shipping 1 gal question

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greenfig

Registered:1359790036
Posts: 3,182

Posted 1409963634	Reply with quote #1

Trying to find a box to fit 1 gal nursery pot with 1 ft growth above it. The USPS triangular tubes are too narrow. Are there any standard boxes that can be used without much modification? How about if I want to ship 2 one gallon pots in 1 box with 1 ft tree each? __________________ wish list: Violeta, Calderona. USDA z 10a, SoCal

figgary

Registered:1387147322
Posts: 833

Posted 1409963967	Reply with quote #2

Hi Igor, I ordered some from uline.com They are 20X6X6 and fit a one gallon nicely. __________________ Gary in CA 9A Seeking: Bebera Branca*, Colonel Littman's Cross

WillsC

Registered:1348087628
Posts: 1,698

Posted 1409964193	Reply with quote #3

This is what I use.....and free. If you are sending two plants just tape the boxes together. https://store.usps.com/store/browse/uspsProductDetailMultiSkuDropDown.jsp?productId=P_0_SHOEBOX&categoryId=priority-mail

Charlie

Registered:1404043833
Posts: 1,214

Posted 1409965618	Reply with quote #4

Thanks Wills, ordered a pack. __________________ Zone 7A ~ Fort Smith area Arkansas

greenfig

Registered:1359790036
Posts: 3,182

Posted 1409966057	Reply with quote #5

Super, guys! Thanks a lot. __________________ wish list: Violeta, Calderona. USDA z 10a, SoCal

rcantor

Registered:1309799312
Posts: 5,724

Posted 1409975231	Reply with quote #6

There are 2 sizes of triangle tubes. I use the small one and tape it well. The bulge for the soil transitions to a narrower triangle which keeps the plant from moving. __________________ Zone 6, MO Wish list: Galicia Negra, De La Reina - Pons, Genovese Nero - Rafed's, Sbayi, Souadi, Acciano, Any Rimada, Sodus Sicilian, any Bass, Pons or Axier fig, any great tasting fig.

greenfig

Registered:1359790036
Posts: 3,182

Posted 1409976296	Reply with quote #7

I tried a medium tube and it is way too narrow, I would need two to go around the pot which makes it rectangular. That is what you do? __________________ wish list: Violeta, Calderona. USDA z 10a, SoCal

gorgi

Registered:1188888396
Posts: 2,864

Posted 1409978029	Reply with quote #8

I just shipped two 1 gallon-pot figs each in a 6x6x24" Uline box. Both fitted very snugly in there, actually I had to apply a tiny force to close the box. That, with a plastic bag (for moisture/water control) and couple of cardboard 'straps' (for further securing) should get them home. Uline has many boxes to fit all needs, including a slightly bigger 8x8x26". As for USPS (~6" sides) triangular tube- I only use them to ship smaller starter-figs usually just-rooted ones in 20-32 ounce foam-cups. __________________ George, NJ_z7a.

mgginva

Registered:1320266925
Posts: 1,856

Posted 1409979079	Reply with quote #9

I'm not sure there is a foot up top but if you go on the USPS site and order either 10 or 25 shoe box size boxes they will deliver right to your door and not charge at all. I have used these for a while and they work great. 1 gallon is a tight fit but that's good. I ship both 1g and 1g trade pots in this size. I put wet paper towels on top of the soil in the pot then put the pot in 2 plastic shipping bags and tie them off. I then put in one more bag sometimes just in case. I then cut 2 pieces of bamboo that match the interior box size and push them threw the bags into the pot. This holds the pot perfectly and there is no need for tape or twist ties, etc. It is super simple and every single person I have shipped a plant to has been very happy with this method. __________________ Michael in Virginia (zone 7a) Wish list: Perretta,

greenfig

Registered:1359790036
Posts: 3,182

Posted 1409980793	Reply with quote #10

Very useful suggestions indeed! I ordered a pack the USPS shoe boxes, I will try them first since they are free. I may order the Uline boxes too, it only will add a $1.30 to the total price of shipping one pot. __________________ wish list: Violeta, Calderona. USDA z 10a, SoCal

Grasa

Registered:1347083219
Posts: 1,819

Posted 1409981793	Reply with quote #11

Igor, let the tree go to sleep, shake the soil out and coil them into a moist newspaper... it is the best way. __________________ Grasa Seattle, WA

WillsC

Registered:1348087628
Posts: 1,698

Posted 1410001168	Reply with quote #12

Quote: Originally Posted by Grasa Igor, let the tree go to sleep, shake the soil out and coil them into a moist newspaper... it is the best way. Best is to deliver the plant with rootball intact. What advantage does bare root have over intact other than saving money shipping? Saving money is great but that is best for you, not the plant.

