Guide to shipping delicate items from Vietnam

Shipping fragile items across borders is more than just a logistics task, it’s an exercise in trust. Whether it’s a hand-crafted ceramic vase, a rare wine vintage or a musical instrument made with precision, shipping delicate items requires extra attention to protect both the item and your brand’s reputation.

Vietnam’s growing role in global trade has put local businesses in a strong position to export value-added goods. But with opportunity comes responsibility: if the item arrives damaged, it’s not just a product loss, it becomes a trust issue.

In this guide, we break down how to pack fragile items for shipping – covering six common fragile exports from Vietnam – and how to prepare them for international shipping with confidence.

1. Artwork and antiques

Challenges

Artwork and antiques are often one-of-a-kind pieces that are extremely sensitive to their environment, particularly changes to temperature and humidity. These changes can lead to irreversible damage, causing materials like wood to warp, paint to crack and colors to fade.

Best way to pack

• Custom crates for a snug fit: A custom-built wooden crate is the ideal solution for fragile packages as it provides a rigid exterior, ensuring that items don't shift during transit.
• Acid-free materials: Use acid-free tissue paper or glassine to wrap the artwork. This protects the surfaces from potential chemical reactions with other packing materials.
• Protective padding: Use generous amounts of bubble wrap and foam sheets to create a cushion within the crate.

Shipping best practices

Proper packing safeguards items from shock and reduces the chances of internal movement during transit. For high-value art, consider climate-controlled transport to protect against temperature and humidity changes.

2. Musical instruments

Challenges

Musical instruments are meticulously crafted and can be challenging to ship because of their irregular shapes. They are also highly sensitive to environmental factors, with temperature and humidity changes potentially causing wood to warp and strings to snap.

Best way to pack

• Hard cases: Always use a hard case specifically designed for the instrument. This will act as the first line of defense against impacts.
• Protective internal padding: Fill any remaining space inside the case with bubble wrap or foam to prevent the instrument from moving.

Shipping best practices

When preparing fragile stringed instruments for shipping, loosen the strings to reduce tension on the neck. Disassemble any small, loose parts and secure them separately to avoid them scratching the instrument. Use “Fragile” and “This Side Up” stickers on the outer shipping crate to ensure handlers take extra care.

3. Wine

Challenges

Wine is susceptible to spoilage when exposed to fluctuating temperatures. The glass bottles are also highly breakable, making it necessary to engage a courier service that has a good track record for shipping fragile items.

Best way to pack

• Insulated packaging: Use packaging with insulation, such as styrofoam inserts or molded pulp, to protect bottles from temperature changes.
• Individual wrapping: Wrap each bottle in bubble wrap to protect against impact and prevent it from breaking if another bottle shatters.
• Sturdy carton/box: Place the wrapped bottles in a sturdy, multi-layered cardboard box.
• Cushioning materials: Fill any empty spaces with cushioning materials to prevent the bottles from moving.

Shipping best practices

For the most reliable international delivery of wine, use temperature-controlled transport. Clearly label the box with “Fragile” and “Handle with Care” stickers to alert handlers.

4. Perishables

Challenges

Perishable goods such as food, fresh flowers and medications require swift, temperature-controlled delivery to prevent spoilage. This is also true for medications, where a lack of precise handling can lead to a loss of efficacy. 

Best way to pack

• Gel packs and dry ice: Use gel packs or dry ice to maintain a cold chain for frozen items.
• Airtight insulation: Pack items in boxes or cartons with airtight insulation to keep the internal temperature stable.

Shipping best practices

To protect the integrity of perishable goods, it’s best to choose an expedited shipping option, such as DHL Express Medical Express (WMX). You should also use clear labels like “Perishable” or “Temperature-Sensitive” to alert handlers and ensure the shipment is given the necessary special attention. 

5. Sporting equipment

Challenges

Sporting equipment often comes with irregular shapes, bulky sizes and delicate components made of carbon fiber or fiberglass. Engaging a courier service that specialises in shipping fragile items is your best choice for preventing damage during transit.

Best way to pack

• Custom crates/boxes: Use custom-sized crates or boxes to ensure a snug fit.
• Ample protective padding: Use foam and bubble wrap to secure the equipment and prevent internal movement.

Shipping best practices

Disassemble equipment where possible, wrapping each part in protective covers and cushioning loose parts separately. This approach is key when packing fragile items, like high-end bicycles or golf clubs, for shipping.

6. Dishware

Challenges

Not only are porcelain and glass dishware highly breakable, their irregular shapes also pose a challenge when it comes to damage prevention. Here is where you have to take extra care when shipping these fragile items overseas.

Best way to pack

• In-box dividers: Use dividers to keep glass or china pieces from knocking together.
• Padding: Use generous amounts of packing paper, bubble wrap and foam wrap for padding.
• External packaging: A heavy-duty cardboard or plastic box provides the best external protection.

Shipping best practices

The best way to pack dishes for moving is to wrap each item separately and stuff the globes/insides of bowls, stemware and mugs with packing paper before wrapping. Leave no empty spaces in the box. Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top, and ensure items are at least one inch away from the sides of the box to prevent damage. 

Choosing the right shipping partner

From ceramics to chilled salmon, knowing how to pack delicate items for shipping is essential for success in cross-border trade. When looking to send international parcels that contain delicate items, look for a shipping partner that provides:

• Temperature-controlled transport
• End-to-end tracking
• Strong insurance coverage
• Proven experience in delivering fragile items

With DHL Express Vietnam, you get access to global logistics expertise and robust solutions for fragile, perishable and high-value goods. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Use MyDHL+

Schedule pickups, print labels, get quotes and track every shipment in real-time through one platform.

Step 2: Choose your delivery option

Select from a range of international shipping services from Vietnam, including time-definite and climate-sensitive options. Consider utilising Medical Express (WMX) for perishables and medical goods.

Step 3: Pickup or drop-off

Schedule a pickup from your home, warehouse, or office — or drop off your international parcel at the nearest DHL Express Service Point.