Mine has a small edge chip. I have no idea how it happened but it hasn't spread (even with my jacked up hinge). I think you'll be OK.
As far as packaging for shipment ... you can use "foam in place". They use an expanding foam (like 'great stuff') in the bottom of the box, then a sheet of plastic, then the item, then another sheet of plastic, then another layer of expanding foam. It's messy to do but the item is uber-protected & perfectly clean when removed (because of the sheets of plastic).