Ampersand

Registered:1389979527
Posts: 728

Posted 1410001422	Reply with quote #13

I think someone on the forum said they take the plants out of a pot, put them in a bag and wedge the rootball (with soil) into the USPS triangular boxes. Not sure how I feel about messing with the roots that much, but probably works ok. Most plants I've gotten mailed are in random boxes that happen to fit the container well...the last one was a fruit cup box. Just go to the grocery store and find a stockboy, ask him for boxes.

RichinNJ

Registered:1374784282
Posts: 1,687

Posted 1410002290	Reply with quote #14

Good information here. I found that Amazon has boxes for sale. Uline has a bigger variety. I need to order some for the 1 gal and the 5 gals I will send out. I also found that putting a stick all the way to the bottom of the pot that's as long as the box is tall will stop the pot from moving/crushing the plant when it's turned over in shipping. Tape over the top of the pot stops the root ball from falling out of the pot.

rcantor

Registered:1309799312
Posts: 5,724

Posted 1410017227	Reply with quote #15

I'm shipping plants in triangular boxes with mature roots. I take the plant out of the pot, water it well, which washes some of the soil away. Then I wrap ithe roots in a plastic bag. I tape the triangle tightly around the root ball and it makes the box bulge a little. Then I tape the triangle just past the root ball even tighter so the plant can't move. If the plant has a less mature root system I would leave it in its pot, cover the soil so it can't move, take measures to be sure the pot can't move and use an ordinary box. I used to use the Uline boxes, 8x8x20 and put 1 or 2 fig plants in each. Don't expect those USPS boxes to arrive overnight. Mine took 3 weeks to get here. __________________ Zone 6, MO Wish list: Galicia Negra, De La Reina - Pons, Genovese Nero - Rafed's, Sbayi, Souadi, Acciano, Any Rimada, Sodus Sicilian, any Bass, Pons or Axier fig, any great tasting fig.

mgginva

Registered:1320266925
Posts: 1,856

Posted 1410019676	Reply with quote #16

WOW !! A lot of work being wasted in packing if you ask me. Anytime you disturb roots you set the growth back. Why take the plant out of its' pot? You are going to destroy root hairs at the very least. Depending on the destination a USPS shoe box with a 1 gallon watered plant costs from $8.35 to $18.15 to ship. When I ship now all that has to be done is; open the box - pull out 2 bamboo sticks, untie 2 bags and remove a couple damp paper towels. Done. The plant has been shipped almost undisturbed and it's in its' original pot. It hasn't had growth interrupted and doesn't have to recover before it can continue growing. __________________ Michael in Virginia (zone 7a) Wish list: Perretta,

Otmani007

Registered:1404531079
Posts: 573

Posted 1410022519	Reply with quote #17

Quote: Originally Posted by mgginva WOW !! A lot of work being wasted in packing if you ask me. Anytime you disturb roots you set the growth back. Why take the plant out of its' pot? You are going to destroy root hairs at the very least. Depending on the destination a USPS shoe box with a 1 gallon watered plant costs from $8.35 to $18.15 to ship. When I ship now all that has to be done is; open the box - pull out 2 bamboo sticks, untie 2 bags and remove a couple damp paper towels. Done. The plant has been shipped almost undisturbed and it's in its' original pot. It hasn't had growth interrupted and doesn't have to recover before it can continue growing. I second this. __________________ Dallas, TX - Zone 8a Wish List: Col de Dame Blanche, Brogiotto Bianco, Sicilian White, Panache Otmani

waynea

Registered:1362316304
Posts: 1,886

Posted 1410024066	Reply with quote #18

I agree with both and all, am I politically correct?? The reason I say this is because I believe there are other factors involved. Take for instance, I have received about 40 bare root plants shipped to me in Dec2013 and Jan2014 and they have grown a lot since arrival. My Encanto (just measured) is 6foot, Trojano 5foot, Ventura 5foot, Salce(Mario's) 5 foot, Adriatic Verdone 5foot, a few more 4-5 foot all the rest 2-4 foot and never lost one plant. If I knew enough about pine bark fines mix back then, I believe they would even be much larger, they are in heavy low drained potting soil right now. They will be repotted as soon as I get more pine bark fines, and I am air layering some right now. Not bad progress for bare rooted plants.

