Shipping valuable artwork or high-quality prints requires a professional approach to ensure they arrive in pristine condition. The 11×17 inch format is highly susceptible to bending, creasing, and folding during transit due to its size. Successfully shipping these prints flat requires meticulous preparation, starting with the right inner packaging and culminating in secure external protection. This systematic process must prioritize rigidity and environmental protection from the initial packaging stage through to final carrier selection.
Gathering Essential Packaging Materials
A successful flat shipment begins with selecting packaging materials that provide structural integrity and long-term protection. The first layer of defense should be an acid-free plastic sleeve or poly bag. This shields the print from moisture, dust, and direct contact with less stable materials. Acid-free materials are necessary because standard paper or cardboard can degrade over time, releasing acids that cause yellowing or deterioration of the artwork.
The primary structural component is rigid cardboard backing, typically 40-point chipboard or single-wall corrugated cardboard. Two pieces of this rigid material are needed to create a protective barrier larger than the 11×17 print itself. Quality packaging tape, such as water-activated gummed tape, offers a strong, tamper-resistant seal for the final outer container. This reliable bond prevents accidental opening and enhances the package’s resistance to moisture.
Corner protectors, small plastic or stiff cardboard pieces, can prevent the corners of the print from being crushed inside the sleeve. Although the print will be sandwiched, these protectors add a layer of cushioning that absorbs minor impacts. All chosen materials must work together to create a stable, non-shifting environment for the print inside the mailer.
Protecting the Print from Damage
The physical preparation of the print is the most important step in preventing transit damage. Carefully slide the 11×17 print into the acid-free plastic sleeve, ensuring the opening is sealed to prevent exposure to moisture. This enclosed print then becomes the center of a protective “sandwich” constructed from the rigid backing boards.
Place the sleeved print onto one piece of rigid cardboard, centered with at least an inch of border around the edges. Place the second piece of rigid cardboard directly on top, aligning the edges precisely to create a uniform, double-sided shield. This assembly must be secured tightly to prevent any internal movement or shifting during the sorting process.
Secure the cardboard sandwich by applying strips of packaging tape along all four edges, binding the two pieces of backing material together completely. Tape the edges only; the tape must not extend over the print itself, which risks damaging the art during removal. This technique creates an encapsulated, rigid unit ready for the final shipping container.
Choosing the Best Shipping Container
The outer container determines the final level of protection against external forces and rough handling. For 11×17 prints, the superior option is a heavy-duty, rigid flat mailer, often called a “stay-flat” envelope, designed specifically to resist bending. These mailers are constructed from thick, multi-layered cardboard and maintain their shape even under moderate pressure.
The container must comfortably accommodate the protective print sandwich, which is slightly larger than 11×17 inches due to the backing boards. Interior dimensions of approximately 12.5 x 15 inches or 13 x 18 inches provide the necessary clearance to insert and remove the assembly without forcing it. A slightly oversized container also allows for additional padding or movement suppression materials if necessary.
The flat mailer is recommended for preserving the quality and presentation of 11×17 prints, especially those printed on heavier stock that resists rolling. Rolling a print can introduce memory curl, making it difficult for the recipient to flatten and display the artwork immediately. A tube should only be used if the artwork material is highly pliable or if the customer specifically requests a rolled shipment.
Sealing and Labeling the Package
Once the rigid print assembly is complete, secure it inside the shipping container to prevent internal movement or rattling. If the mailer is slightly larger than the sandwich, use small pieces of crumpled packing paper or thin foam sheets to gently fill the void space, immobilizing the print assembly. This prevents the edges of the print sandwich from impacting the sides of the mailer during transport, which can still cause minor dents.
Thoroughly seal all seams and openings of the flat mailer for security and moisture protection. Even if the mailer has a self-adhesive strip, reinforce all four edges with strong packaging tape. This prevents water infiltration and increases the package’s structural integrity. Water-activated tape is effective because it creates a strong, permanent bond with the cardboard surface.
The package must be clearly labeled to communicate the contents’ fragile nature to handlers. Apply “DO NOT BEND” and “FRAGILE” labels prominently on both the front and back of the mailer to maximize visibility. The shipping label should be printed using waterproof ink and securely attached, ensuring the address and tracking barcode remain legible throughout delivery.
Selecting Shipping Carriers and Services
Selecting a carrier and service level involves balancing cost, speed, and reliability for the flat package. Major carriers, including USPS, UPS, and FedEx, offer viable options, with service choice depending on package weight and required delivery speed. USPS First Class Package service is often the most cost-effective option for lighter packages.
For heavier assemblies or faster delivery, services like USPS Priority Mail, UPS Ground, or FedEx Ground are appropriate. The final cost is calculated based on dimensional weight or package thickness, not just physical weight. The rigidity of the flat mailer often pushes the package thickness above the letter or flat classification, requiring it to be sent as a package.
Tracking is a necessary feature for any valuable print shipment, allowing both the sender and the customer to monitor the item’s progress and anticipate delivery. Insurance should always be added, particularly for high-value artwork, to cover the cost of the print and replacement packaging materials in the event of loss or severe damage. Choosing a service that includes robust tracking and insurance provides confidence in secure delivery.