I guess all of us have been on the disappointing receiving end of a badly packed item. The message I would like to send is that safe and secure packing is not rocket science, or brain surgery...but it does require just a bit of "un-common" sense, and some forethought. As it is with so many situations in life, you always have to think of the worst-case-scenario when packing. Yep, that'll be nearer the actual handling that your "Delicate-XYZ" will get enroute. Unfortunately, the inexperienced packer...whether it be the un-trained kid in the commercial shipping room, or the hopeful modeler selling his prize on RCU, just has no clue as to what awaits his package out there in the world of automated package handling. It is not that humans intentionally abuse the boxes, but rather that the machinery just does not discriminate between your little 12 ounce fragile tissue box, and the 55 pound carton coming down that same automated roller ramp and landing right on top of your little treasure. I think thats why Greyhound is doing so well shipping our planes. Reasonably packaged, and handled by humans (not machines) as they are placed on the bus, they typically get to their destination is good condition, and quickly too. As a kid, I was taught.."if it's worth doing...it's worth doing WELL." So, my best advice is to invest some care when packing, the guy on the receiving end will be much happier.....and some times, that just may be you!.
Good luck.
Jim