Plant Shipping & Courier Services

Plants are living. They're delicate. And if they're not handled correctly in transit, they can wilt, break, or arrive in poor condition. Plant nurseries, landscapers, collectors, and plant enthusiasts across Australia trust PACK & SEND to get it right.

How to Send a Plant with PACK & SEND

Whether you're sending a potted indoor plant, a rare specimen, or a full nursery order, you need to pack and ship plants safely, so they arrive healthy and ready to thrive.

Step 1: Prepare Your Plant

• Water your plant 24-48 hours before shipping, not immediately before
• Allow excess water to drain completely to prevent root rot
• Remove any dead leaves, damaged stems, or loose soil
• Stake tall or top-heavy plants to provide support during transit
• Take photos of the plant before packing for documentation

If you're shipping rare, valuable, or sensitive species, documentation matters. Photos provide peace of mind and help verify the plant's condition before transit.

You can handle the preparation yourself if you prefer. However, if you're dealing with delicate specimens or simply don't have time, our team at PACK & SEND can manage the entire process for you.

Step 2: Package Your Plant For Shipping

Proper packaging protects your plant from physical damage, temperature changes, and moisture loss during transit. This is where many shipments go wrong, because inadequate protection can lead to broken stems, damaged roots, or stressed plants that struggle to recover.

You can pack the plant yourself using the steps below, or let our experts at PACK & SEND handle it for you with our professional packing service.

Potted plants:

• Secure the pot by wrapping it in bubble wrap or placing it in a plastic bag
• Cover the soil surface with damp newspaper or paper towel to prevent spillage
• Wrap the foliage gently in tissue paper or newspaper to protect leaves and stems
• Place the wrapped plant upright in a sturdy box with adequate height clearance
• Fill gaps with crumpled paper, foam peanuts, or air pillows to prevent shifting
• Ensure the plant remains upright and cannot tip over
• Ventilate the box with small holes to allow air circulation
• Mark "FRAGILE," "LIVING PLANT," and "THIS SIDE UP" clearly on all sides

Bare-root plants:

• Wrap roots in damp paper towel or sphagnum moss
• Place wrapped roots in a sealed plastic bag to maintain moisture
• Wrap the entire plant loosely in newspaper or kraft paper
• Pack horizontally in a box with adequate padding
• Ensure stems and leaves are protected but not crushed

Shipping multiple plants:

• Pack each plant individually to prevent tangling and damage
• Use dividers or separate compartments within larger boxes
• Ensure each plant is secure and cannot shift during transport

PACK & SEND Professional Packaging Service

No time to pack? No problem. Our experts will assess your plant, select the right materials, and pack it to withstand the journey. Visit your local PACK & SEND service centre and we'll handle the packaging for you.

Step 3: Ship Your Plant

Once your plant is packed, you're ready to send it on its way. The easier approach is to contact your nearest service centre directly. We'll:

• Discuss the best transport option for your timeline and plant type
• Arrange pickup from your location
• Provide tracking updates at major milestones
• Handle all documentation for international shipments

Plant shipments may be subject to quarantine and biosecurity regulations, particularly for international deliveries. Contact your nearest service centre and we'll guide you through the documentation process to help reduce the risk of issues during transit.

Cost to Ship a Plant

The cost of shipping a plant depends on several factors. There's no one-size-fits-all price given every shipment is different, but there are key factors that influence total shipping cost.

• Size — Larger plants require bigger boxes and cost more to transport
• Weight — Heavier pots and soil increase freight charges
• Destination — Interstate and international shipments cost more than local delivery
• Speed — Express services are ideal for minimising transit time and plant stress
• Packaging — Professional packaging with proper ventilation and support adds to the cost but ensures plant health

Other factors that influence price include whether the plant requires temperature-controlled transport, any special handling for rare or delicate species, and the level of warranty coverage you add to protect high-value specimens.

