Best Couriers for Fragile Items UK: Keep It Safe

Sending fragile items through a courier can be nerve-wracking. Glass, ceramics, electronics, antiques - there's always that worry about what happens inside the sorting facility. Here's what actually works to protect your delicate items.

priority_high The Truth About "Fragile" Stickers

Let's be honest: fragile stickers don't really work with standard couriers.

Standard carriers handle thousands of parcels daily through automated sorting systems. Your box gets thrown, dropped, and stacked by machines that can't read or respond to labels. That "FRAGILE - HANDLE WITH CARE" sticker is essentially invisible to the conveyor belts and sorting chutes.

This doesn't mean you can't send fragile items - it means you need to rely on proper packaging and the right service choice, not stickers.

compare Courier Comparison for Fragile Items

inventory_2 Packaging Fragile Items Properly

Since you can't control how couriers handle your parcel, packaging is your only real protection:

The Double-Box Method

1. Wrap the item - 2-3 layers of bubble wrap minimum, taped securely
2. Place in inner box - Should fit snugly with padding on all sides
3. Fill ALL gaps - Packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or foam
4. Place inner box in outer box - Leave 5cm+ gap on all sides
5. Fill outer gaps - More padding around the inner box
6. Seal thoroughly - Quality packing tape on all seams

Materials You'll Need

• Bubble wrap - Small bubbles for delicate items, large for cushioning
• Packing peanuts or paper - Fill every gap
• Sturdy boxes - New if possible, no damage or crushing
• Strong packing tape - Not sellotape
• Corner protectors - For framed items, mirrors, TVs

verified_user Insurance & Making Claims

Here's the catch many people don't realise until it's too late:

What's Usually Covered

• Loss of parcel (if tracking shows it)
• Damage to non-excluded items with proof
• Delays (sometimes, with special services)

What's Usually NOT Covered

• Glass, ceramics, china (even when properly packed)
• Artwork and antiques (need specialist insurance)
• Items inadequately packaged
• Sentimental value - only replacement cost

Tips for Successful Claims

1. Photograph before packing - Shows condition before transit
2. Keep all packaging - They may want to inspect it
3. Report damage immediately - Within 24-48 hours
4. Have proof of value - Receipt, valuation, or similar listing

stars Specialist Fragile Item Services

For truly valuable or irreplaceable items, consider specialist services:

Pack & Send

Specialist service that packs and ships fragile items. They can custom-crate artwork, antiques, and delicate goods. Includes proper insurance for fragile items.

Specialist Art Couriers

For artwork, antiques, and high-value pieces, specialist art handlers use climate-controlled vehicles, custom crating, and white-glove handling.

Man and Van Services

For large fragile items (TVs, mirrors, glass furniture), a man and van service avoids all the problems of automated sorting. Your item travels point-to-point with personal handling. This is often the safest option for:

• Large mirrors and glass furniture
• TVs and monitors
• Antique furniture
• Musical instruments
• Valuable electronics

checklist What Can (and Can't) Be Sent

local_shipping Need to Send Something Fragile?

At Van Thats Quick, we provide careful, personal handling for fragile and valuable items. Unlike automated courier sorting, your item travels directly with a real person who cares about delivering it safely.

Ideal for:

• Large mirrors and glass items
• TVs, monitors, and electronics
• Antique furniture
• Artwork
• Musical instruments
• Anything too valuable or fragile for standard couriers