admin February 12, 2018 Leave a Comment

Ever since the invention of Chocolate – aka “the best thing that’s ever happened to mankind” – humans have come to appreciate the essence of packing and shipping it. It was packed securely to make sure that it reaches the mouths of chocolate-thirsty consumers from one country to another…Alright, that’s not what happened, but you get the picture. Sort of.

Kidding aside, unlike shoes, bags, clothes, and other items you’re used to shipping or getting online, shipping food requires more care when it comes to packaging and delivery. So if you’re considering sending a loved one some edibles, or maybe you’re a new company who’s still getting in the ropes of delivering food, let us help you.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to pack and ship food and other perishables

Food is fantastic and all, but there’s one inevitable thing they all do, and that is it spoils. Furthermore, how fast a particular type of food spoils depends on its environmental conditions. Because of this reason, packing and shipping companies try to figure out what to do to make sure food/perishable deliveries reach their destinations as fresh as possible. With that being said, let us give you some packing tips first.

Packing Different Types of Food

There are different types of food that we have packed over the years that we have been in business. In our experience, we have found that they can be categorized into four types:

Frozen food
Cold food
Cooked food
Dry food

All of these four have their own shelf life, so you should know how to properly pack them to make sure it can withstand the surrounding conditions of shipping so here are some tips you need to know to pack each type properly.

Frozen food

This perishable is the most challenging type to pack because there are a lot of things that you need to consider. For starters, it will have to stay frozen because it can quickly spoil once it thaws. Aside from that, here are the things you need to know about packing frozen goods:

You need to have insulated packing materials that can help the item stay frozen for a long time.
It is imperative that the packaging is airtight because air is a contributing factor in the thawing process, which is what you’re trying to slow down.
It would be best if you put dry ice or ice packs inside the packaging. The reason is apparent, of course, but be cautious because dry ice can burn your skin.

There are also some things you have to work out with your shipping company. Not all shipping companies accept frozen deliveries, and they all have different rules for packages that contain dry ice. To avoid inconveniences, look for a shipping company that you can work with before you pack.

Here’s a little 1vs1 guide to help you decide whether to use dry ice or ice packs:

Cold Food

As you might expect, cold food is a little less challenging to pack than frozen goods. You still have to make sure that the packaging is well insulated, though, and make sure it’s sealed inside a plastic bag. Here are some of the conditions you need to know to keep it fresh up to its receiving point:

The food should not warm up to more than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Use ice packs or gel packs to sustain a cold temperature inside the package.
The food should either be sealed in a plastic bag or vacuum sealed for preservation.
Use a corrugated cardboard box lined with foam (or other insulating materials), then with ice packs.
After packing, mark the box as “Perishable – Keep Refrigerated.” Make sure it’s clear and visible so that the receiver will know that they will have to open the package immediately.

Just like frozen goods, shipping companies have different rules and regulations in accepting cold packages. Don’t hesitate to ask a trusted packing and shipping company about whatever questions you have.

Since it’s February, you might be considering on sending a significant someone a box of chocolates. It makes sense if you think chocolate as a part of this category because really, no one wants melted chocolate for Valentine’s Day. Well, unless you’re into it, that is.

Cooked food

Speaking of Valentine’s Day, you might be tired of sending out the traditional gifts and want to go the extra mile and cook for a loved one far from you. Yes, there is a way for you to do it – just make sure you make these considerations:

Ensure that the food has cooled-down before you cover it up for packaging to prevent moisture within the container.
Air can contribute to food spoilage, so consider using airtight containers or other secure food bins.
Since the food is already cooked, you have no other choice but to opt for 1-day shipping services.
Every package goes through a lot during delivery, so you should also use a sturdy box with good cushioning to ensure that the package is safe from getting tossed and turned.
Place a sticker or write the words “Perishable item” on the box so that the carrier will know that your package requires specific handling.

Whether you’re sending cooked food for Valentine’s Day, or if it’s for your business or personal stuff, you must always consult the carriers first. As if we haven’t stressed it enough, shipping companies have different regulations when it comes to shipping food. So you should always ask for the terms of some companies then decide which of them can suit your needs.

