Need to send art or artwork? Pak Mail has been offering our services to artists, galleries, museums and auction houses since 1997. We provide personal service to our clients including custom packaging, crating and shipping these items with special care. We know that family heirlooms and works of art are precious and deserve the most attention for the safest delivery. We spare no packing material or technique because we understand what packages endure during the shipping process.

Our packaging technique for framed or unframed art and artwork involves several steps. Any item containing glass, such as framed art and pictures, receives a layer of glass mask to protect the print, photograph or artwork that lay underneath and layer of scratch preventative called furniture wrap is applied. Furniture wrap is a combination of thick tissue paper and wrap designed to prevent abrasion and scratching. It is used primarily for fine wood and critical finish surfaces. Next is a layer of styro-board that is sized and applied using stretch-wrap around the piece to withstand any mishandling event that might occur. The piece is surrounded with a double-walled corrugated container or a crate. We have in-stock picture boxes for the most common artwork sizes but we are prepared to build any size double-walled corrugated container or crate necessary. Lastly, the space left between the carefully wrapped artwork and container is filled using packing peanuts. Nothing should be loose when finally packed for shipment.

Our packaging is exceptional for protecting against damage. But in the unlikely event of damage or loss, Pak Mail has value coverage available to its customers to cover the value of the artwork. We have the support of our Pak Mail corporate value coverage in addition to any coverage the shipping service may offer. A few things we ask our customers to do before shipping highly valuable pieces:

• Keep purchase receipts or appraisals as evidence of value.
• If there is no evidence indicating value, seek to have it documented in some fashion such as a quotation for similar item, publication or appraisal.
• Take several pictures of the item to document its condition.
  

At Pak Mail, our business account holders enjoy the convenience of dropping off items for shipping or mailing. There is no need to bring petty cash and no waiting for the check-out process. We invoice at the end of each month. You cut one check for all Pak Mail services including copies, faxes, mailbox rental, postage, next-day air, shipping, and packaging.

Already have an on-line account with one of the major couriers? If so, how do you know you are getting the best rate for each package? As your strategic business partner, Pak Mail provides competitive and comparative pricing among the major couriers, UPS, FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, DHL, and USPS. Our computerized system let's us compare to get you the best value in an instant.

And what about making a claim? It's not that easy for a small business that has a busy schedule. Any trouble with a package and Pak Mail is on it. We handle any claims so you don't have to. That is our job.

Furniture

We ship furniture that's boxed or unboxed, we ship furniture that's brand new, and we ship furniture that's been in the family for generations. We ship antiques, items sold on eBay, you name it - if you need to ship furniture, call Pak Mail. Pak Mail is ideal for those who need to send just one or two pieces of furniture; too small for a moving company to handle but just right for Pak Mail. Our personal approach means that we clearly explain your shipping options to give you the best value for your situation. We can get furniture from here to there overnight or slower and more economical options depending on what you need so you get the best service.

Blanket Wrap Service:

1. Easiest for you,
2. Door to door inside pick-up and delivery,
3. Less packaging required,
4. Small number of transfers and more gentle transport,
5. Rates based on dimensions,
6. 4-8 week delivery options.

1. Major carriers such as Roadway and ABF,
2. Residential outside delivery,
3. Requires palletizing and packaging,
4. Economical rates based on weight,
5. 1 week delivery continental U.S.

1. Typically the fastest of all the freight services,
2. Requires packaging,
3. Best for shipments that are:
   • Time-critical
   • Especially valuable
   • Especially fragile
   • Examples include but are not limited to: electronics, art, sculptures, and small furniture pieces.

International and Military Shipping

Need to send baby shower gifts to your daughter living in Italy? Or how about sending a military serviceman a care package? Customs forms can be complicated and challenging. No package will be delivered without the form completed correctly. At Pak Mail, we simplify the process by completing the forms for you and making international shipping as easy as mailing a letter.

Customs forms aren't the only head-ache when shipping internationally. There are specific and varying item restrictions for sending your package overseas. Reading a list of rules and regulations can be overwhelming. If the rules are not followed, it could mean long delays in delivery. Check out the list below for a few general but helpful pointers.

1. Batteries must be removed because electronic devices can inadvertently go off while in transit. They just don't want things ticking, vibrating, our making any kind of noise like clocks or radios. Other prohibited items include hazardous or flammable material, (including cologne), aerosol cans, firearms, furs, perishables, plants, tobacco, plants and liquor to name a few.
2. Avoid sending anything that will melt such as chocolates. Also, it is recommended to avoid sending very fragile items since the shipping process may take multiple truck loads and unloads increasing the risk of damage. Pornographic material is illegal in some countries.
3. International shipping can be expensive depending upon the speed of service, distance, weight and package dimensions. Of the factors that determine the rate, weight and size are very important. When possible, select lightweight items for shipping. Packages less than 4 pounds are the most economical to send. Keep in mind also, that box and packing material adds to the total weight.
4. Military shipping rates are the same as domestic rates since APO and FPO zip codes are to military post offices located within the U.S. Military post offices distribute mail and packages to overseas personnel as a free service, however custom forms must be completed as usual.

