommend three methods for shipping your computers
and peripherals if you dont have, or prefer not to use, the
original manufacturers packaging.
Using Air-Cellular Cushioning Material
Wrap the computer or peripheral on all sides with at
least 3" to 4" of air-cellular cushioning material. Place
the wrapped item inside a sturdy outer box. Accessories
that are wrapped in appropriate amounts of cushioning
can also be placed in any open spaces of the box. Fill all
spaces with additional cushioning so that the wrapped
item fits tightly inside the box. If no open spaces exist,
pack accessories in an additional box.
Close and seal both the top and bottom of the box with
three strips of pressure-sensitive plastic tape that is at
least 2" wide. Tape all seams or flaps.
Accessories
Original
manufacturers
cushioning
Original
manufacturers
box
Packing
material
Outer box
Computer or peripheral wrapped
in a minimum 3" thickness of
Bubble Wrap

material
Accessories
Outer box
Page 3
Using Loosefill Peanuts
Since this type of packing material allows the packaged
item to settle to the bottom of the box, it is important
to use the overbox method of packaging. The inner box
should be at least 4" greater in length, width, and height
than the item you are shipping. This will allow for 2" of
space for all six sides. The outer box should be at least
6" greater in length, width, and height than the inner box.
This will allow 3" of space between the inner box and
the outer box.
Wrap the computer or peripheral in a plastic bag to
prevent the loosefill peanuts from getting inside the unit.
Fill the bottom of the inner box with at least 2" of loosefill
peanuts and center the wrapped item inside the box. Fill
empty spaces on all sides and top with loosefill peanuts,
ensuring that there is at least 2" of loosefill peanuts on
all six sides of the item. Pack accessories such as power
cords, keyboards, and external drives separately, away
from the computer or peripheral.
Close and seal both the top and bottom of the box with
three strips of pressure-sensitive plastic tape that is at
least 2" wide.
Fill the bottom of the outer box with at least 3" of loosefill
peanuts and center the inner box inside the outer box. Fill
empty spaces on all sides and top of the inner box with
loosefill peanuts, ensuring that there is at least 3" of
loosefill peanuts on all six sides.
Close and seal both the top and bottom of the box with
three strips of pressure-sensitive plastic tape that is at
least 2" wide. Tape all seams or flaps.
Using Foam Corner Cushioning
You may choose to use foam corner cushioning specifically
designed to properly cushion your product during shipping.
This packing method allows you to use one size of inner
box, one size of outer box, and one type of foam corner
cushioning to ship items of various sizes and weights.
Place the computer or peripheral inside the box and
surround the item with at least 1-1/2" of packing material
(e.g., loosefill peanuts, air-cellular cushioning, foam-in-
place) on all sides so that the item does not move inside
the box.
Close and seal the top and bottom of the inner box with
three strips of pressure-sensitive plastic tape that is at
least 2" wide.
Place the box containing the item inside a larger (outer) box
fitted with the foam corner cushions. The outer box must
fit tightly around the foam corner cushions.
Close and seal the top and bottom of the outer box with
three strips of pressure-sensitive plastic tape that is at
least 2" wide. Tape all seams or flaps.
Enclose contents
inside plastic bag
Inner box
Outer box
Packing material
(e.g., loosell peanuts)
minimum of 2" thickness
on each side
Packing material
(e.g., loosell
peanuts) minimum
of 3" thickness
on each side
Computer or
peripheral
surrounded with
packing material
Inner box
Outer box
Foam corner
cushions
Page 4
Sealing and Labeling Instructions
Using the H taping method, apply at least three strips
of pressure-sensitive adhesive plastic tape that is at
least 2" wide to both the top and bottom of the carton.
Tape all seams or flaps.
Place the shipping label on the top of the largest side.
Shipping in a FedEx Laptop Box
When shipping a laptop computer, we recommend
that you use our specially designed FedEx Laptop Box
whenever possible. The box includes cushioning material
and is available for purchase at FedEx Office and FedEx
World Service Center