Dry Food

Okay, here comes the easy part. Dry food is the easiest of the bunch as you don’t need to have special packing materials to ship them. No ice packs or dry ice, and no thick insulating materials. You can ship dry food in a cardboard box lined with foam peanuts or bubble wrap so it stays in place.

“Dry food” includes food that isn’t wet (of course), doesn’t produce moisture, and has a long shelf life. Some examples of dry food include vegetables, cheese, dried fish, etc. Although they may not spoil as quickly as the others mentioned before, you should still write “Perishable Item” on the box.

Now that you know the different categories of food concerning shipment and how to pack them, you can now proceed to ship. But before that here’s a quick recap:

The type of food your shipping will have different packing needs, be sure to follow the rules or requirements of your shipping company to prevent inconvenience.
The sooner your package reaches the recipient, the better. So it’s best to go for fast shipping or maybe 1-day shipping services.
If you don’t want to spend a little extra for fast shipping, then you should know the right day to ship. Consult your shipping company about their delivery schedule and ask for the best day to send perishables.
Let your recipient know that you’re sending them food, and when should they expect it to come.

Alright! All set? You’re now an expert in packing food, so the next question is, which shipping company should you trust?

How to choose a shipping company for food deliveries

We don’t want you to go and Google “Best Shipping Company in *insert area*” only to get bombarded with thousands of choices. Let us help you narrow down your list and here are three things that can help you decide:

1. Speed

We already told you that it would be best to go for a one-day shipping service. Your package is sensitive to environment and time because it can go bad real quick – so faster is better. If you could find a shipping company that can guarantee you quality service with flexible rates, then that’s the one for you.

2. Reliability

Of course, you need a shipping service that you can rely on. The best way to measure their performance is to read customer reviews. A reliable shipping company stays true to the time expectation they give you.

3. Experience

What better way to know how good a shipping company is than to know how long have they been in the business. A company with expertise in its industry knows what to do when things go wrong because they have most likely experienced nuisances before. Furthermore, a company that has been running for a long time knows the real value of customer service, which is, of course, what you want.

If you want a packing and shipping company that has all of these, then you’re already on the right page. The Box Zone offers overnight shipping, has a 4.5-star Yelp rating, and they have been in the business for 20 years. Rest assured, you can trust them with both packing and shipping your food packages!

admin January 17, 2018 Leave a Comment

Moving is stressful. No sugar-coating needed. It is what it is, right? On a lighter note, though, moving can also be thrilling. So let us help you get through this stressful yet exciting time with at least a little less headache than you would usually have.

Here’s the Only Relocation Checklist You Will Ever Need

Congratulations, you have a new home! After you’ve signed the papers and settled the initial payments, the fun and excitement wear out once you’ve realized how much stuff you’ll be moving. So stop procrastinating and start packing! Start as early as:

2 Months Before Moving Day:

Look for and get a quote with a trusted and experienced moving company. Read their customer reviews, know how long they have been in the business, and, of course, their moving prices.
Create a budget for your moving expenses and make a list of the packing supplies you will need. Just because you’re moving eight weeks from now doesn’t mean you get to spend on extra things you want to put in your new house.
Schedule a day off from work for your moving day. It’s ideal that you would plan your moving day on a Friday so that you’ll have time to tidy up your space on the weekend.
If you have kids, look for schools they’ll transfer to and create a different checklist for this so you won’t forget any paperwork. Take note of stuff like transcripts and other requirements their new school needs.
Set up a garage sale. Although optional, having a garage sale will lessen your moving load and you can use the money for other things. After that, you can donate the stuff you couldn’t sell. You can also choose to sell your stuff online.

6 Weeks Before Moving Day:

This is when things can become a little emotional if you’re moving to somewhere far. Schedule your remaining time with your friends and near-by relatives. You can throw a simple dinner or barbecue.
Look for packing tips and hacks you can use.
Think ahead and label your boxes using sticky notes or markers. Through this tip, unpacking will be easier for you once you’ve moved-in to your new home.
Start your minor packing. This includes things you don’t use on a daily basis, like books, figurines, and other knick-knacks.
Measure the doorways and stairs of your new house to make sure your furniture will fit.
Make an inventory. You must check your stuff before and after they go in and out the moving truck. You’ll have a lot of things on your plate, and you wouldn’t know when you might forget a box or two. Better safe than sorry.
Don’t forget to mark boxes or containers with fragile items in them so that your movers will know how to stack your boxes properly.
If you’re moving to a far area, have your vehicles checked and serviced. You don’t want your car to have a breakdown in the middle of an empty road!
Make sure your car is empty if you will have it shipped.
Research about your new area if you haven’t done it yet. It’s not like you’re going on an adventure where you go to a place you know nothing about – you’ll be living there!

