Packing, Shipping and Insurance

[Mark]

Post here questions specifically about the packing and shipping process (how, what, why & when). You can also post here questions about how insurance will be handled, though I suggest that questions that include details of value be directed via e-mail or PM, so that you don't have to reveal your collection's value if you do not want to.

Before posting here, however, please read my Welcome post up at the top of the forum, including the instructions page linked in it near the bottom.

[Rick]

We all know that cardboard boxes take a beating ; I recently received a sword from overseas and the cardboard box had been literally torn in half ; the only thing holding the two sections of the box together was the customs declaration . Thank God the sword was flexible and in a soft leather scabbard !

I'm planning on shipping every piece that will fit in PVC waste tubing . This material is incredibly strong and rigid ; I believe the inside diameters range up to six inches . Also available are end caps to fit each size of tubing . This tubing is usually sold in 6-10 foot length (the caps are sold separately) .

I will cut it into appropriate lengths figuring for a couple of inches overlap of the length of the particular piece (or more) for each end .
The sword , spear , or whatever will be packed tightly inside the tube and the proper end caps will be TAPED on (no glue) . Using this method I expect my pieces to stand up to most any kind of rough handling that can be dished out ; they can also be returned in the same tube to you .

The weight is not that much more than cardboard and the piece of mind is well worth the extra expense ....plus they're reusable !

[Antonio Cejunior]

Rick,

Actually let me add a few comments on my own personal experience and Museum experience with the recent Masters of Fire Exhibition, please refer to the Preparations page

I have always used FedEx and spent a fortune, and never had a problem.

You see, the shipping being sponsored by FedEx means they will be taking extra care for their name is at stake. It happened with the Masters of Fire and everything came in pristine condition.

As you can see there were even FedEx boxes with a plastic tube inside.



I agree with light PVC tubing, but please don't settle for anything yet. We still have time. Let me talk to FedEx after the Grand Prix which makes me grumpy.

But again, you will receive special labels from us to download and print.

Look at this page with Shipping Instructions.

In due time I will put something up similar. FedEx contacted every FedEx station once they have all smiths (contributors in our case) addresses and gave them special instructions in handling. Anyone who would make a problem would be in trouble.

It may not be so soon, but let me get back at you folks, once I have news.
The recent exhibition is a good experience and reference.

Best,
Antonio

[Federico]

Jumping ahead of myself here, since we are not yet to the point of shipping, any suggestions as to where I can get shipping materials? I had contemplated making a wooden crate, and then lining the inside with foam cells so that my whole contribution could be shipped in one package, but realize that would mean one really big crate. I like the PVC tubing idea, though I do not have scrap and would need to buy all the tubing at the hardware store. I understand we will get vouchers for the actual shipping, but will the packaging materials be re-imursed? Particularly if many individual shipments have to be made, I can see the cost for purchasing tubing and appropriate cushioning materials may be quite high.

[Antonio Cejunior]

Hi Fred,

Please have patience. Packing is an art as I have learned many years ago with the people of the Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon, and without having enough information at the moment, depending on what the shipping list is, I cannot develop further information.

Please be patient

[Mark]

We still don't know how much material is coming from where, and likely there will one be a single answer to your question. While it showed FedEx's competence and care, the Masters of Fire exhibition is a case somewhat different case from ours, because only one piece was coming from each contributor. Still, FedEx ships elephants, so they can handle our swords (and will recommend the best way to package them), when that time comes.

To be honest, with respect to working on my own section, the shipping process itself is the thing I personally am least worried about. I am obsession over what we need to have in it and how to arrange it! I keep sending re-writes of our article to my poor collaborators before they even have a chance to revise the last one.

If you have ever known someone that has been in what is called a "12-step" program, you might have heard the Serenity Prayer (I hope I have this right):

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the strength to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

If you turn this around a little, you get Mark's Serenity Blessing:

God, thank you for the serenity of not having to worry about things I don't have to, and not worrying excessively about the things I do, and the ability to appreciate the difference.

[Mark]

bump