Grasa

Registered:1347083219
Posts: 1,819

Posted 1410027726	Reply with quote #19

Boxes get dropped and shaken in transit. I received a tree that the pot content exploded and roots were broken, leaves smashed .when I opened the package, I found the roots,opened slowly and found all the dirt was around the leaves. and the soil was taped shut in the container. it was just a few roots left as most was broken. the tree took a while to recover. Knowing this, I would never send out a gallon with soil. In addition, California does not accept soils coming in. __________________ Grasa Seattle, WA

mgginva

Registered:1320266925
Posts: 1,856

Posted 1410037239	Reply with quote #20

Grasa, There is an adage in science that goes: It's the exception that makes the rule. You are correct that certain places, ex. CA, that will take the plant if it is shipped in soil and they discover it. But of all the thousands of plants shipped properly in their pots I have yet to hear of any that were a problem. I'm assuming the one you had a problem with was improperly packed as it would take a lot - a lot - of abuse - including somehow ripping the plastic bags - to mess up the stuff I ship. And at that level of damage it would also be damaged if it were bare root. I have received damaged plants in the past but every time it has been from someone who had not yet learned how to properly pack a potted plant. __________________ Michael in Virginia (zone 7a) Wish list: Perretta,

WillsC

Registered:1348087628
Posts: 1,698

Posted 1410037290	Reply with quote #21

Quote: Originally Posted by Grasa Boxes get dropped and shaken in transit. I received a tree that the pot content exploded and roots were broken, leaves smashed .when I opened the package, I found the roots,opened slowly and found all the dirt was around the leaves. and the soil was taped shut in the container. it was just a few roots left as most was broken. the tree took a while to recover. Knowing this, I would never send out a gallon with soil. In addition, California does not accept soils coming in. So you received a plant from someone who did not know how to pack it and from that beat up plant made the quantum leap that bareroot shipping is best? That just does not make any sense to me. I guarantee you if I ship a 1 gallon across the country when it arrives the soil and root ball will still be in the pot and not 1 piece of dirt will be loose in the box. If the postal service has not stepped on or crushed the top of the box the top of the plant will be in on piece also. If the top does get snapped......no biggie as long as the roots are intact. Have tried a few methods and some worked but were too slow and some just did not work at all. You live and learn and have the recipient critique the method until you find what works.

pitangadiego

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Registered:1188871011
Posts: 5,447

Posted 1410047151	Reply with quote #22

If you have the soil in the pot properly contained (paper or whatever to fill the pot to the top, and then in a plastic bag sealed to the trunk), and the pot properly secured in the carton so that it cannot move, there will not be issues short of being run over by a forklift. Controlling the heavy weight of the soil/pot is the essential element. The rest of the box is shade for the plant and protection for the leaves. Have shipped thousands of plants, in their pots without real incident. Had a few arrive with half the box missing, but as long as the pot/soil were secured all was well. __________________ Encanto Farms Nursery http://encantofarms.com http://figs4fun.com http://webebananas.com "pitangadiego" everywhere

Dave

Registered:1312388324
Posts: 1,482

Posted 1410048372	Reply with quote #23

Here's how I shipped mine like Joan said fill up the top of the pot with wet newspaper to take up any space I put one or two bamboo sticks punch a hole in the top of the pot and put the wire to hold the bamboo stick in place, I tape the top of the pot to keep everything tight and then I put another bag and just tie that one so there is no chance of moisture leaking "post office wouldn't appreciate a wet box" I buy my boxes on ebay I think there a $1.00 to $1.50 a box I've sent out many many trees I haven't lost a single one yet __________________ Connecticut - Zone 6B Wish List - Bordissot negra rimada

greenfig

Registered:1359790036
Posts: 3,182

Posted 1410060110	Reply with quote #24

Wow, Dave! Thank you for the guide with images, many people will benefit from this. __________________ wish list: Violeta, Calderona. USDA z 10a, SoCal

waynea

Registered:1362316304
Posts: 1,886

Posted 1410062655	Reply with quote #25

Dave nice photos and information, looks like you have a plan that works. Step by step, great demo. Thanks.