1 Month Before Moving Day:

Gather all necessary documents and keep them in a safe place or container. You don’t want to forget passports, birth certificates, financial and legal records, and other essential documents and papers.
Keep parking options for your moving truck in check. You might need to get a parking permit for your moving day.
If you’re moving far, you’ll want to look for a new dentist and doctor nearest to your neighborhood.
Schedule the cancellation of your old services in your former home and schedule installation for your new house. This includes cable, telephone, and internet services.
If you have pets, make sure they have tags on their collars. You should also get their vet records and other essential pet medications. You also need to have them vaccinated if you’re moving to a different country.

2 Weeks Before Moving Day:

Update all accounts, subscriptions, and other records for your new address. This includes credit cards, banks, Social Security, Driver’s license, etc.
Plan 2-weeks worth of meals so that you don’t have to stock extra food that might go to waste. Consume your frozen food and other perishable goods as they will go bad before you even reach your new place.
Return the things you borrowed from your friends.
Remove all light bulbs from your lamps before they get on the moving truck.
If you have a gym locker or other storage areas at work, make sure you clean them out.
Create a list of service providers or technicians near your new home. It’s better if you know the number of your new plumber or electrician just in case something happens.
Transfer or cancel your gym membership or other lifestyle and leisure memberships.
Clean, or at least dust, your furniture before moving. You’re moving your things, not dust bunnies.

1 Week Before Moving Day:

Do some light cleaning in your old house. It’s your way of showing politeness or courtesy for the next residents.
Call or email your scheduled deliveries – if any – and inform them of your move.
Check your closets and shelves for things you might have forgotten to pack.
Defrost your refrigerator the night before you move.
Check the weather forecast and prepare for whatever weather condition you will encounter.
Pack your essentials. These are the things you’ll need for traveling to your new home. You’ll also want to have a weeks-worth of stuff you’ll need if your movers run late.
Recheck your checklists the night before to make sure you don’t forget anything on your moving day.
Set up an alarm and get up early for moving day

MOVING DAY!

Once you’ve arrived at your new home, you’ll have to clean before your movers come. Cleaning is always easier when you don’t have stuff lying all over the floor.
Unpack your essentials and toiletries first, then make your bed, because those are two of the things you’ll need when you finish moving and unpacking – shower and sleep.
You’ve probably had enough take-out by this time, so go grocery shopping.
Put up your curtains or cover your windows for privacy to help you sleep during your first night.

1 Week After Moving Day:

Time for decorations and personalization! Make your new place feel more like home.
Explore your neighborhood. Look for restaurants, cafés, or grocery stores.
Update your friends and family about your move and thank them if they helped you with the move.
Unpack the rest of the stuff you haven’t opened yet.
Leave a review in your moving company’s website or Yelp.

You’re probably tired just after reading this checklist, and we’re not surprised if you are! It only goes to show that moving can be hard work, which is why you should hire a reliable moving company. A trustworthy moving company will stick to your schedule, inform you of the setbacks they encounter and do their best to help you with the moving process.

admin January 11, 2018 Leave a Comment

Have you ever had any experience with hiring a professional packing and shipping company before? Maybe you had your gifts shipped for your relative on the other side of the country? Or perhaps a piece of valuable antique that needed to be secured to arrive safely somewhere?

If so, then you must know by now how important it is to make sure that your items have safe and secure packing for it to reach its destination in one piece.

But are you still a little confused with when to use a box or a crate? When can you do it yourself or when will you need customized packing? Should your glassware be crated or a simple box will do? Have you ever had something freighted?

What are the items that require custom crating and a freight service?