Large and Awkward

Want to sell something large on E-bay? How about a doll house, guitar, television, computer, meat-slicer, pizza oven or car door and don't know how to get it from here to there? We do. These are a few samples of large and awkward items that we have custom packed and shipped. At Pak Mail, we want to open the possibilities to ship anything, anywhere.
We make it easy to send the over sized with confidence and efficiency. Our full-service solution makes any shipping project super easy. In fact, one call does it. We offer:

• Local pick-up,
• Competitive pricing via air, ground, and specialty shipping carriers and,
• The best custom packaging.

Our custom packaging specialists welcome a challenge. Furniture or machinery, one item or a room full, let Pak Mail provide the best options and expertly handle every detail. If you've got it, we can pack it and pack it well. At Pak Mail we safeguard your cargo with an array of capabilities, including

1. double-walled corrugated,
2. made-to-size containers and crating,
3. a large supply and variety of packing materials,
4. stretch-wrapping, and
5. palletizing just to name a few.

Shipping options available to us at Pak Mail give many options and approaches. We carefully evaluate each piece and circumstance to determine the best carrier, shipment method and price. We use only trusted and nationally known ground, ocean and air freight carriers, blanket-wrap door-to-door movers, and specialty carriers for cars, pianos, and animals.

Mailboxes

Wouldn't it be nice to have a single, reliable address for all your mail and packages? An address that offers privacy and security with a full-time professional to sign for registered mail and deliveries? Discover the convenience of our mailboxes and more at Pak Mail.
Our mailboxes are available to you 24-hours a day! This means you have access at midnight or any other time convenient to you. No more rushing to get your mail before 5 pm or waiting until 8 am or the frustration of a government holiday.
Whether you're a single individual or small business, Pak Mail offers private mailboxes in three different sizes with an array of customer benefits. First and foremost, you and your mail will always be secure. You are the only one with a key to your box, located safely inside a Pak Mail location. And, unlike other mailbox services, you can receive deliveries from UPS, FedEx, overnight deliveries, and certified mail here.

Notary

We have several notaries public on staff
No appointment is necessary
Notaries can come to you upon request

PC & Electronics

Need to get a laptop, printer, or peripheral from here to there? Electronics can be scary and tricky items to pack and ship. Did you know that the courier industry has specific packaging requirements for these items? They will deny any and all claims for damage when packaging is not to standard. When you bring your equipment to us there is no need to worry. We know exactly what to do to package it properly and get it there safely.

1. Back up data on a removable drive or disk.
2. Remove ink cartridges and toner to prevent accidental spillage. Place them in a separate zip lock bag to include in the shipment.
3. Record make, model and serial number of the equipment.
4. Make sure power supplies and cables are present and accounted for functioning as appropriate.

Perishables

Need to send some fresh home-grown corn to Alaska? Or how about sending Bob his favorite cheesecake? Pak Mail can make it happen. We are up to the challenge for packaging and shipping anything perishable so it arrives as tasty as the day it was shipped.

Don't worry about packaging. We have styro-foam packaging material for any size box needed. So go ahead, make Grandma's Gingerbread Cake and bring it to us. We'll make sure gets there for that special taste of home.

At Pak Mail, we want your delectable morsel to arrive fresh so here are a few tips to consider:

1. It is best to ship perishables, such as baked goods, meat or fruit, on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday during the holiday season.
2. Whenever possible, ship perishables for next-day delivery to minimize time in transit. Avoid shipping perishables on a Thursday or Friday, or else the package may suffer extreme temperatures for as many as four days.
3. Keep items refrigerated or frozen until just prior to bringing it in to Pak Mail. Bring in a few frozen gel packs with the goodies to keep them cool. We may be able to place the item in our in-store refrigerator for storage until courier pick-up.
4. Freeze cakes, including cheesecakes and layer cakes, before shipping to keep it solid. Wrap the frozen cake in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to help keep it cold.
5. Despite precautions, icing may smear and decorations may become crushed in transit.
6. Place individually wrapped cookies on a strong paper plate.

Very Fragile, Glass, China

Have heirloom crystal or china to pass on to your grandchildren? Even when they live across the country, there is no reason to lose hope. At Pak Mail, we specialize in packaging very fragile pieces for shipping even if they are going 2000 miles away.

Pak Mail has strict standards for packaging and shipping very fragile and valuable fine china. We require our packers to individually bubble wrap each piece before placing them in a box cushioned with packing peanuts. This box is again placed in a larger container which is intended to take the brunt of all handling, shock and vibration while in transit. We refer to this packaging technique as double boxing.

Moving companies typically use large boxes for packing dishes but we prefer to use smaller boxes for ease of handling by the shipper. Smaller boxes also result in lighter overall weight that also reduces the stress on the bottom pieces.

If there is concern about transporting your china or crystal to Pak Mail, we can help. We are happy to pack dishes at your home and transport them to our shop for shipping. We don't want anything to get in the way of passing on a family legacy.