02-09-2013, 2:45 AM
I thought this would be a great idea. I am in the business of shipping, so why not get a review on packaging straight from the horses mouth?
Review on LAL's shipping:
Outside packaging:
The first HUGE perk I noticed was the flat rate envelope that was not punctured. That told me the contents were packed and placed strategically to not poke through. That's an experienced shipper for sure.
Second was the tear to open flap, it was covered in USPS clear tape. It is a distinct tape, it is harder to tear and rip than normal tape. So much so it refuses to cut often. This made opening a challenge but this ensure the package will not open.
Tape was also along the bottom. The package, when a flat rate envelope, tears open primarily at the flap to seal and part way through when non-even items are placed inside. LAL also put tape on the bottom. It is an extra precaution which was completely not needed. It is a good thing to do, just a very seldom issue.
I struggled to open it with my hands, but managed.
Inside:
The next big winner was the high grade foam used to wrap around the items. They came in a zip bag to prevent leaking, and inside the bag LAL used aforementioned high grade foam to pack. A note on the foam, it was superior quality to that hospitals use to ship, even higher grade than several steroid companies ship with. The level of cushion is great enough to prevent shattering and in my professional opinion, only a concentrated weight dropped on it could break it. Such as a 70 lb Iron Rod.
The foam was covered by more good tape. They items then were packed to distribute the weight over the surface, meaning the total foam piece was about 6 x 4 inches per product, while the product is 2 x 1 inches, meaning that if for some reason something was set on top, the product was completely protected.
The Products themselves:
Some products then came in smaller zip close baggies. These baggies are also medical grade, think a high quality cocaine dealer's baggie. Thick plastic, medical grade. This prevents any leakage. Leakage would mean the USPS could inspect it, so this was an impressive insight by LAL.
The products also have an individual seal on them to further prevent leaking and exposure. A nice touch.
Final Thoughts -
From my perspective, not much else could have been done. All that LAL could have done is use take around the entire envelope where it commonly rips, but common is a strong word, I have seen a few hundred out of hundreds of thousands of parcels. Those which tear are most often weights or sharp objects that common sense would dictate would tear through cardboard.
LAL went above what I personally would do in a couple instances. This speaks volumes to how they ship.
A solid 9/10. A perfect ten would be covered in tape all around, but that is honestly over kill.
Review on LAL's shipping:
Outside packaging:
The first HUGE perk I noticed was the flat rate envelope that was not punctured. That told me the contents were packed and placed strategically to not poke through. That's an experienced shipper for sure.
Second was the tear to open flap, it was covered in USPS clear tape. It is a distinct tape, it is harder to tear and rip than normal tape. So much so it refuses to cut often. This made opening a challenge but this ensure the package will not open.
Tape was also along the bottom. The package, when a flat rate envelope, tears open primarily at the flap to seal and part way through when non-even items are placed inside. LAL also put tape on the bottom. It is an extra precaution which was completely not needed. It is a good thing to do, just a very seldom issue.
I struggled to open it with my hands, but managed.
Inside:
The next big winner was the high grade foam used to wrap around the items. They came in a zip bag to prevent leaking, and inside the bag LAL used aforementioned high grade foam to pack. A note on the foam, it was superior quality to that hospitals use to ship, even higher grade than several steroid companies ship with. The level of cushion is great enough to prevent shattering and in my professional opinion, only a concentrated weight dropped on it could break it. Such as a 70 lb Iron Rod.
The foam was covered by more good tape. They items then were packed to distribute the weight over the surface, meaning the total foam piece was about 6 x 4 inches per product, while the product is 2 x 1 inches, meaning that if for some reason something was set on top, the product was completely protected.
The Products themselves:
Some products then came in smaller zip close baggies. These baggies are also medical grade, think a high quality cocaine dealer's baggie. Thick plastic, medical grade. This prevents any leakage. Leakage would mean the USPS could inspect it, so this was an impressive insight by LAL.
The products also have an individual seal on them to further prevent leaking and exposure. A nice touch.
Final Thoughts -
From my perspective, not much else could have been done. All that LAL could have done is use take around the entire envelope where it commonly rips, but common is a strong word, I have seen a few hundred out of hundreds of thousands of parcels. Those which tear are most often weights or sharp objects that common sense would dictate would tear through cardboard.
LAL went above what I personally would do in a couple instances. This speaks volumes to how they ship.
A solid 9/10. A perfect ten would be covered in tape all around, but that is honestly over kill.