Let’s get to the point. If you have a high-value item or a very fragile and expensive piece, crating is the way to go. An item doesn’t necessarily have to be big to be crated. If you need to ship any of the following, then you should consider custom-crating as your packing method, and a freight service for shipping:

1. Artwork

Of course, not all art pieces are valuable. Regardless of their price, though, it’s essential to have fragile art pieces like sculptures to be custom-crated. Custom crating provides maximum protection for statues because of the accurate measurements required to fit your sculptures perfectly.

The same goes for some paintings, ceramics, and other art pieces. Although, you do have the freedom to choose between a box and a crate for some types of artwork.

If you have a box that can provide sufficient protection for your art pieces, then it’s perfectly fine to use that. Otherwise, if you have a delicate piece of art and you want to make sure it’s shipped with optimal security, then crating is the way to go.

2. Expensive items made of glass or other brittle material

You may already know that you can’t fit your chandelier in a box and ship it in a van. And even if you can, you can never be sure that it will not shatter into a million pieces before it even reaches its destination.

Suffice to say, if it’s something a simple box can’t handle, then it will most likely need a custom-built crate. Shipping glassware requires probably more care than any other item because of its brittleness. Custom crates ensure that your glass or other breakable materials don’t move around and get damaged during shipping.

Additionally, a freight service will also know how to care for your glass items properly. Unlike parcel shipping, the majority of the things they deliver aren’t fragile, so it’s easy to mistake a box of breakables from other items. Expert freight service companies handle your stuff with more caution, as they know that most of their deliveries are fragile.

3. Antiques

If there’s one thing that antiques have in common, they are, well, old. If you happen to have one in your home and you plan to ship it, the best way to go would be crating. Although there’s nothing wrong with using a box if it fits. But if your antique is at least 150 pounds or heavier, then you should probably consider crating it.

Especially if your item has delicate parts, like a hundred-year-old miniature ship, or if it’s made of glass. The quality and the current state of an antique affect its total value, and the condition of your antique is more critical than its rarity. So if it gets damaged in the process of packing and shipping, your antique isn’t the only one that’s going to get scratched – so is its price.

4. High-value collectors’ items

Mistaking antiques from collectibles is common. If it’s 100 years or older, it’s an antique. Otherwise, you have yourself a collectible. A collectible can range from any item that you inherited or purchased – be it a piece of furniture or an old motorcycle. But, again, if you’re planning to have it shipped, if it’s heavier than 150 pounds, then you might want to consider custom crating.

High-value collectors’ items could also include decades-old wine bottles. It’s fairly common for wine bottles to be crated instead of being boxed because of its price. And if you’re a wine connoisseur, you know that it’s imperative that you receive or deliver your bottles with utmost care. Hence, custom crating.

But to be entirely sure whether you will have to have custom crating services or otherwise, it’s best to call an expert crating company to tell you.

Here are some of the things you can expect from an expert crating service like The Box Zone:

1. You can request for in-house assessment

With The Box Zone, they would be more than willing to give you in-house or on-site assessment for your items. They will help you determine whether or not your high-value item needs to be crated, and recommend the best way to pack anything you need to ship.

A proper examination of some items just can’t be settled over the phone or email.

2. You can request crating quotes

Since you’re going for custom crating services, it’s also advisable that you ask for a quote first before anything else. It’s understandable that you might still be comparing prices, but with The Box Zone, they can give you the best price for your custom crating. With their 20 years of experience, you can rest assured that every penny you spend is worth it.

3. Accurate measurements

Once you’ve chosen The Box Zone for your custom crating and freight service, they will first carefully measure the dimensions of your valuable items. Having accurate measurements is a crucial part of protecting your items. It will have to be immobilized entirely inside the crate to make sure no damage comes to your valuables.

The Box Zone cares for every item they pack and ship, regardless of its value. There’s no packing and shipping job they’re not ready to handle.

admin December 4, 2017 Leave a Comment

After Halloween, most of your friends may probably be excited about the next best thing that’s ever happened since chocolate. Christmas. A holiday where you can make the people important to you feel loved through sharing gifts.

Since you love them with all your heart, you wouldn’t want to give them a poorly wrapped gift, right? We know, it’s the thought that counts. But really, the first thing everybody notices isn’t what’s inside. Don’t let a lousy wrapping make your gift look like a bad one!

