How to Ship Plants?

Do you intend to ship plants to your new home in a different city? Or, are you willing to gift live plants to your loved ones? Truth is, shipping live plants is not an easy task, as it needs utmost safety and precision. You need to take proper care of the packaging to ensure that it does not damage in pursuit. 

Plants are fantastic gift items today, and companies are trying to eliminate the location barrier for the same. Today, shipping plants to different cities is easy and somehow cheap as well. So, make sure you know the proper procedure to get it done. 

In this article, you will know the process of shipping the live plants to different places or cities with proper care. 

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How to Properly Ship Plants to Avoid Damage

1. Check Shipping Restrictions

The first step is to check restrictions on shipping the specific plants you want to send. Every U.S. state has different rules, so check with the USDA if shipping domestically. For international shipping, verify with authorities in each country to ensure the plant can be imported. For example, you cannot ship citrus plants to California from any state or country.

Research shipping restrictions well in advance to avoid last-minute issues. These exist at both national and international levels. You may need a phytosanitary certificate for international shipments. Planning ahead ensures smooth transit of your plants.

2. Use Clear Shipping and Handling Labels

Include key details on shipping labels like courier information, sender/receiver addresses, etc. Use handling labels to indicate "Live Plants" so the package is gently handled in transit. Without these indicators, shippers may not realize there are perishables inside.

3. Pack Plants in Quality Boxes

Use corrugated cardboard boxes designed for shipping plants. Avoid regular cardboard that can get soggy from moisture. For multiple small plants, partition a single box vertically or horizontally based on the shipment. Remove plants from pots to reduce weight and costs if reasonable.

4. Secure Plants Inside Boxes

Fill boxes with newspaper, egg cartons or other soft materials so plants don't shift during shipping. For partitioned boxes, use newspaper to further secure plants. Seal boxes tightly and check for any damage. Add shipping and handling labels securely.

5. Select Fast, Climate-Controlled Shipping

Choose fast shipping methods and reliable carriers to minimize transit time and shock to plants. Temperature-controlled containers also help. Avoid shipping over weekends when delays are more likely. Inform carriers about live plants to prevent heavy items stacked on top during transit.

Conclusion

These are the five crucial steps you need to keep in mind while transporting the plants or flowers from one state to another or a different country. Get all the packing supplies ready, and get clarity on the restriction insights to get the job done. When you are looking for a shipping service provider, make sure you check their reputation and experience of offering services. It will give you a sense of reliability and trust that they will take proper care of your live plant within the box and drop it safely at the destination. 

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Next article: How To Ship Fragile Items