mgginva

Registered:1320266925
Posts: 1,856

Posted 1410073373	Reply with quote #26

Nice Dave. I do see one weak spot that doesn't happen with the USPS shoe boxes as they close at the top and bottom of the plant - not the side like this box. That weak spot is the cardboard is not re-inforced where the bamboo ends are situated. This could be an issue if there were rough treatment. When I need to use a box like this I usually use a slightly different method I stole from Jon. If you buy a tree from Jon you'll see a clever way to hold the pot in place without bamboo. __________________ Michael in Virginia (zone 7a) Wish list: Perretta,

RichinNJ

Registered:1374784282
Posts: 1,687

Posted 1410090037	Reply with quote #27

That's how to do it Dave.

WillsC

Registered:1348087628
Posts: 1,698

Posted 1410092533	Reply with quote #28

Here is what Michael is talking about..........Jon's method.

waynea

Registered:1362316304
Posts: 1,886

Posted 1410092986	Reply with quote #29

Right, never thought about Jon's method, I have received several from him and never came close to having a problem. Matter of fact, I could be wrong, but I think a couple boxes had 2 pots shipped together, one at each end and secured by the same method and never had a problem. Don't forget, Jon's arrived by UPS. I would still put a stick in if shipped by USPS.

pino

Registered:1383190021
Posts: 2,117

Posted 1410098110	Reply with quote #30

Wow some great tips in shipping plants! Wonder how long can the plant take being sealed up like that when going long trips? __________________ Pino, zone 6, Niagara, JCJ Acres Wish; Peace on earth and more figs Italian 258, Galicia Negra, Luv, trade suggestions welcome.

greenfig

Registered:1359790036
Posts: 3,182

Posted 1410380616	Reply with quote #31

I posted a message 5 min ago but deleted it after I realized that the boxes were not Uline but Packaging Wholesalers. I apologize if somebody read it already. This one is correct. I received the 28x6x6 boxes from Amazon today, the price was $23.14 (delivered) per 20. A great size to ship 2 shorter plants or 1 taller. Attached Images packagingHS_1.JPG (93.21 KB, 17 views) packagingHS_2.JPG (161.97 KB, 17 views) packagingHS_3.JPG (115.36 KB, 17 views) __________________ wish list: Violeta, Calderona. USDA z 10a, SoCal

Dave

Registered:1312388324
Posts: 1,482

Posted 1410381531	Reply with quote #32

Mike... Top Loader, Side Loader, I Haven't Lost A Man Yet.......... __________________ Connecticut - Zone 6B Wish List - Bordissot negra rimada

Dave

Registered:1312388324
Posts: 1,482

Posted 1410386267	Reply with quote #33

Pino 3 weeks ago I sold a tree in a one gallon pot on ebay and shipped it Priority which at the most it should of taken 3 days to get to the buyer I checked the tracking number a couple of times and I thought that it was odd 7 days later and it said not delivered I wrote to the person and she confirmed that it was not delivered and told me she lives in an rural area in AZ and when her regular mailman is on vacation the substitute won't delivery any packages ??? I don't understand that??? I told her that she in entitled to a refund on the shipping and that the post office would be liable if the tree died anyway on the 10th day the tree was delivered to her house and she said it was in perfect condition and didn't even need to be watered??? I'm assuming the bags must of kept the water from evaporating __________________ Connecticut - Zone 6B Wish List - Bordissot negra rimada

waynea

Registered:1362316304
Posts: 1,886

Posted 1410388067	Reply with quote #34

Here is an option, price seems reasonable, you should check on the quality and reputation of the company. I have not ordered from any of them as of today. http://www.uline.com/Product/AdvSearchResult.aspx?view=ALL&&Length=6&Width=6&Height=24&Tolerance=1&WebClass=4&DimensionalSearch=Y http://www.amshippingsupplies.com/-c-21.html#Stock_Shipping_Boxes http://www.packagingsupplies.com/standard_20032_ect_rsc_corrugated_boxes.html

