A motorcycle helmet is an important protective head gear that every rider should wear. Laws that require every motorcycle rider and passenger to wear helmets whenever they ride are enforced to prevent motorbike crash-related injuries and deaths. According to studies, helmets are estimated to prevent 37 percent of crash deaths among motorcycle riders and 41 percent of crash deaths for motorcycle passengers.
Helmets come in a variety of types and styles including half-coverage, open-face and full-face. They are usually made from either a molded polycarbonate plastic or a fiber composite that can consist of fiberglass, Kevlar and/or carbon fiber. Their interiors, which absorb impact during a crash, are commonly lined with expanded polystyrene (EPS).
Being designed to protect a very fragile part of the human body, the motorcycle helmet can be sturdy enough to withstand impact and rough handling during shipping. However, it still needs to be properly packed to prevent damages such as scratches and dents. If you are sending out a helmet as a gift, to get a customized paint job, or for any other reason, here are some tips on how to properly pack and ship a motorcycle helmet to ensure that it arrives intact and free from damage.
Secure any moving parts, such as the face shield, with blue painter’s to prevent it from moving during transit. The painter’s tape will not damage the finish of the helmet nor leave adhesive residue.
Wrap the entire helmet with at least a couple of layers of bubble wrap. Make sure that all parts and surfaces are well-covered and padded. Use tape to secure the wrap in place.
Get a sturdy cardboard shipping box that is 3 inches larger than the wrapped helmet on all sides, top and bottom. Fill the bottom with a 3-inch layer of packing peanuts. Lay the wrapped helmet on top of the peanuts, in the center of the box. Fill the remaining spaces on the sides and top with more packing peanuts.
To test if the package is well packed, close the box and shake. There should be no movement from within the box. If you sensed movement, open the box and add more packing peanuts until there is no more shifting inside.
Close the box and seal with heavy dury packaging tape. Reinforce flaps and seams, including those in the bottom of the box, with packaging tape. Address and label the package and take to your local post office or shipping company.