Replace any dust caps or covers on the nozzle or head of the cylinder. This protects the nozzle from damage during shipment and prolongs the life of the cylinder.
Inspect the cylinders for damage and marking. If there is a gauge on the cylinder, check the gas level to see that the tank is empty. Make sure all of the valves are closed. Leave the factory labels on the cylinder but write the word "empty" on the label in permanent marker.
Place the cylinder in a heavy shipping container. Use the original shipping container for the cylinders if possible. Otherwise, choose a box that is tall enough to allow the cylinders to stand upright and segmented to prevent the cylinders from touching and possibly scratching each other. If a segmentation insert is unavailable, wrap each cylinder in bubble wrap or other packing material.
Seal the shipping box in tape and address the box. Write the words "empty cylinders" on the outside.
