DHL Express Shipping: Micro-Size Jizo to the United States (US) — Packing Method (Japan)
Overview
This page is a photo record of how we packed a micro-size granite Jizo for delivery to the United States (US) via DHL Express. With stone, the goal is not “soft wrapping” — it is zero movement inside the box, strong shock absorption at edges and corners, and compression resistance so the carton does not deform during sorting.
For this shipment, the item height is 3.5 in and the weight is 0.9 lb (0.41 kg). Even a small stone can chip if impact concentrates on a ridge, so we build a simple structure: surface protection → cushioning → shape locking → zero-movement boxing → outer durability.
Shipping details
- Carrier: DHL Express
- Destination: United States (US)
- Item size: H 3.5 in
- Item weight: 0.9 lb (0.41 kg)
- Tracking: Provided
- Key focus: Zero movement / protect corners and ridges / prevent carton deformation
Packing materials used
| Newspaper | Initial surface protection + gap filling (prevents fine scuffs and stabilizes the fit) |
| Bubble wrap (air-cushion) | Shock absorption (reduces point-load impact at corners and edges) |
| Single-face corrugated cardboard | Shape locking + edge protection (adds rigidity and prevents wrap collapse) |
| Stretch film | Locks layers so nothing loosens during transit (prevents shifting over time) |
| Air cushions | Zero-movement boxing (fills gaps so the wrapped stone cannot slide, rotate, or bounce) |
| Shipping carton (box) | Outer protection (keeps the wrapped stone safe from direct hits and crushing) |
| Hot glue (bottom sealing) | Bottom reinforcement (prevents the carton base from opening or flexing under load) |
| Tape (packing tape) | Reinforces seams and prevents accidental opening |
| DHL Express pouch | Final outer layer (adds surface durability and keeps documents clean) |
| FRAGILE label | Visibility for careful handling during sorting and delivery |
Packing steps
1) Check condition → surface protection (newspaper)
Photo: We start on newspaper to protect the granite surface from fine scuffs during handling.
First, we check the Jizo for any chips or cracks, then apply newspaper as the base layer. This stage is not impact protection yet — it is surface protection so the granite stays clean while we build the layers.
2) Bubble wrap → corrugated “shell” (shock absorption + shape locking)
Photo: After bubble wrap, we add corrugated cardboard to stabilize the shape and protect corners.
Bubble wrap absorbs shock, but small heavy items can still “work loose” under vibration. We add single-face corrugated cardboard as a firm outer shell so edges and ridges are protected and the wrap does not collapse.
3) Lock the layers with stretch film (nothing loosens)
Photo: Stretch film locks every layer so the structure cannot loosen during long-distance handling.
Next, we use stretch film to lock the entire structure. The goal is simple: no loosening — the layers must remain unified as one block.
4) Carton bottom reinforcement (hot glue) → air-cushion fixing (zero movement)
Photo: The wrapped Jizo is fixed inside the carton with air cushions to reach a zero-movement condition.
Before fixing the item, we reinforce the carton bottom using hot glue so the base cannot flex or open during handling. Then we place the wrapped Jizo into the carton and use air cushions to fill gaps so it cannot slide, rotate, or bounce. If we detect movement, we reopen and add more cushions until the package is fully immobilized.
5) Seal → pouch → FRAGILE marking (ready to ship)
Photo: The carton is sealed, protected, and inserted into the DHL Express pouch.
Finally, we seal the carton, protect the surface, and place it into the DHL Express pouch. We add a FRAGILE label for visibility. Labels are not perfect, but visibility helps reduce rough handling.
Why this packing method works
- Surface stays clean: Newspaper prevents fine scuffs during handling.
- Impact is dispersed: Bubble wrap reduces point-load shocks at corners and edges.
- Shape is stabilized: Corrugated cardboard acts like a rigid shell.
- Nothing loosens: Stretch film locks the entire structure for long-distance transit.
- Movement is eliminated: Air cushions immobilize the stone inside the carton.
- Bottom is reinforced: Hot glue strengthens the carton base against flexing and opening.
Estimated delivery time
DHL Express deliveries to the United States typically arrive in 2–5 business days, though delays may occur due to customs or local conditions. Tracking is provided so the buyer can follow the shipment step by step.
Notes for opening the package
Stone is heavy for its size (0.9 lb / 0.41 kg). Please open the package on the floor or on a stable table. Use a cutter lightly and carefully so you do not cut into the protective layers.
Micro Jizo (granite) — japanstones.shop
Shipping Policy
Written on: 2026-02-09 (JST)