NPL Tasks- Packaging specimens for loan

Things happen, we all know that. Our responsibility is to package our specimens in such a way that they will have the best chance of surviving if the box is dropped, kicked, falls off the truck or any other such misadventure..

It's better to over do it when it comes to shipping specimens via any courier. Please follow these steps to ensure the fossils make it safely to their destination.

• Wrap individual specimens in bubble wrap and place them into a foam lined tray.
• Put the tray in a plastic bag. Pad around the specimen with packing peanuts.
• Tape the bag shut, taping both lengthwise and crosswise to help ensure the specimen is firmly encased in the packing peanut/bubble wrap environment.
• Place specimens in box, and put a piece of bubble wrap between each layer of packed specimens. Top off any unused space with more bubble wrap or packing peanuts.
• Put 2 copies of the loan paperwork in the box- one pink copy, one white.
• Use the clear packing tape to seal the box shut.
• Provide the Collection Manager with the length, width and height of the box as well as the weight. She can then print out the shipping label for you.
• One you've adhered the label to the box, its ready to be dropped off at the FexEx center on Burnet Rd.