How to Ship Baked Goods: Packings, Costs, and More

Key Points:

• USPS, UPS, and FedEx all offer options to ship baked goods from point A to point B
• The US only allows the shipping of baked goods if they are going from one individual to another, and it must be marked as a gift on the customs form
• When shipping cookies, for example, adding a slice of white bread will help keep them fresh because the bread will absorb any moisture

Mother’s Day is always just around the corner, so this is one of the best times to get into Mom’s good books. Delicious treats like homemade cookies, cakes, and brownies can be just the thing. So, if you’re an SME that sells baked goods online, the lead-up to this big day will be a busy time for you. But, shipping baked goods isn’t a piece of cake (excuse the pun!). You need to consider many things before whipping up these baked treats and sending them into the world. You need to carefully consider all the different aspects of how to ship baked goods.

That includes what types of baked goods you can ship, how to pack them for shipping, and how much it’ll cost. Even if you’re shipping baked goods as a gift, you need to set up the proper process. Since these are considered perishable items, you’ll have to think about packing them to ensure freshness and integrity, and what to do about customs.

It’s also especially important to have the gifts delivered at the right time (and at a good price), and that’s where Easyship can help. You can use the platform to find recommended courier services for each of your baked goods shipments; these will factor costs and delivery times into the estimates so that you can make an educated choice. For a quick quote, try our shipping rates calculator to start figuring out how to mail out your sweet treats in time for Mother’s Day.

What Type of Baked Goods Can You Ship?

Figuring out how to ship baked goods sounds exciting, but it’s a tricky thing to do properly. Like any food, it can be challenging to mail. It’s best to choose those that can hold their shape and maintain their freshness for a few days; so, you should probably avoid sending items that should be served within a few hours.

The ingredients in your treats and the weather you’re shipping in have important roles to play, too. If the ingredients are perishable or need temperature control, then shipping can be challenging. Sending items like ice cream or fresh cream is not advisable. Items like cookies, pies, candies, and cakes are much easier to ship and can be sent all year round. Pies and cookies should not lose their freshness when delivered.

If you are determining how to ship baked goods then pick ones that won’t crumble during shipping. Biscotti and oat or butter cookies are good choices as they hold better in packaging and shipping. Try avoiding flimsy items like lace cookies, tuiles, and brandy snaps. Shipping cookies with nuts or chocolate chips are also not a good choice as they might release oils and compromise the freshness.

Bread and unfrosted loaf cakes are relatively simple to ship as well. All you need to do is pack them properly and send them off. Fresh cream cakes should be avoided at all costs. On the other hand, cakes with fondant or buttercream icing can be mailed as long as you pack them with cooling bags to maintain their freshness.

Relate: Packing Guidelines for Shipping

How to Pack Baked Goods for Shipping?

Now that you know what you can mail, it’s important to understand how to pack cookies or other baked goods for shipping. Each item will have different requirements, but the process will be similar. Knowing a few simple tips and tricks will help you when shipping baked goods.

For example, when shipping cookies, adding a slice of white bread will help keep them fresh because the bread will absorb any moisture. Here’s what you need to know about packing cookies for shipping.

Packing Materials

• Inside packing box - preferably a tin box for cookies and candies, or a sturdy cardboard box
• An airtight bag and plastic wrap for bread and unfrosted cakes
• Tape
• Cool packs for frosted cakes
• Bubble wrap and packing peanuts for insulation
• Butter paper, tissue paper, or wax paper
• A larger corrugated cardboard box

How to Pack Cookies for Shipping

1. Line box with wax or butter paper
2. Put the goodies inside - avoid stuffing too many in one box
3. Fold the paper over the top of the cookies then place the lid on the container
4. Gently shake the container to ensure that the items inside don’t move. If they do, add more paper
5. Tape the top of the container - if you’re using a cardboard box, tape the sides and corners as well
6. To give it a personal touch, you can tie a ribbon or bow to the container
7. Use bubble wrap or packing peanuts as padding on the bottom of the larger box
8. Place the container on top of the padding
9. Stuff the bubble wrap or packing peanuts on the top and sides of the container for insulation. Add as much insulation as you can
10. Close the lid of the box and tape it securely on all sides. Make sure you cover the bottom and corners of the box with tape as well
11. Write the name and address of the recipient on a paper and paste it on the box - make sure it’s visible. You can also print the shipping label online from the courier service you are using - Easyship can automatically generate these labels for you to print

How Much Does it Cost?

Once you’re done with the packing, you’re probably going to be wondering, how do you ship baked goods? That’s when you’re going to need to explore courier services. For shipping baked goods, you’ll need a solution that’s fast and affordable to save you money and get your goods to their destination fast.

Fortunately, many international and local courier services offer services that are suitable for shipping baked goods. As with all shipments, costs mainly come down to three things: the package’s destination, its weight, and its dimensions. As previously mentioned, a shipping rate calculator will give you a good estimate of costs for each of your shipments.

Domestic Shipping Costs for a 2lb package of cookies measuring 10in x 5in x 5in being sent from Brooklyn, New York, to Miami, Florida.

Can You Ship Baked Goods Internationally?

If you’re asking yourself, “How do I ship baked goods internationally for Mother’s Day,” then you’ve come to the right place. All the above couriers - USPS, UPS, and FedEx, will get your goods to international destinations across the world, including Canada, the EU, and Asia. You can even use USPS to send baked goods to military destinations.

The US only allows the shipping of baked goods if they are going from one individual to another. It must be marked as a gift on the customs form. So, if you’re shipping to a relative in the US from Canada, do keep that in mind.

Some countries don’t allow home-baked food items to be shipped at all. Australia, for example, only allows commercially-made and packaged goods with no raw parts through its mail service. Make sure you check that in advance. You may also need to consider taxes and duties if you’re shipping cookies internationally. Don’t forget, you’ll also need to fill out customs forms. Easyship can help you with this by automatically generating these for your shipments.

Make Someone’s Day With a Surprise Baked Goods Shipment

Occasions like Mother’s Day become extra special when a loved one sends a sweet treat. That’s why if you’re an online retailer specializing in one of these, you need to know how to ship baked goods. This guide will help you figure out how to do this properly.

You should now understand how to pack cookies for shipping, as well as other baked goods; you’ll also understand how much these shipments generally cost. You’ll also need to keep an eye on shipping deadlines so that your tasty treats arrive in time!

Easyship is an excellent shipping solution provider for every type of shipment, including ones containing baked goods. You can find hybrid and flexible shipping solutions with Easyship.

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