August 2006 - Proper Packing Is In the Details

Hardbound books should be stagger-stacked in cartons to avoid damage during shipping.

Packing and shipping details are usually a planning afterthought, but end users won’t think so if your books arrive in anything but mint condition. In fact, the best time to determine the packing and shipping arrangements for your project is in the estimating stage.

Protection is Key
Your packing and shipping decisions should be made with an eye toward offering your books maximum protection while taking minimal space. To that end, Muscle Bound offers 275lb. test weight cartons that fit most standard book trim sizes, including 8.5” x 11”, 5.5” x 8.5”, 6” x 9”, 9” x 12” and more. Books with non-standard trim margins will require additional packing material, such as paper, added to standard-size cartons to minimize empty space for better protection.

For that reason, we recommend ordering custom-made cartons designed to fit non-standard size books. Although the cost can be higher using standard cartons, custom-sized cartons will offer the highest level of protection for your books.

There are a few other protection options that should be considered based on the size, weight and cover specs of your book. Film laminating offers excellent scratch and rub resistance in transit and for every day book usage. Shrink wrapping is an economical solution for protecting books in transit, and is a great choice for book sets and other combination projects.

Planning Tips
Provide Additional Instructions in Advance – For most standard-size projects, books are packed according to best fit. If you choose to specify a quantity per carton, you may need a custom-made carton – even if you have standard-size books – so be sure to provide these instructions prior to production.

The Muscle Bound Advantage
At © 2010 Muscle Bound Bindery, no detail is too small when it comes to ensuring your books reach their destination in the best condition possible. We offer protection solutions such as film laminating and shrink wrapping to minimize transit marking, and we take the time to pack cartons, skids and gaylords properly for safe transport. Contact Muscle Bound today to put your next important book project in our knowledgeable hands.