How to Package High-Value Cameras and Drones for Secure Shipping

At ShipSimple, we know how much your cameras and drones mean to you—both in value and function. These high-tech, high-value items are not only fragile but also contain sensitive components that require extra care when shipping. To ensure your shipping insurance coverage remains valid and your gear arrives undamaged, it’s crucial to package them correctly. Follow this step-by-step guide, and remember to document each stage with clear photos. This visual proof can significantly strengthen your position if an insurance claim is ever needed.

Step 1: Choose the Right Packaging Materials

Proper packaging begins with selecting materials designed to protect sensitive electronics and camera lenses:

• Sturdy Outer Box: Use a double-walled corrugated cardboard box that’s 2–4 inches larger than your camera or drone on all sides. For extra peace of mind, consider double-boxing.
  
  
• Protective Case (If Available): If your device came with a hard travel case or padded camera bag, use it - it adds a strong first layer of protection.
  
  
• Cushioning Materials: Air pillows, bubble wrap, or foam inserts are ideal for drones and camera bodies.
  
  
• Anti-Static Wrap: Use anti-static bags or foam wrap for electronic parts like batteries, SD cards, and camera sensors.
  
  
• Heavy-Duty Packing Tape: Always seal with strong, pressure-sensitive tape, ideally 2 inches wide.
  
  

📸 Take a photo: Lay out all your materials before you start packing.

Step 2: Wrap Each Component Individually

High-value electronics must be protected from both impact and friction. Drones and camera kits typically include multiple parts - each needs individual wrapping:

• Wrap the camera body, drone, lenses, batteries, and accessories separately using bubble wrap and anti-static material where applicable.
  
  
• Use lens caps and gimbal locks (for drones) to protect moving parts and fragile glass.
  
  
• For drones, ensure propellers are removed and stored separately in protective sleeves.
  
  

📸 Take a photo: After wrapping each item, photograph them laid out before placing them in the box.

Step 3: Cushion the Bottom of the Box

Before inserting any components:

• Add a 2–3 inch layer of air pillows, foam padding, or bubble wrap to the bottom of the box. This protects your items from shocks during handling and transit.
  
  

📸 Take a photo: Capture the padded bottom layer before placing the contents.

Step 4: Place Your Items in the Box

Once everything is wrapped:

• Carefully place larger items in the center and fill any gaps with foam inserts, air pillows, or crumpled kraft paper.
  
  
• Ensure nothing is touching the walls of the box. Smaller accessories should be packed around the larger items, with at least 2 inches of padding in all directions.
  
  

📸 Take a photo: Show how each item is positioned and surrounded with sufficient padding.

Step 5: Add Cushioning to the Top and Seal the Box

Before sealing:

• Add another 2–3 inches of protective fill on top of all contents.
  
  
• Gently shake the box - if anything shifts, add more padding.
  
  
• Use H-taping technique to seal the box tightly across the center and edges.
  
  

📸 Take a photo: Take a picture of the sealed box before labeling.

Step 6: Label and Document

To complete the process:

• Clearly mark the box with “Fragile,” “Electronics,” and “This Side Up” where applicable.
  
  
• Add a shipping label with full sender and recipient details.
  
  
• Keep a record of the tracking number and photos for your records.
  
  

📸 Take a photo: Show the labeled, ready-to-ship box with all labels visible.

Final Tips for a Smooth Insurance Claim Process

By following these packaging instructions and documenting each step with photos, you’re taking the best possible precautions to protect your investment. In the rare event of damage during transit, your insurance claim will be backed by visual evidence showing that you followed recommended shipping protocols. This means faster processing and a higher chance of successful reimbursement.

For additional details on shipping insurance, visit:

• Canada Post – Packaging Guidelines
  
  
• UPS – How to Package Electronics
  
  
• FedEx – Packing Services
  
  
• Purolator – Preparing Your Shipment
  
  
• DHL – Packing Tips
  
  
• B&H Photo – Camera Packaging Advice
  
  
• DJI Support – Drone Shipping Instructions
  
  
• Pelican Cases – Hard Shell Protection
  
  
• Tamrac – Camera Bags and Cases
  
  
• Lowepro – Drone and Camera Gear
  
  
• Shipping Federation of Canada – Best Practices
  
  
• Consumer Reports – How to Ship Expensive Tech