Any tips on mailing canned goods?

blynn · #1 01/17/12, 03:56 PM

I will be mailing some home canned goods out later this week, and I was wondering how you all do it. What works best for getting them securely from point A to point B? What doesn't work at all? I was figuring I'd wrap them securely in paper and then stuff the box with paper and a dish towel so they don't get jostled too much during shipping.

ldc · #2 01/17/12, 04:03 PM

blynn, I used to do applesauce for my mom in quart jars, when she was alive in NJ. I got a liquor box from the store with the thick cardboard compartments, used old rags and plastic store bags to cushion it even more, and mailed it by Fed Ex. it was much cheaper than USPO. Never had one break or even crack. Wrote "fragile" on the outside. Best of luck with this! ldc

Molly Mckee · #3 01/17/12, 04:19 PM

I put each jar in a zip lock freezer bag--just in case.

jamala · #4 01/17/12, 04:44 PM

I put each jar into a ziplock bag and seal and then I wrap them in bubble wrap, stuff the spaces with newspaper and tape the box up reallly really well.

Maggie · #5 01/17/12, 06:38 PM

I've used egg cartons on the bottom & top of the shipping box. Worked real well.
What a great idea to put the jars in ziploc bags--just in case

julieq · #6 01/17/12, 07:06 PM

We use bubble wrap for all our fragile stuff and love it. Yes, it is expensive, but it's well worth not having a problem with breakage of those precious items!

blynn · #7 01/17/12, 11:45 PM

Thanks for the ideas! I figured this was the right place to ask.

I got a package from amazon today and it was stuffed with those air pillows made out of recycled film, I think I might incorperate a couple of those into the packaging. And I'm going to hunt around for bubble wrap, I may have a little tucked away, just not sure where!

NostalgicGranny · #8 01/18/12, 06:00 AM

If you run out of air bags use popcorn. Totally recyclable and the birds will love it too.

Nomad · #9 01/18/12, 10:02 AM

I wouldn't use the post office. They have very specific rules on sending liquids. I used to sell hot sauce and it was a pain to do each bottle their way. I'm sure one of the other services like UPS or FedEx would be better and probably cheaper.

Nomad

didaho · #10 01/18/12, 03:08 PM

Ditto on the bubble wrap then stuff newspaper all around the box and in between the jars.
Get insurance on it. It's cheap, $2.45 for $50's. Reason being, they ask what you are shipping and I told them Jams and kraut. My daughter never got them. Sent a second batch out and insured it and she got it. Just seems to be too tempting for them if you don't insure it.

This was at the post office.

Jeffery · #11 01/18/12, 03:17 PM

Sometimes I can find packing peanuts and bubble wrap on Freecycle.
.

Nomad · #12 01/18/12, 03:23 PM

Here's the postal reg...

DMM 601.2.4 Liquids
Mailers must mark the outer container of a mailpiece containing liquid to indicate the nature of the contents. Mailers must package and mail liquids under the following conditions:

a. Use screw-on caps, soldering, clips, or similar means to close mailpieces containing liquids. Do not use only friction-top closures (push-down types).

b. Liquids in steel pails and drums with positive closures, such as locking rings or recessed spouts under screw-cap closures, may be mailed without additional packaging.

c. Package glass and other breakable containers of liquid with a capacity of more than 4 fluid ounces according to the following requirements:

1. Cushion the primary container with material sufficient to absorb all leakage in case of breakage.

2. Place the primary container inside another sealed, leakproof container (secondary container), such as a can or plastic bag.

3. Use an outer mailing container that is strong enough to protect the contents.

Nomad

Pony · #13 01/18/12, 07:18 PM

I gently screw on the ring, then wrap the jar in paper towels, then put it into a zip lock bag.

Be sure to tell the recipient to remove the ring and check to make sure the seal is still good.

Paquebot · #14 01/18/12, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pony

I gently screw on the ring, then wrap the jar in paper towels, then put it into a zip lock bag.

Be sure to tell the recipient to remove the ring and check to make sure the seal is still good.

Remember to always, always, always use the ring! For the past 5 or 6 years, someone always has sent me something with just the flat. So far, no disaster!

Martin

Pony · #15 01/19/12, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paquebot

Remember to always, always, always use the ring! For the past 5 or 6 years, someone always has sent me something with just the flat. So far, no disaster!

Martin

Just so long as you don't screw the ring down too firmly. That could result in breaking the airtight seal, compromising the quality of the food in the jar.