locations.
Place the laptop in the plastic bag, then place one foam
pad above and one foam pad below the wrapped laptop.
Adjust the slotted foam liner by tearing off just enough
material to ensure a snug fit around the laptop. Close the
box by inserting the flaps into the side walls. Seal the
bottom edge of the laptop box with a strip of pressure-
sensitive plastic tape that is at least 2" wide.
Shipping in a Transit Case
While transit cases can effectively protect computers and
peripherals that will be shipped multiple times, care must
be taken in the design of both the outer case and the
inner cushioning.
When selecting a transit case, make sure the inner
foam cushioning is designed to the proper fragility
level to protect the computer or peripheral during
shipping. Also make sure the outer case is manufactured
in compliance with Airline Transport Association (ATA)
standards. Handles, latches, wheels, and locks should
be recessed into the case. Replace the foam
cushioning inside the case periodically, because with
use, the cushioning will break down and no longer
provide proper protection for the product.
Attach the shipping label using a FedEx tie-on tag,
available at fedex.com or by calling 1.800.GoFedEx
1.800.463.3339.
While we cannot ensure
compliance with markings
such as up arrows or
This End Up, properly
placing the shipping label
increases your chance for
the preferred orientation.
H taping method
Laptop in
plastic bag
Slotted foam
liner, adjusted
for a snug t
around laptop
One foam pad
above and one
foam pad below
ATA-compliant
transit case with
recessed latches
and handles
FedEx tie-on tag
Page 5
Packaging Freight Shipments
Shipments that qualify as freight must be packaged
accordingly. See the current FedEx Service Guide to
determine if your shipment qualifies as freight.
For detailed information on preparing freight shipments,
refer to Packaging Guidelines for Shipping Freight at
fedex.com/packaging.
You must package your freight shipments to allow for
stacking of other packages on top of your shipment.
Make sure your freight shipments are banded and
stretchwrapped to the pallet, with the bands running
in both directions. (Pallet loads secured with only stretch-
wrap are not acceptable.)
Avoid corrugated or fiberboard pallets. You must secure
all freight shipments weighing 151 lbs. or more on a
forkliftable base, compatible with pallet-jack usage. The
minimum specifications for a typical base for forklift or
pallet-jack configuration are illustrated above.
Express Freight Shipments
To lessen the possibility of damage or delay to your cargo,
make sure that all single-piece cargo greater than 150 lbs.
is banded on all sides with heavy-duty metal or break-
resistant plastic banding.
If your cargo is a single piece contained within a hard-
ened container (plywood, metal) and is greater than 150
lbs., it does not require banding if exterior locks or clamps
are used. (Glue, nails, or screws are not sufficient.)
General Guidelines for Shipping
Computer Parts and Peripherals
Whichever packaging method you use, youll find the
following tips helpful when packing specific items.
Monitors
Remove the base and any attachments from the monitor
when possible. Ship the monitor face-down.
Printers
Remove printing cartridges before shipping, and place
cartridges inside a sealed plastic bag to prevent ink or
powder from leaking into the box. Tape moving parts such
as doors and print heads to secure them during transit.
Remove any paper trays and pack them separately.
Scanners
Most manufacturers recommend that you secure the
scanner carriage to prevent movement when shipping.
Refer to your owners manual for more information.
Computer Housings With or Without
Internal Components
Packaging designed for computer housings without
internal components is usually designed for the weight
of the empty housing. If you assemble and install inner
components (such as circuit boards and disk drives), make
sure your packaging can accommodate the increased
weight. For security reasons, you may want to encrypt
or remove any confidential data stored on the computer
before shipping. Overbox shipments of assembled units in
original packaging.
Angleboard 70"
70-gauge
stretchwrap
Cartons
stacked squarely
No overlap
of base
Banding
through voids
Pieces up
to 2,200 lbs.
27" minimum
width, 3-1/2"
minimum
height for
pallet-jack
entry
Page 6
Data Storage Devices
Before shipping CDs, memory sticks, magnetic tapes, or
other data storage media, you should back up any data
stored on the devices. For security reasons, you may
also want to remove or encrypt any sensitive personal,
confidential, or financial information. FedEx liability for
loss of any electronic data is limited only to the cost of the
medium on which the data is stored. See Liabilities Not
Assumed in the current FedEx Service Guide.
Servers, Routers, Large Laser Printers
Due to the high value and variable weights and sizes
of these units, we recommend that customers contact
FedEx Packaging Services for packaging recommendations.
FedEx Package Testing
and Design Services
We offer free package testing, evaluation, and design
services that can help you avoid product damage. In some
cases, we may even help you eliminate unnecessary
packaging costs. We encourage you to submit a sample
of your packaging for testing and evaluation. For a copy
of our test procedures go to fedex.com/packaging or
contact FedEx Packaging Services.
Testing Request Guidelines
Follow these steps for submitting your packaging for
testing. An active FedEx account number is required.
You and your FedEx account executive should expect
testing results via email in approximately five to seven
business days from FedEx Packaging Services receipt
of your packaging.
1. Obtain a FedEx Packaging Test Application at
fedex.com/packaging or by contacting FedEx
Packaging Services at [email protected]
or 1.800.633.7019.
2. Complete and sign your application, referencing the
name of your FedEx account executive on the form.
See the FedEx Packaging Test Application for terms
governing testing or design.
3. Prepare a sample test package including all the
packaging components and contents in the exact
configuration you intend to send to your customer.
4. Place your completed application, your sample
test package labeled Test This Package, and
any necessary cushioning material in a sturdy outer
container marked Overpacked/Test Pkg. Inside.
5. Send your shipment to the address indicated on the
FedEx Packaging Test Application.
Custom-Designed Packaging
If you ship computers and peripherals frequently, you may
also want to have your packaging custom designed. FedEx
Packaging Services can provide guidance to you and your
packaging supplier. For example, you may be interested in
a customized foam cushion specifically designed to fit
and protect your fragile computer and to pass all FedEx
packaging tests. Our packaging engineers can help with
your custom designs.
Contacts and Resources
How to Pack guidelines at fedex.com/packaging.
FedEx Packaging Design and Development lab,
[email protected] or 1.800.633.7019.
FedEx field packaging engineers,
[email protected], or contact your
FedEx account executive for a referral.
Bubble Wrap is a registered trademark of Sealed Air Corporation.
NOTICE: This packaging brochure is provided to FedEx customers to help reduce loss or damage due to improper packaging. It is NOT intended to be a comprehensive guide for packaging items we
accept for transit. We make no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding this information. Proper packaging is the sole responsibility of the shipper. For more information and additional guidelines, go
to the packaging tips page on fedex.com/packaging , email [email protected], or contact FedEx Packaging Services at 1.800.633.7019. Refer to the current FedEx Service Guide for terms,
conditions, and limitations applicable to FedEx

delivery services.
2013 FedEx. All rights reserved. 33539PL-Rev. 7/13