Cakes fall either into the perishable or non perishable catergory. They can be shipped using any of the major shipping companies (Fedex, UPS, DHL, USPS)

In general, a cake should be shipped in two boxes. The inner box will contain the cake and keep it from being crushed. The outer box will contain the cake box and extra packing material.

Materials:

• plastic refrigerator container (non perishable)
  
• double corrugated cardboard (either)
• packing foam or bubble wrap (either)
• plastic wrap (perishable)
• a foam container (perishable)
• reinforced moisture resistant tape (either)

Non perishable cakes

Non perishable cakes are any unfrosted cake that could normally be kept out on the counter without refrigeration.

Purchase a plastic refrigerator container from the store that is be big enough to hold the cake at least a couple of days in advance to air out the plastic smell, a double corrugated box, Try to get something that provides a tight hold so that your cake will not move around too much. Before baking the cake, you may want to consider choosing a baking pan for your cake with the size of the refrigerator box in mind. Cover the cake in aluminum foil and place into the plastic refrigerator box. If you are concerned about the cake remaining moist during the shipment, wet a strip of kitchen paper towel, wring it out and place it into the refrigerator box. The moisture from the paper towel will be locked into the box and keep the cake moist during transit.

For the outer box choose double corrugated cardboard box. This outer box should allow about a half inch to an inch of empty space around the cake box. In order to insulate the cake box from the ravages of shipping, place packing foam or bubble wrap around the cake box in the null space.

Close the box and used reinforced moisture resistant tape to close both ends and reinforce the corners. Corners are a very susceptible area for tearing on boxes.

Perishable cakes

Perishable cakes are any unfrosted or frosted cake that would normally require refrigeration, such as cheesecakes.

A perishable cake must be frozen rock solid before shipment. It should be wrapped in sealed plastic to avoid loss of moisture as it defrosts. It should then be placed into a foam container that serves to surround the cake in about 2 inches of insulation. This foam container serves as the inner box which then goes into a double corrugated box with a half inch to an inch empty space for packing material. Packing foam should be used to protect the inner foam box. Close the box and use reinforced moisture resistant tape to close both ends and reinforce the corners. Corners are a very susceptible area for tearing on boxes.

Perishable cakes should be sent overnight. They can be sent next day morning or afternoon. Make sure you check whether you would like a signature for receipt of package. Signatures cost more.


Good Luck and Good Shipping,
Your How To Ship Advisor


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