For an accurate quote tailored to your shipment, contact your local PACK & SEND service centre. We'll assess your plant, discuss your timeline, and provide a transparent estimate with no hidden fees.

Freight Plus Warranty For Additional Protection

PACK & SEND offers Freight Plus Warranty, providing additional protection for your plant shipment in case of loss or damage during transit. This coverage goes beyond standard carrier liability and gives you confidence that your plants are protected throughout their journey.

Our team can guide you through the warranty options available, and help you choose the right level of cover based on the value of your plants.

Types of Plants We Ship

We handle plant shipments across a wide range of types and applications, including:

• Indoor plants — fiddle leaf figs, monsteras, pothos, and houseplant favourites
• Succulents and cacti — hardy species suitable for longer transit times
• Native Australian plants — banksias, grevilleas, wattles, and bush specimens
• Orchids — delicate blooms requiring careful handling and packaging
• Bonsai trees — miniature specimens with specialised care needs
• Seedlings and saplings — young plants for landscaping and reforestation
• Rare and collectible plants — variegated specimens, hard-to-find varieties
• Bare-root plants — trees, shrubs, and perennials for planting
• Commercial nursery stock — bulk orders for retailers and landscapers

Need expert packaging? Our in-store team can wrap and secure plants of any size or sensitivity, from delicate orchids to established indoor trees.

Plant Shipping Services for Businesses

PACK & SEND supports businesses of all sizes with dependable plant courier solutions, whether you're sending a single specimen or require ongoing logistics support.

We work with:

• Plant nurseries and growers — wholesale orders, retail fulfilment, seasonal stock distribution
• Online plant retailers — nationwide delivery for e-commerce platforms
• Landscapers and garden designers — site-specific deliveries, project materials
• Botanical gardens and research institutions — specimen exchange, conservation programs
• Interior plantscapers — commercial installations, office greenery, maintenance stock
• Garden centres and hardware stores — restocking, supplier deliveries

Individual Plant Shipping Services

Selling plants online? Moving interstate and need to transport your beloved collection? We make it simple.

Common scenarios we help with:

• Selling plants via online marketplaces
• Buying rare or collectible plants interstate or overseas
• Moving house and transporting plant collections
• Sending plants as gifts to family or friends
• Relocating plants between properties or holiday homes
• Exchanging plants with collectors and enthusiasts

Shipping Plants in Australia

Road and air freight available for plant shipments to all major cities and regional areas across Australia. Whether you're sending plants within your state or across the country, our team coordinates the best transport method based on plant type, urgency, and destination.

Typical timeframes:

• Standard interstate courier delivery: 5–10 business days
• Expedited delivery: 2–5 business days
• Express delivery: 1–2 business days

For time-sensitive shipments where minimising transit time is critical for plant health, call us or visit a PACK & SEND service centre to discuss your needs.

Shipping Plants Overseas

Shipping plants overseas? International plant shipments are subject to strict biosecurity and quarantine regulations. We'll guide you through the documentation process to help reduce the risk of issues during international transit.

Requirements typically include:

• Phytosanitary certificates from the Department of Agriculture
• Import permits from the destination country
• Inspection and treatment documentation
• Species-specific compliance (CITES for protected species)

Our team works with you to understand destination requirements and coordinate compliant international freight. Air freight is strongly recommended for live plant shipments to minimise transit time and reduce stress on the plants.

Typical international timeframes:

• Express air freight: 3–7 business days
• Standard air freight: 5–10 business days

Sea freight is generally not suitable for live plants due to extended transit times of 6-10 weeks.

Where We Ship Plants Internationally

PACK & SEND provides international shipping services to destinations across the globe, subject to biosecurity and quarantine approvals. Whether you're exporting Australian native plants, importing rare specimens, or relocating and need your plant collection delivered abroad, our team coordinates compliant international freight tailored to your needs.