Here are gift wrapping tips you need to know!

Ditch the paper bags and unwrapped boxes. Stop making gift wrapping mistakes. You don’t have to be an expert gift-wrapper to be able to do these wrapping tips from the top packing company in Orange County.

Tip#1 Wrap your gifts on hard surfaces

It could be on your table or counter top, wherever you’d feel more comfortable. As long as it’s a hard surface, it’s good. Doing so will let you avoid tearing your wrapping paper. It will also allow you fold better and helps prevent unwanted wrinkles.

Plus, wrapping on a soft surface makes it difficult to control the paper. Wrapping is supposed to be fun, don’t frustrate yourself; work on a hard surface.

Tip#2 Cut excess wrapping paper

One of the most common wrapping mistakes most people do is folding-in the excess paper. It makes your gift look bulkier on the sides and gives you more chance of wrinkles. Instead, cut just enough wrapping paper and try not to leave too much excess. Although, if you do have some excess paper, cut it neatly instead of taping then folding it back.

Speaking of wrapping paper, another pro tip is to ditch the holiday-themed wrapping paper. As ironic as it may seem, it’s outdated or old-fashioned. Get creative! Look for different style ideas and even you will be surprised at how fabulous your present looks like.

Tip#3 Turn your gift upside down before wrapping

This tip may seem obvious, but some people forget to do it. Make sure you turn your gift upside down on your wrapping paper so that the paper overlaps below your gift.

Naturally, we all assume that the side where the bow (or card, or tag) is placed, is the top of the gift. Kids even expect to see their gifts front-faced when they tear the wrapping of their gifts. Otherwise, if you forget to wrap your present upside down, your kids will see the bottom of the box first. That’s not an exciting sight, now is it?

Tip#4 Sticky notes can come in handy

Another thing you might’ve experienced before is getting confused as to which gift goes to who. All because you wrapped your presents before placing the name tags. There’s nothing wrong with that.

Although, what if you had two gifts with the same size and shape you meant to give to two different people? You wouldn’t want to have to undo your wrapping just to check who’s it is. Hence, sticky notes.

Just label the gifts before wrapping helps you keep track of which present goes to whom. It wouldn’t eat much of your time. It will make it easier for you to go back when you’re going to place the name tags.

Planning on shipping your presents to your loved ones?

Ship your presents with the top overnight shipping company in Orange County! Trust only the best shipping company for your gift shipping needs. Rest assured they’ll deliver your presents with as much care as you would give. Your gifts will surely arrive safe and ready to provide smiles to your loved ones for the holidays!

admin December 4, 2017 Leave a Comment

Packing and shipping may not be as simple as you believe it is if you choose to do it yourself. You have to think about fitting your big Santa figurines and a fragile gingerbread house in a box. Bottom line, an ordinary box and irregularly shaped things don’t mix. Well, unless you want them deformed or shattered when they arrive from shipping.

Don’t worry, though. It’s never too late to learn things like this. So, if you want tips straight from the experts, read on!

Here are holiday packing and shipping tips from the top packing and shipping company in Orange County!

You would want to feel assured that your gifts and packages will reach your loved ones looking like it just got off of the shelves.

Follow these tips before you pack:

Choosing your box

Of course, you wouldn’t use a huge box if you’re only going to pack a single snowglobe. So make sure you just use the right size for your things. You don’t want your stuff forced into a small box, or toss and turn in an unnecessarily big box.

In choosing the right box size, make sure there’s at least 2-in of space around your item in the box. You will use this area for packing peanuts or other cushioning to serve as an added protection. Of course, it is uncalled for if you chose to use bubble wrap for your stuff.

When packing fragile items, make sure you always use new boxes. Reused boxes become soft and saggy, especially at its corners. It’s also the reason why you shouldn’t use old boxes as they are less reliable in protecting your delicate things.

Packing breakables

Be sure to organize your things in the box correctly. Never stack heavy objects on top of small, delicate ones. Keep in mind that your boxes may seem okay when it’s still in your home, but it will go through a lot during shipping.

Efficiently packing your fragile things takes time. You have to do individual wrapping before you even start putting them in their boxes. Preparing in advance may be a wise decision.

