How to Ship Samples to a Testing Laboratory
Most sample problems are shipping problems: broken parts, leaked containers, missing paperwork, or carriers refusing undeclared hazardous material. A few habits prevent nearly all of them.
Before you pack
- Confirm the laboratory expects the shipment and has quoted the work
- Ask about quantity needed — send what was agreed, not your entire stock
- Check whether the material is regulated for transport (dangerous goods rules apply to many chemicals, batteries and biological materials)
Packing principles
- Rigid outer box with cushioning; parts should not move or touch each other
- Liquids in sealed primary containers inside a sealed secondary container with absorbent material
- Failed parts preserved as-found — do not clean, degrease or tape over fracture surfaces
- Temperature-sensitive samples in insulated packaging with the agreed coolant
Paperwork
- Submission sheet inside the box listing sample IDs and the agreed work
- SDS for chemicals; dangerous-goods declaration where required
- Your reference and the laboratory's quotation or project number on the outside
Carrier and timing
Use a tracked service and tell the laboratory the tracking number. For international shipments, check customs requirements early — a commercial invoice describing the samples as test specimens with no commercial value avoids most delays.
Common questions
- Can I ship lithium batteries for testing?
- Yes, but they are dangerous goods for transport with specific packaging, labelling and state-of-charge requirements. Tell the laboratory and your carrier before shipping.
- Should I insure the shipment?
- For irreplaceable or high-value samples, yes — and discuss splitting the sample so a reserve is kept.