Popular destinations we ship plants to include:

• North America & Europe: UK, USA, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Ireland
• Asia-Pacific: China, Singapore, Japan, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, New Zealand
• South Asia & Middle East: Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Bangladesh
• Other Regions: South Africa, Nigeria, Fiji

Each country has specific import regulations for plants. Contact your nearest service centre to confirm requirements and documentation for your destination.

How to Book a Courier at PACK & SEND

1. Contact your local PACK & SEND centre For plants, especially rare specimens, large orders, or time-sensitive shipments, we recommend contacting your nearest service centre directly. Our team will design a solution tailored to your plant's needs, size, and timeline.

2. Professional packing (if needed) Bring your plant packed, or let us handle it. We provide high-quality materials and expert packaging to protect against damage, moisture loss, and transit stress.

3. Quarantine and documentation (if required) For international shipments, we'll advise you on any permits, certificates, or inspections required to comply with biosecurity regulations.

4. Track and deliver Stay informed with up-to-date tracking and delivery updates at every major milestone. For managed services using our own vehicles, we coordinate closely with the driver to keep you informed throughout the journey.

Why Choose PACK & SEND

We're trusted by plant nurseries, collectors, and garden enthusiasts who need a premium courier partner that understands the unique challenges of shipping living plants.

• 135+ service centres across Australia
• Specialist packaging for delicate, living, and high-value plants
• Flexible transport options — road, air, interstate, and international
• Biosecurity compliance support for interstate and international shipments
• Tailored business solutions for one-off or ongoing needs
• Up-to-date tracking with delivery confirmation
• Expert logistics support from planning to delivery

Not sure which option is right for you? Get a quote and speak with our logistics experts today.

Shipping Other Items?

Need to send something other than plants? PACK & SEND handles a wide range of delicate and specialty items.

• Courier Food — Perishable items and specialty food products
• Courier Wine — Wine bottles and alcoholic beverages
• Courier Art/Paintings — Framed artwork and decorative pieces
• Courier a Box — Standard parcels and boxed items
• Courier a Large Parcel — Oversized packages and bulky items
• Courier Furniture — Indoor and outdoor furniture pieces

Whatever you need to ship, we've got you covered. Contact your nearest service centre to discuss your shipping needs today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you ship all types of plants?

We handle most plant types, including indoor plants, succulents, natives, orchids, and bare-root specimens. However, some plants may be restricted due to biosecurity regulations, particularly for interstate and international shipments. Contact your local service centre to confirm whether your plant can be shipped to your destination.

Do plants need special packaging?

Yes. Living plants require packaging that protects them from physical damage while allowing adequate ventilation and moisture retention. Our team uses specialised materials and techniques to ensure your plants arrive healthy and undamaged.

How long can plants survive in transit?

Most plants can tolerate 1-5 days in transit if properly packed. Hardy species like succulents and cacti can survive longer, while delicate species like orchids should be shipped as quickly as possible. We recommend express services for time-sensitive plant shipments.

Can you ship plants internationally?

Yes, but international plant shipments require phytosanitary certificates, import permits, and compliance with the destination country's biosecurity regulations. The process can take time to arrange. Contact your local service centre early to allow for documentation and inspection requirements.

What's the best shipping method for plants?

Express services are ideal for minimising transit time and reducing stress on plants. For international shipments, air freight is strongly recommended over slower transport methods.

How can I track my plant shipment?

You'll receive tracking updates at major milestones, from pickup to delivery from our online tracking system. For services coordinated using our own vehicles, we maintain close communication with the driver to keep you informed throughout the journey.

What happens if my plant is damaged in transit?

If you've selected Freight Plus Warranty coverage, you're protected against loss or damage during transit. Our team will guide you through the claims process and work to resolve the issue quickly.

Book a Courier with PACK & SEND Today

With expert packaging, biosecurity compliance support, and national coverage, PACK & SEND delivers the shipping service you can depend on. Visit your nearest service centre to get started!

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