How to Ship Industrial Electronics for Repair - Your Ultimate Shipping Guide in 2026

Shipping industrial electronics can be tricky, and by the time they arrive for repair, it’s too late to fix loose packing, missing paperwork, or a unit that rattled its way across the country.

What slows repairs down isn’t usually the repair itself. It’s the missing context. The lack of serial numbers, the lack of description, or the damage that happened after the unit left your facility. Those things add time before anyone even touches the electronics.

The guide below is meant to help you avoid that. It covers what to do before shipping, how to package equipment properly, and what to expect once AES receives your unit.

Before You Ship

Before packing anything, stop and document what you have. A few minutes here often saves days later, especially when multiple units or similar models are involved.

• Photograph labels, nameplates, and serial numbers
  Take clear photos before packing. Labels sometimes peel off or get scuffed during transit, and having a record helps confirm exactly what arrived.
• Record symptoms and error codes
  Write down what the unit was doing when it was removed. Even vague notes like “fails after warm-up” or “random reset” are better than nothing.
• Note connected accessories and cables
  Whether it’s expansion cards, external displays, or sensors, you’ll need to mention anything connected. These details help explain how the unit was being used.
• Disable moving parts and locks
  Fans, brackets, or mechanical sections should be secured. Movement inside a box is a common source of shipping damage.
• Remove loose debris and dust (no liquids)
  Use dry air only. Liquids can cause residue or corrosion, even if the unit looks clean afterward.

For a breakdown of what happens once your unit arrives, see the AES repair process at aesintl.com.

Step-by-Step Guide for Packaging Industrial Electronics

Electronics can survive years in service and fail in one shipment if packed poorly, so packaging matters more than most people expect. For the best results, you’ll want to:

• Place your electronics in ESD-safe cushioning
  Anti-static bags and foam protect against static discharge. Regular plastic and grocery bags don’t.
• Immobilize the item
  If the unit can shift, it will. Fill empty space so the item stays locked in place from every angle.
• Double-box heavier or high-value items
  An inner box protects the unit. The outer box absorbs impact. Together, they reduce transit damage.
• Protect connectors, screens, and sharp edges
  Cardboard guards or foam blocks work well. These areas take the most abuse during shipping.
• Label clearly
  Mark the box so handlers know it contains electronics. It won’t guarantee gentle handling, but it helps.

What to Include in the Box

Units arrive every day with no paperwork inside. That slows everything down and keeps your machinery down longer. To cut through the red tape, make sure to include the following:

• Company name with ship-from and return address
• Primary contact name, phone number, and email
• Purchase order, if your process requires one
• Unit details: model, serial number, revision
• Symptom description and any known error codes
• Requested service (repair or evaluation) and timing needs

What Happens After AES Receives Your Shipment

Once your unit arrives, it goes through the following steps:

• Receiving
  Your shipment is logged, inspected, and matched to the information provided. Any issues are flagged early.
• Quoting
  The unit is evaluated and a recommendation is prepared. You’ll know what’s involved before work begins.
• Repair
  Approved repairs focus on restoring function while preserving existing configurations when possible.
• Quality Assurance
  Testing confirms the repair holds under expected conditions. This step helps prevent repeat failures.
• Return Shipment
  The unit is packaged securely and shipped back with tracking provided.

Common Shipping Mistakes and What to Avoid

Some problems show up again and again, but many are avoidable. Take special care to avoid:

• Shipping bare boards in standard plastic
  Static damage is real, and it’s preventable.
• Allowing movement inside the box
  Movement equals impact. Impact equals damage.
• Shipping without context
  No symptoms means longer evaluation time.
• Shipping when it isn’t necessary
  Power, wiring, or sensor issues don’t get fixed by shipping a controller.
• Forgetting return contact details
  No contact info means no approval, and no progress.

Printable Shipping Checklist

Before sealing the box, run through this printable checklist once.

1. Pre-ship information
   Photos, serial numbers, and notes are recorded.
2. ESD protection
   Anti-static materials are used correctly.
3. Boxing
   The unit is secured and padded properly.
4. Paperwork
   Contact and unit details are included inside the box.
5. Shipping information
   Labels are accurate and easy to read.

Choose Your Repair type

When you’re dealing with specialized electronics, finding the right repair service isn’t always straightforward. But not with AES. We offer a range of repair services for almost any industry and any component. Visit us for:

1. Electronics Repair Services
2. Mechanical Repair Services
3. Servo Repair Services
4. Hydraulic Repair Services

AES Can Help You Repair Your Industrial Electronics

AES works with industrial teams to evaluate electronics honestly and repair them when it makes sense. We focus on minimizing downtime and getting your systems up and running smoothly.

If you’re unsure whether to ship a unit or how to prepare it, AES can help you decide before anything leaves your facility. We’ll walk you through the process from start to finish and deliver results you can count on.

Call us at +1 866-386-1001 for a FREE industrial electronics repair consultation.

FAQs about Industrial Electronic Repair Services

Shipping electronics can raise a few questions, and we want to give you answers. Below, we’ll answer some of the most common questions we see about industrial electronic repair:

Do I need an RMA before shipping?

It’s recommended. It helps track the unit and speeds up processing.

How long does evaluation take?

It varies by unit, but good documentation helps shorten the timeline.

Can multiple units ship together?

Yes, as long as each is protected and identified separately.

What if I don’t know the failure?

Describe what you observed. That’s usually enough to start.

Are rush repairs available?

In some cases, yes. Availability depends on the unit and workload.

Is testing included after repair?

Yes. Units are verified before return.

What if repair isn’t recommended?

You’ll be contacted before any next steps are taken.

How can I avoid repeat failures?

Address power quality, environment, and root causes—not just the symptom.