Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping Boxes

Shipping boxes are the most practical and cost-efficient way to ensure your products reach their destination in good condition. Whether your items are large and heavy or delicate and oddly shaped (like cupcake soap), they deserve to be well protected during transit. Corrugated cardboard is popular for packaging products because it’s sturdy and reliable. Other popular options include poly boxes and insulated boxes.

What are They?

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newbie to the packaging game, shipping boxes are an essential part of any supply chain. Shipping boxes come in various shapes, sizes and styles and are made of many materials, including cardboard and corrugated. Cardboard is a durable material commonly used for shipping boxes and other types of packaging. It’s easy to recycle and offers a strong and sturdy structure for your products. It’s also inexpensive and comes in various colors and thicknesses to suit your branding needs. Corrugated is another durable material that can be used for packaging and is easy to recycle. It’s a cost-effective option for shipping and can be cut into any shape to fit your product. It’s available in various strengths and is often used for packing fragile items.

When choosing a custom shipping box for your product, make sure it fits the specifications of the service you’re using. Most shipping services have size and weight restrictions, and if your box exceeds these limits, you’ll be forced to pay more for your shipment. It would help to prepare your package before shipping it by ensuring it’s clean, dry and debris-free. Also, reinforce any flaps with packing tape and cover or black out old logos, labels or addresses.

How do they work?

Shipping boxes are a valuable tool for both freight companies and individuals. They protect items during transportation and handling and help ensure they arrive in good condition at their destination. Additionally, many boxes can be printed with product and brand information, increasing their visibility and helping to build customer loyalty. The most popular box type is made from corrugated cardboard, an inexpensive and strong material. It is also eco-friendly, as it is produced from paper that comes from a renewable resource and is often recycled after use. Corrugated boxes are available in various sizes and shapes, allowing you to find the right one for your needs.

Other shipping boxes include:

• Cube boxes, which have the same measurement on all sides.
• Long boxes which have a greater length than width and height.
• Side-loading boxes, which have an opening at the narrow end.

These boxes are ideal for shipping elongated items like top hats, clothing, and other tall objects.

When choosing a box, be sure to measure your product and make note of any added dimensions for padding. Additionally, be mindful of the maximum dimensions set by major shipping providers to avoid paying additional fees. It would help to consider whether the box you select has been used before, as some companies don’t accept boxes containing food or liquids.

What are the different types?

A few main types of shipping boxes are popular for small businesses. They come in various forms, sizes, and designs to suit different product requirements and ensure that all products arrive in the best possible condition.

Regular slotted container: Also called cardboard boxes, these are the most common type of shipping box and usually have flaps on top and bottom that meet in the middle to close. They can be used to package most general non-fragile items and are the most cost-effective option for most shipping companies.

Full overlap: Known as FOL boxes, these feature full, overlapping flaps that wrap tightly around the top, bottom and sides of the box to create a secure seal and extra protection from bumps during transit. They are great for shipping fragile and valuable goods because they are more likely to withstand a higher pressure or impact.

Long: Typically taller than they are wide, long boxes can be used to ship elongated products like posters, mirrors and frames, as well as other larger, longer items that wouldn’t fit into a standard shipping box. They are similar to cube boxes but with double the strength and protection.

Tall: Like long boxes, tall boxes are good for shipping a wide range of products that can’t fit into standard shipping containers. They have a lower length than height and are good for packaging taller products that need to be kept upright during transit.

Where can I find them?

When it comes to shipping, the right box makes all the difference. The correct box will ensure your products arrive at their destination safely and undamaged, whether enormous enough to fill a full truck or small enough to fit in your hand. Shipping boxes are available in various shapes, sizes, and densities to satisfy the needs of multiple types of organizations. Cardboard boxes are the most common and economical type of shipping box. They are strong and sturdy, and most couriers accept them for shipping. They also have the added benefit of being easily customized with printing and labeling to help your brand stand out.

Other types of shipping boxes include poly mailers and insulated containers. Poly mailers are lightweight but durable plastic bags designed to ship non-fragile products. They can be branded with your logo and easily fold and seal, making them perfect for subscription and e-commerce businesses. Insulated shipping boxes combine a cardboard or corrugated box and a styrofoam or polyurethane interior, making them ideal for shipping temperature-sensitive products.