I agree with Randy that a box is to contain and not necessarily to protect. Also, his point that a tidy package garners "respect" from the carrier, generally speaking.

I recently received a frame and fork from Italy. The fork was in a bubble bag and strapped to the downtube, inside the frame diamond. Then the frame was contained inside a larger bubble bag - nothing more - dropouts blocked front and rear. The "box" had been cut down so severely and carefully that it fit the frame/fork like a glove - tailored, it was. Not at all like the typical 8"x30"x42" bike box with a lot of interior cavities that have to be blocked or filled so the frame won't shift around.

My seller charged $40 freight from Italy and used the national postal services for the entire trip

I was impressed with the idea of minimal, economic use of space. The package evoked smartness and forethought. The contents were in fine shape; so was the exterior. I'm going to try it next time I ship a frame.

There's no question in my mind that the secret to safe transit is the good packing job. The freight companies do a decent job in my experience. Especially Fedex Ground and USPS, the ones I use most.

Bon voyage.........

J