When shipping plug seedlings without soil, there are several key considerations to ensure the quality of the seedlings remains intact and to improve their survival rate during transportation. Here are the main points to keep in mind:

1. Choose the Right Time for Shipping
   Avoid shipping during extreme weather conditions such as high temperatures, freezing cold, or storms. It’s best to choose moderate temperatures and stable weather, with spring and autumn being the ideal seasons for transportation.
   If shipping in adverse weather is unavoidable, use insulation and moisture retention measures to prevent the seedlings from being affected by sudden environmental changes.

2. Proper Soil Removal Treatment

   • Root Handling: Minimize damage to the roots during soil removal, keeping the root system as intact as possible. Gently shake or rinse off the soil rather than forcibly pulling it off, which could harm the roots.
   • Moisture Retention: After removing the soil, the roots can easily lose moisture, so it’s necessary to keep them hydrated. You can wrap the roots in damp gauze, moss, or moisture-retaining gels to prevent them from drying out during transport.

3. Packaging Method

   • Prevent Damage: The leaves and stems of seedlings are delicate and can break easily during transportation. It’s recommended to neatly arrange the branches and leaves and wrap them with soft materials (like foam or plastic wrap) to reduce damage from friction and collisions.
   • Breathable Packaging: While it’s essential to prevent water evaporation, the packaging material must also be breathable to avoid suffocation or rotting due to lack of oxygen during long transport times.
   • Partitioned Packaging: When transporting multiple seedlings in the same box, consider separating them with dividers (such as cardboard or foam panels) to prevent them from pressing against or rubbing against each other.

4. Marking and Labeling
   Each package should have clear labels indicating the type, batch, and quantity of the plants inside, making it easier for the recipient to count and process the shipment.
   Additionally, labels like “Fragile,” “Handle with Care,” and “Avoid Sunlight” should be added to ensure proper handling during transport.

5. Choosing the Right Transportation Method

   • Short-Distance Transport: For shorter distances, use refrigerated trucks or well-ventilated vehicles to ensure suitable temperature and humidity levels during transit.
   • Long-Distance Transport: For longer distances, consider using refrigerated shipping to maintain stable temperature and humidity throughout the journey. Air transport is also a fast option for long distances, reducing the risk of damage during transit.
   • Transport Speed: Opt for fast logistics to minimize the time plants are out of the soil and reduce the overall transport duration.

6. Preparation Before Shipping

   • Watering: Water the seedlings moderately one day before shipping, but avoid over-watering to prevent mud from clinging to the roots during soil removal, which can hinder packing.
   • Moisture Spray: If possible, spray an anti-transpirant on the seedlings before shipping to further reduce water loss and keep the plants fresh.

7. Post-Arrival Handling

   • Timely Planting: After receiving the shipment, plant the seedlings as soon as possible to reduce the time they remain out of the soil and increase survival rates.
   • Recovery Treatment: If immediate planting is not possible, place the seedlings in a cool, ventilated area and mist them to maintain moisture. Check for any damaged branches or roots and prune them if necessary.

Summary:
Shipping plug seedlings without soil involves multiple steps, from soil removal to packaging and transport. Each stage requires careful handling to ensure the seedlings are not damaged during transit and to maintain a high survival rate.