Best Practices When Shipping Kiosks

A lot of care goes into a kiosk program, from the initial concept, design, and engineering to the final production. Consequently, that same level of detail is important through the last leg of the program when kiosks are shipped to their final destinations.

Below, we cover best practices when shipping self-service kiosks.

Common Ways to Ship Kiosks

The two most common ways to ship a digital kiosk are either in a crate or on a pallet in a carton. Both shipping options offer advantages based on specific scenarios, including the kiosk’s final destination.

Shipping in a crate is a good solution if packing material will be used multiple times, like going to and from trade shows. Crates provide the most rugged level of protection while still holding up to heavier use. And while they aren’t failsafe in today’s world of freight carriers where extra carton labels and warnings aren’t always a guarantee against damage, they’re still the preferred shipping method for kiosks that are being transported more than once.

The second option is a pallet and carton, also known as “cap and wrap.” The term refers to a set of identical trays that are set above and beneath the kiosk. A two-part vertical wrap of corrugated cardboard slips within these trays to create a carton around the unit, eliminating the need to lift a kiosk into any conventional folding, flap-style carton.

A pallet and carton are used most often for higher volume production runs and when a kiosk is only making one trip from an assembly warehouse to its permanent location. Pallets can be custom-sized based on the kiosk’s size and weight. These two factors also play an important role in determining how the kiosk is secured to the pallet.

Keeping Kiosks Secure During Shipping

When shipping kiosks using a pallet and carton, certain considerations influence how they’re secured.

Smaller, lighter kiosks are typically placed in a corrugated “cap and wrap” with inner pack and banded to the pallet over the top of the carton.

Bigger, heavier kiosks, on the other hand, are more likely to be fastened to the pallet with extra brackets or with the integrated floor mounting holes in the base of the unit. A carton is then placed over the kiosk for protection, along with a band over the top to further secure.

Are Kiosks Shipped Fully Assembled?

While it’s ideal to ship a kiosk fully assembled to make for easy installation, it’s not always feasible for every program. There are some instances when shipping components separately makes sense.

One is if a component is not able to be fastened to a kiosk. An example might be a large printer that sits on an internal shelf. In a case like this, your kiosk manufacturer would recommend sending the component separately in the manufacturer’s packaging so it isn’t damaged during transit by being loose in the kiosk’s metal cabinet.

Other instances are when a kiosk component is too delicate or oddly shaped to ship in place. Some kiosks might have a “sidecar” that is difficult to protect and can increase the likelihood of damage during transit. In this case, shipping these devices uninstalled and alongside the kiosk is a better option. A guide is included with the device with instructions on how to attach it to the kiosk once it has arrived on site.

If a kiosk fits either scenario above but must be shipped intact, special attention is paid to careful packaging or providing extra support to any vulnerable areas on the unit.

Kiosk Damage During Transit

Even when every precaution is taken, events happen that can cause damage to kiosks during transit. Common problems include cartons tipping over if they’re not banded properly to trailer sides, having other items stacked on top of a carton, deliveries being dropped off docks or lift gates, dents from forklifts, and more.

When kiosks are delivered, it’s important for the receiving parties to inspect the units before signing for delivery. Once a delivery is accepted as “In Good Shape,” it’s hard to file a claim against the carrier for any damage.

Shipping kiosks safely and securely requires attention to detail and adherence to best practices. Whether it’s choosing the right method for shipment or considering individual components’ needs, your kiosk supplier will prioritize the best methods and packaging to minimize the risk of damage during transit. This helps enable your kiosks to arrive at their destinations intact and ready for use.