Packaging is a game for all the family and a game of choice for carriers. My main problem is that the pressures put on rural carriers is the time taken to find out of the way places - large parts of rural wales might as well be on another planet given the excuses given but by using friends in a local town does seem to be better.
Plinths v. foam, poly foam, blister packs and plastic two part trays are all used by manufacturers in China depending on their favourite supplier and sometimes what the customer wants. The important thing I guess is model cannot get damp, move within packaging so livery or parts cannot catch and get knocked off. Also they survive drops - some models I know have been while in transit packaging chucked off a fire escape - 5m drop.
The additional thing now is collector value for mint boxes over scuffed ones. I get at work requests for boxes to re box a model for resale, but quoted to make collection complete ! Sadly boxes are rarely available now. The IRM plastic sleeve on the Hunslets and Park Royal will help defray requests, even it means a little more faff before getting mits on a lovely model.
cheers
Robert