How to Mail Perishables

The three Cs - a strong carton, ample cushioning and secure closure will keep your baked goods intact en route.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sturdy Boxes
• Kraft Papers
• Marking Pens
• Packaging Tape
• disposable, metal pan

1. Choose durable foods such as pound cakes, fruitcakes, sturdy cookies, brownies and fudge.

2. Wrap cookies individually or pack them back-to-back and close together.

3. Use a container just a little larger than the cake you are shipping. Include a box of frosting mix for your recipient instead of icing the cake.

4. Put brownies and fudge in disposable metal pans.

5. Choose a strong mailing carton, big enough to allow for cushioning material on the sides, top and bottom.

6. Using crumpled or shredded newspaper or bubble plastic, center the gift and slightly overfill the carton with the cushioning material.

7. Secure the parcel with packaging tape, not clear or masking tape.

8. Place clear tape over the addresses of both the sender and recipient.

9. Mark "Perishable" or "Fragile" on all sides of the box.

10. Take the package to the post office.

Tips & Warnings

• By law, perishables may be mailed only if they can reach their destination in good condition, so check transit time.
• Wrapping boxes is unnecessary if they meet post office guidelines.
• Wrap boxes in strong brown paper, if necessary.
• United States postal regulations state that jars and bottles must have screw tops or locking lid devices. There must be enough packing material around the item to absorb all liquid in case of breakage or leakage.