Packing Electronics

It may seem like a load of work, but you need to repack your electronics if you are going to ship them. Maybe you think why, since it already has its own box. But you should know that the packaging of electronic devices is too thin to withstand the process of shipping.

Again, use the right box size when repacking. Also, you don’t actually have to remove the box of your electronics and repack them in a different box. Make sure you will use a sturdy and high-quality box for repacking. It’ll be useless if you’re going to use another thin box, don’t you think?

If your electronics require batteries or have batteries inside, make sure you remove them. It is prone to overheat and leakage, so you should put them in a different container or pack.

Choose the right type of tape

It does sound like a minor thing, doesn’t it? And yet, the right type of tape will bring your package through hundreds and thousands of miles. Literally. Although, most people would just walk into a store and purchase any tape they think would suffice.

The optimal width of the packing tape you should use is 3-inches. You can check out this website for more information about the tape you should and shouldn’t use. Just know that you shouldn’t use any customary tape as it is not as adhesive as high-quality packing tape.

When applying your tape, make sure you make an “H” on both the top and bottom. You don’t have to wrap the whole box like a Christmas gift. Well, technically, you may intend to deliver it as a gift, but you get the point. Also, check if you’ve covered all open seams.

Done packing your holiday gifts and knick-knacks? It’s not over yet! The next thing you need to do is pick up that phone and call a trustworthy packing and shipping company. Read reviews or ask your friends before you choose. Only hire the one who can promise you utmost care for your package without costing you an arm and a leg.

admin September 12, 2017 Leave a Comment

Have you ever been to a museum or an art gallery? Rows and rows of beautiful paintings and sculptures that tell a lot about our history and culture. Each piece has its own story.

And just like history and culture, it must be preserved. It’s difficult to appreciate paintings and sculptures if you’re just looking at a picture of it just because it got ruined in shipping. That’s why it’s essential that these art pieces arrive safely to their destinations.

Unfortunately, the world isn’t perfect. Nothing is. And so is packing, crating, and shipping. Even at your best effort to take care of the artwork, some gets damaged by the delivery company. That’s why you have to choose a shipping company that has sufficient experience with a low damage-to-item rate.

Packing and shipping companies like The Box Zone has 20 years of experience. No matter how large, fragile, and high value your items are. Rest assured they’ll know how to take care of your artwork.

Here are things you must know about packing art the right way:

1. Packing Matters

Paintings, sculptures, and other pieces of art doesn’t have a definite shape. Using a box that isn’t the right fit for the artwork can make it prone to damage.

What other delivery companies are not cautious of is that art pieces need meticulous care to survive harsh temperatures. Dents or scratches can also happen while on the move. And if the packing supplies they used aren’t the best fit for this delicate art, they’re more likely to damage your $790 million Mona Lisa.

Lucky, custom packing and shipping make sure to apply the correct packing technique. Real professional packers will only use the right container to ensure the safety of your artwork. No matter how big or small.

2. Use Customized Crating for Your Sculptures

Sculptures have different shapes and sizes. But no matter the difference, they’re all prone to breaking. You wouldn’t want to waste a week or a month of forming a slab or clay only to get ruined because you hired an inexperienced crating “expert.”

Your magnificent sculptures must always be in their best condition before and after shipping. Custom crating service can assure you your delicate art well taken cared of. A shipping company with 20 years of experience in building crates know the ins and outs of the job.

Your peace of mind is as valuable as the Michaelangelo 1504 David sculpture to a real delivery expert.

3. Ship Your Art the Right Way

Shipping is the time you hold your breath, especially when you hire a new delivery company. But with a professional pack & ship service company, the fate of your art pieces is in good hands.

Choose a freight service that has helped transport big and high-value items with care. Most of the damage that usually happens to art pieces occur during its transportation. The best freight center in town guarantees safe and timely delivery. Not just affordability.

The Box Zone – The top shipping company in Orange County and

The Box Zone is a trusted and the best shipping company. They have been helping their clients achieve maximum packing and shipping satisfaction for 20 years. Rest assured your paintings, sculptures, and other art pieces will remain intact. Before, during, and after the shipping process.