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Making the Right Choice: Small vs. Large Shipping Box

Shipping Box, Costume Box, Custom Corrugated Box

When it comes to packaging and shipping, the decision between a small shipping box and a large shipping box is far from a small matter. The choice of box size can significantly impact the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety of your shipping process. In this post, we’ll explore the considerations behind selecting the right size of the shipping box for your needs and how it can make all the difference in ensuring your items reach their destination in perfect condition.

Small Shipping Box: A Compact Solution

Small shipping boxes are compact and often preferred when the items being shipped are relatively small and lightweight. They offer several advantages:

Cost-Efficiency: Smaller boxes are usually cheaper than their larger counterparts. This can save you money on both the box itself and shipping costs.

Space Optimization: Small boxes help make the most of available storage and transportation space, allowing you to ship more items in a single go.

Eco-Friendly: Using appropriately sized small boxes reduces waste and is more environmentally friendly.

Ideal for Fragile Items: When your items are delicate, smaller boxes can provide better protection by minimizing movement within the box.

Large Shipping Box: Versatility and Capacity

On the other hand, large shipping boxes offer their unique set of advantages:

Versatility: Large boxes can accommodate a variety of items, from clothing and household goods to oversized products.

Fewer Boxes: When shipping many items at once, a few large boxes can reduce the complexity and logistics of managing multiple small boxes.

Convenience: They are ideal for items that can’t be disassembled or are simply too large for small boxes.

Efficiency for Bulk Orders: Large boxes are a go-to choice for businesses shipping bulk orders or large quantities of a single item.

Considerations for Choosing the Right Size

When determining whether small or large shipping boxes are best for your needs, it’s crucial to consider:

Item Size and Weight: Assess the size and weight of the items you’re shipping. Ensure the box you select can securely hold the contents.

Shipping Costs: Smaller boxes generally cost less to ship, but larger boxes can be more cost-effective when shipping in bulk.

Environmental Impact: Consider the sustainability factor; smaller boxes are often an Eco-friendly choice.

Protection and Padding: Smaller boxes might offer better protection for fragile items, but larger boxes can accommodate more padding.

Storage and Handling: Evaluate the available storage space at both ends of the shipping process. Ensure your chosen box size can be stored and handled conveniently.

Limit the Costs For A Large Shipping Box

Large Shipping Box
Sending out a large shipping box is no longer the preserve of manufacturers or wholesalers. Retailers now also find themselves needing to send out large shipments to individual customers. With consumers now preferring the convenience of online shopping, they will often make bulk purchases, necessitating retailers to make use of large shipping boxes in which they can combine the full order, rather than package each item in an individual small shipping box. This approach makes it easier to track the package and ship everything all at once.

There are however other strategies you can apply to help further reduce shipping costs and make fulfilling online orders more profitable.

Customize your large shipping box

Try to have a good variety of shipping boxes in the dimensions you often find yourself needing. Some may be standard sizes while others may require you to order customized boxes. Having this variety of options will make it easier to ensure as tight a fit as possible when assembling an order in the same box. Limiting the size of the box will help to reduce shipping costs as they are based on size and weight factors.

Consult with multiple carriers for large or small shipping box

Many businesses have found that shipping costs can vary between different carriers along different routes and using different modes of transportation. You may find that the provider you currently use for fulfilling local orders is quite expensive as compared to competitors when it comes to out-of-state or international orders. The pricing can also change based on the volume of business you provide. Some carriers are willing to drop their rates if you negotiate with them. Take time to compile the details of the orders you often get and research the options available to you to find the most affordable and reliable option.

Shop around for box makers

It is not just carriers you need to shop around for. If you require custom packaging, then get quotes from as many box makers in your area as you can. Also, find out what kind of discounts they offer for bulk orders. Where possible, source all your packaging material, including fillers and tape from the same supplier to enjoy greater discounts.

Vary your packaging of large shipping box

Depending on what kind of items you are shipping, you may find that alternatives to large or small shipping boxes can be more affordable. Options like poly mailers, envelopes, and even tubes can take up less space and thus reduce shipping costs.

Use online shipping for large shipping box

Some carriers will offer hefty discounts when you pay for shipping online. This can apply to even priority or express shipments. Some carriers can help reduce costs and make your work easier by offering free pick-ups.

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Ask about our high volume custom box orders discounts. To speak with a box specialist and receive a FREE estimate, call us toll-free at 1-888-776-8000 or contact us via email. We'll be happy to assist you.

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