greenfig

Registered:1359790036
Posts: 3,182

Posted 1410388786	Reply with quote #35

I ordered on Amazon with Prime and my price includes the shipping. 20-25 boxes was enough for me and unfortunately most of the websites charge the shipping $12-18 which kills the good deal. __________________ wish list: Violeta, Calderona. USDA z 10a, SoCal

rcantor

Registered:1309799312
Posts: 5,724

Posted 1410389601	Reply with quote #36

Another way to be sure the bamboo doesn't poke through the box is to cut it about 1/8" short, wrap packing tape around the top of the bamboo, making a mess but folding edges over the top of the stake and taping them down to spread out the force. Then you see where the bamboo hits the top of the box and put 2 pieces of packing tape where the bamboo hits the box. __________________ Zone 6, MO Wish list: Galicia Negra, De La Reina - Pons, Genovese Nero - Rafed's, Sbayi, Souadi, Acciano, Any Rimada, Sodus Sicilian, any Bass, Pons or Axier fig, any great tasting fig.

waynea

Registered:1362316304
Posts: 1,886

Posted 1410390328	Reply with quote #37

Good point Greenfig, did you mean ships 2 shorter or 1 taller? thanks.

greenfig

Registered:1359790036
Posts: 3,182

Posted 1410390439	Reply with quote #38

Oops! A brain freeze :) Corrected... __________________ wish list: Violeta, Calderona. USDA z 10a, SoCal

waynea

Registered:1362316304
Posts: 1,886

Posted 1410391147	Reply with quote #39

I am checking Amazon, then weigh if I purchase enough in a year to make Prime pay off, I guess I could stream a lot of movies and read a lot of books. I usually order over $35 and get free shipping on most items. I'll check it out. Thanks.

ediblelandscapingsc

Registered:1343459620
Posts: 348

Posted 1410399778	Reply with quote #40

I trade many plants in fall & early spring. I only ship dormant plants for the most part now. I would go broke shipping all that soil to my friends. I ship semi bare root plants with a freshly watered rootball wrapped in a bag and sealed with flagging tape and write the name of the tree on the tape. then secure the plant to the walls of the box If I'm shipping many plants to 1 person I lay them head to toe with shredded paper or balled up paper between them until the box is filled so it don't move. Actively growing plants need the pots to be shipped with them. In case anyone is wondering by semi bare root I mean the plant gets removed from it's pot and about 1/2 the soil is gently washed off before bagging. __________________ South Carolina zone 7b-8

pino

Registered:1383190021
Posts: 2,117

Posted 1410437935	Reply with quote #41

Thanks Dave! Great to know that in worst case scenarios like a 10 day trip the fig still survived! __________________ Pino, zone 6, Niagara, JCJ Acres Wish; Peace on earth and more figs Italian 258, Galicia Negra, Luv, trade suggestions welcome.

waynea

Registered:1362316304
Posts: 1,886

Posted 1410447120	Reply with quote #42

The number of days in shipment and survival rates is probably directly related to the amount time the package is kept in extreme temperatures, either they will freeze or they will fry.

greenfig

Registered:1359790036
Posts: 3,182

Posted 1410447491	Reply with quote #43

Quote: Originally Posted by pino Thanks Dave! Great to know that in worst case scenarios like a 10 day trip the fig still survived! or 14: http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/from-ca-to-vt-in-14-days-priority-mail-6289818?pid=1277567195#post1277567195 __________________ wish list: Violeta, Calderona. USDA z 10a, SoCal

pino

Registered:1383190021
Posts: 2,117

Posted 1410448014	Reply with quote #44

For dormant plants it sounds easier what edibilelandscapingsc is doing. If the fig tree is dormant would it be injured very badly by shaking/washing off the soil and then repotting? Some areas won't let you ship soil with plants in so that would help with that. __________________ Pino, zone 6, Niagara, JCJ Acres Wish; Peace on earth and more figs Italian 258, Galicia Negra, Luv, trade suggestions welcome.

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