Overview
Granite Stone feels “tough,” but international shipping is tough in a different way. The real risk is not the material cracking on its own — it is impact to the rim, carton deformation, and micro-movement inside the box during multi-hub handling.
For this order, we shipped a Chozubachi (stone water bowl) to the United States via UPS (tracked). The goal is simple: protect the rim, absorb shocks, and lock the bowl into a zero-movement condition. Below is the exact method shown in the photos.
Shipping details
- Carrier: UPS (tracking provided)
- Destination: United States
- Item: Chozubachi (stone water bowl)
- Size: 8.66 in × 8.66 in × 5.12 in (22 × 22 × 13 cm)
- Weight: 19.6 lb (8.9 kg)
- Key focus: Rim protection / no shifting / carton rigidity
Packing materials used
| Bubble wrap (thick) | Shock absorption + vibration control around the bowl |
| Kraft paper | Prevents scuffs and creates a clean “slip layer” under wrap |
| Corrugated cardboard (sheets) | Builds a rigid outer shell so impacts are distributed, not concentrated |
| Corrugated “rim ring” reinforcement | Protects the most vulnerable edge: the bowl’s rim (impact guard) |
| Corner posts (paper tubes) | Creates a safety buffer from side impacts + keeps space around the item |
| Double-wall carton | Main protection against crushing and stacking pressure |
| Hot glue (hot-melt adhesive) | Bottom reinforcement: bonds and stiffens the carton base to reduce flex under heavy load |
| Cloth tape + stretch film | High-strength sealing + abrasion resistance during long-distance handling |
| PP band (strapping) | Compression and structural stability (reduces carton “bulge” and flex) |
Packing steps
1) Rim-first protection (the edge is the priority)
Photo 1: Start with the bowl stable on kraft paper. With stone, the rim is the first place that needs protection.
We begin by stabilizing the bowl and identifying the vulnerable points. On a Chozubachi, the rim and top edge take the worst hits if a package is dropped or knocked.
2) Add a rigid “rim ring” guard (impact dispersion)
Photo 2: A corrugated rim ring works like a helmet. It spreads point impacts over a wider area.
This ring is simple but extremely effective. Instead of letting a single impact concentrate on one spot, the ring helps disperse force and reduces the chance of edge damage.
3) Full bubble-wrap wrapping (shock absorption)
Photo 3: Thick bubble wrap creates the main shock-absorbing layer around the bowl.
We wrap the entire bowl evenly, paying extra attention to the rim area. This layer absorbs shocks from sorting belts, vehicle vibration, and corner drops.
4) Build a rigid outer shell with corrugated cardboard (shape locking)
Photo 4: Corrugated sheets turn “soft wrap” into a rigid, shape-locked package.
Soft layers alone can compress over time. Corrugated reinforcement keeps the parcel dimensionally stable, so pressure is distributed instead of focusing on one edge.
5) Set the bowl into the carton with corner posts (zero movement)
Photo 5: Corner posts create a buffer zone and help maintain a no-contact space against side impacts.
The most important rule is no internal movement. We use corner posts and tight fitting so the bowl cannot shift under vibration or repeated handling.
For heavy stone items, we also reinforce the carton base with hot glue to prevent bottom flex under load and reduce stress on the rim during handling.
6) Seal, reinforce, and strap for UPS handling
Photo 6: The export carton is reinforced with stretch film to protect the cardboard and reduce surface abrasion during transit.
Photo 7: PP band strapping adds compression and helps prevent carton deformation under stacking pressure.
Cloth tape resists abrasion and humidity, while strapping keeps the carton from flexing. We also add cloth tape over the PP bands so the straps do not catch on conveyors or edges during UPS handling. Together, these steps reduce the risk of deformation — especially important for a 19.6 lb (8.9 kg) stone item.
Why this packing method works
- Rim is protected first: the corrugated ring guards the most damage-prone edge.
- Impact is absorbed: thick bubble wrap reduces point-load shocks.
- Carton stays rigid: corrugated shell + double-wall carton resist crushing.
- No internal movement: tight fitting + corner posts prevent shifting.
- Structural stability: strapping reduces carton flex during long-distance transport.
Estimated delivery time
This shipment is going to the United States via UPS with tracking. Typical delivery time is 3–7 business days after dispatch, although delays may occur due to customs or local conditions.
Notes for opening the package
Stone is heavy for its size. Please open the package on the floor or on a stable surface. Use a cutter lightly and carefully so you do not cut into the contents.
If you plan to use this item outdoors, place it on a stable base. Avoid direct impact to the rim. A granite stone surface is durable, but edge impacts can still cause chips.
Small Granite Stone Water Bowl 8.6 in Chozubachi Japanese Garden Ornament Statue