Shipping electronic equipment, such as a car radio, seems like a daunting task. These items are fragile and highly breakable. Knowing the proper way to pack this type of item ensures that they will be well protected during transit and free from any damage due to impact and mishandling. Here are some tips on how to properly pack and ship a car radio to ensure that it arrives intact and in good condition.
If the original packaging is still available, use it to ship your car radio in. The molded foam pads will keep the item in place and cushion it against impact. Place the boxed car radio in a slightly larger shipping box filled with packing materials on all sides, top, and bottom to prevent movement. When the original box is no longer available, wrap the car radio in several layers of bubble and secure with tape to prevent unraveling. This will provide cushion for the radio as well as protect it from the elements. Place the bubble-wrapped car radio in a sturdy shipping box which is large enough to have at least two inches of extra space on all sides.
Put a layer of packing materials (crumpled newspaper, bubble wrap or packing peanuts can be used) on the bottom of the box before placing the car radio in the center. Then, fill the sides and top of the box with more packing materials. The box should be well packed such that there is no space for the item to move around.
Close the box and secure the flaps and seams with packaging tape. Make sure that the box is secured with packaging tape and will not burst open. Attach address and labels and take to your local post office or shipping company.
USPS Flat Rate Priority Mail is a cost-effective way of sending a car radio. Most car radio will fit in a medium flat rate box that is available at the post office or order them at the USPS website for free. For larger car radio, step up to a bigger flat rate box. You can either take the package to the post office yourself or schedule a pickup via the USPS website.