{"id":12588,"date":"2022-01-07T16:02:27","date_gmt":"2022-01-07T16:02:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.parcelpending.com\/?p=12588"},"modified":"2023-03-28T19:42:11","modified_gmt":"2023-03-28T19:42:11","slug":"how-to-safely-ship-a-laptop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.parcelpending.com\/en-us\/blog\/how-to-safely-ship-a-laptop\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Safely Ship a Laptop to College Students"},"content":{"rendered":"

The continued impact of the COVID virus and its variants have led to a variety of hybrid learning models and fueled the need for laptops for students. Here\u2019s a primer on the importance of connectivity for today\u2019s college students and <\/span>how to safely ship a laptop<\/span> to college students.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Pressing Need for Laptops & Connectivity<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Even with in-person classes, a reliance on electronic homework, projects, and apps can create a gap between students with laptops and stable Wi-Fi and those without. Colleges and universities across the country are stepping up to better serve their student population, particularly given the challenges posed by ongoing hybrid or remote learning during the pandemic.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ohio State University, for example, shipped its 36,000 undergraduate students an iPad for the third consecutive year<\/span>1<\/span>. And Lewis University created Wi-Fi zones in parking lots and outdoor spaces to meet safety concerns. As <\/span>LeRoy Butler, CIO at Lewis University, explains: \u201cIt gives [students] a way to safely access resources on campus without going into the buildings.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Shipping Laptops Requires Extra TLC \u2013 Tender Labeling Care<\/strong><\/h2>\n

As universities have learned, <\/span>laptop shipping<\/span> requires extra care. The most important item to note is that a <\/span>laptop<\/span> contains a lithium-ion <\/span>battery<\/span>. Since a lithium <\/span>battery<\/span> (in this case a <\/span>laptop battery<\/span>) is classified as dangerous goods due to its chemistries, cathodes, and electrolytes, the <\/span>laptop<\/span>\u2019s <\/span>outer box<\/span> must clearly indicate its presence.<\/span><\/p>\n

And, if you\u2019re wondering \u201cwhat\u2019s the big deal with a lithium-ion <\/span>battery<\/span>\u201d? A damaged <\/span>battery<\/span> can become an electrical and chemical hazard causing burns, shock, and extreme heat. The IATA (International Air Transport Association) requires any <\/span>shipping box<\/span> containing lithium-ion batteries to have a durable <\/span>shipping label<\/span> applied to display the correct information and warnings to ensure the safety of those handling or exposed to the item in transit<\/span>2<\/span>. This <\/span>shipping label<\/span> must be printed on synthetic materials that are tear- and scratch-resistant and have a resilient<\/span> adhesive <\/span>tape<\/span> necessary for various climate conditions and environments<\/span>3,4<\/span>. (Whew!) Plus, you should use a <\/span>fragile sticker<\/span> to label your package.<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, <\/span>shipping<\/span> a <\/span>laptop <\/span>computer<\/span> also requires the right <\/span>packaging<\/span>, including <\/span>bubble wrap<\/span> or <\/span>foam<\/span> packing peanuts<\/span>. You\u2019ll also need<\/span> packing tape<\/span> and<\/span> two boxes: one for the <\/span>laptop<\/span> (<\/span>original packaging<\/span> typically works well for this) and another, <\/span>larger box<\/span> to protect the <\/span>boxed laptop<\/span> during shipment. The inner box should be surrounded with <\/span>bubble wrap<\/span> or packing peanuts to ensure that the <\/span>laptop box<\/span> is secure. Check on the security of your <\/span>cushioning<\/span> by gently shaking the box; if you can\u2019t hear anything moving, you are probably safe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Picking the Right Courier<\/strong><\/h2>\n

After the <\/span>packaging<\/span>, bubble wrapping, labeling, and safety warnings, it\u2019s time to pick a <\/span>courier<\/span> based upon <\/span>shipping cost<\/span>, bulk discounts, and speed. Package <\/span>delivery services<\/span> like FedEx, UPS, and the United <\/span>Postal Service<\/span> all offer reasonable options. Most of the time, you\u2019ll find that <\/span>priority mail<\/span> or a flat-rate, medium <\/span>cardboard box<\/span> offered by the post office will meet your needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t forget to add insurance. You can protect your investment on these laptops by not just accepting the \u201cstandard\u201d insurance, but also the replacement value. This ensures you can get your money back in the event of theft or logistics-related issues; it\u2019s estimated that 5-15% of shipments never reach their final destination due to these issues<\/span>5<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Campus Hub<\/a>\u2122 \u2013 the Smarter Solution for Distributing Laptops, Documents, and More<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re overwhelmed by the steps required for safely <\/span>shipping<\/span> a <\/span>laptop<\/span>, you are not alone. Major universities across the country have embraced Parcel Pending by Quadient\u2019s Campus Hub to provide a safe and secure distribution system for students, faculty, and staff. Rollins College, Mount San Jacinto College, Scripps College, University of Colorado Springs, and Indian River State College have all adopted the Campus Hub.<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>Campus Hub delivery model is one of the best <\/span>ways to improve student life on campus<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>Although originally developed specifically for packages, today smart <\/span>lockers for college<\/span><\/a> can function as a vital connection between administrators and students \u2013 distributing packages as well as keys, parking passes, books, <\/span>electronic devices<\/span> (like a <\/span>laptop<\/span>), documents, and much more.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Rob Zinsky, National Director, Higher Education at Parcel Pending by Quadient, predicts parcel lockers will provide the solution for distributing all kinds of things on campus, giving users the ability to avoid lines and face-to-face contact. He refers to this transformation as a Campus Hub, \u201can exchange point for different items, outside of mail and packages.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Innovative uses for Parcel Pending\u2019s smart lockers include:<\/span><\/p>\n