Tag Archives: boxes for shipping

Shipping Box Essentials for E-Commerce

Custom shipping regular slotted carton box
In the intricate world of commerce, the boxes for shipping echo the importance of a seamless and secure logistical journey. These unassuming containers play a pivotal role in safeguarding products as they traverse the intricate supply chain. Today, we embark on an exploration to unveil the essentials of shipping box, delving into their characteristics, applications, and the vital role they play in ensuring that goods reach their destination intact and unblemished.
A shipping box is more than just a container; it is a guardian of products, shielding them from the rigors of transportation. These boxes are crafted with the explicit purpose of providing durability, protection, and ease of handling throughout the shipping process. Whether it’s a single shipment or part of a larger logistics network, shipping boxes are a fundamental element in the world of commerce.

Defining a Shipping Box

The defining characteristics of shipping boxes revolve around strength, resilience, and practicality. These boxes are typically constructed from sturdy materials like corrugated cardboard, ensuring that they can withstand the challenges posed by handling, stacking, and various environmental conditions during transit.
Shipping boxes are designed in standardized sizes to facilitate efficient storage and transportation. The dimensions are carefully chosen to accommodate a variety of products while optimizing space in shipping containers, trucks, and warehouses. This standardized design also streamlines the packing process for businesses, reducing the need for excessive filler materials and enhancing overall efficiency.
Many shipping boxes feature closure mechanisms such as flaps and adhesive strips, ensuring that the contents remain securely enclosed during their journey. This not only protects the products from damage but also adds an element of tamper-evidence, assuring both businesses and customers of the integrity of the shipped items.

Applications of a Shipping Box

The applications of shipping boxes span across a multitude of industries, providing a reliable means of transporting goods from manufacturers to retailers and ultimately into the hands of consumers.
E-commerce businesses heavily rely on shipping boxes to fulfill customer orders. From small boxes accommodating individual items to larger ones for bulk shipments, the versatility of shipping boxes caters to the diverse product range offered by online retailers. These boxes are often the first tangible interaction customers have with a brand, shaping their perception of the product and the company.
In the realm of manufacturing, shipping boxes are indispensable for sending products to distributors and retailers. The standardized sizing ensures compatibility with various modes of transportation, facilitating a smooth and cost-effective logistics process.

Shipping Box Ultimate Guide

Small shipping box

Shipping boxes are an essential part of any business that ships products. They come in various shapes and sizes, and choosing the right one for your specific needs can be a daunting task. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best
shipping box for your business, whether you are shipping small items or large goods. 

When it comes to shipping boxes, there are various factors that you should consider to ensure that you are making the right choice. Below, we will discuss some of the most important factors to keep in mind: 

Size of the shipping box 

One of the most critical factors to consider when selecting boxes for shipping is their size. You would definitely want to make sure that the boxes that you select are large enough to accommodate your product or products but not so large that it adds unnecessary weight to your shipment, which can, in turn, increase your shipping costs. 

Material of the shipping box 

The material of the box can also immensely impact the safety and quality of your shipment. Cardboard boxes are a popular choice for shipping, but they may not provide enough protection for fragile items. Consider using corrugated boxes or plastic shipping containers for added protection. 

Evaluate Shipping Conditions 

Consider the conditions your package will encounter during shipping. If your product is fragile or requires temperature control, you may need specialized boxes to ensure safe transport. 

Durability of the shipping box 

The durability of the box is also a crucial factor to consider. You want to choose a box that is sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of shipping, handling, and possible environmental factors, such as humidity or temperature changes. 

Cost of the shipping box 

Of course, the cost is also a consideration when choosing shipping boxes. You want to find a box that meets your needs but doesn’t break the bank. Consider buying in bulk to save money, or look for discounts from your shipping provider. 

Choosing the right shipping boxes for your business is critical for the safety of your products and the satisfaction of your customers. By considering the factors mentioned above, such as size, material, durability, and cost, you can make an informed decision that meets your needs and budget. Whether you are shipping small or large items, there is a shipping box out there that is perfect for your business. 

Shipping Box Added Protection

foam corner protector
There is much more that goes into safeguarding the contents of a shipping box. The box itself is the primary external packaging. It needs to be able to support the weight of the contents and fully encase the product. It, however, often needs to be complemented by internal packaging material that will keep the contents stable and absorb shocks. Let us look at the different internal packaging materials that can be used to better protect your products while they are in transit.  

Shipping box packing peanuts 

Packing peanuts are a loose lightweight material that is typically made of polystyrene and other recycled content. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are used to fill up void spaces within boxes for shipping. They interlock and create a soft cushioning that works effectively in protecting contents from vibrations, bouncing, and other shocks.  

Shipping box inserts 

Also, referred to as separators, this type of internal packaging is used to stabilize items within a shipping box, keeping them from bumping into one another. Their specifications are usually tailored to the dimensions of the product, so they prevent movement within the box. When made from corrugated cardboard, they are a useful, affordable, and recyclable packaging material typically used for breakable items.  

Molded foam 

This packaging is custom fitted to the product being packed into the box. The product is inserted in the foam before being placed in the box. Due to its customization, it is highly effective in protecting items while in transit. There is no need for additional padding. However, this also means that it is not likely to be reusable and is made from material that is not recyclable or biodegradable.  

Shipping box wrap 

There are several types of materials that can be used to wrap products when packing them in shipping boxes. The most common is paper and bubble wrap. Paper is used to help stabilize the items within the box. It can be wrapped around items or crumpled and stuffed in between items and the walls of the box. It can also be layered at the bottom of the box to provide some additional shock absorption.  

Bubble wrap offers a more cushioning effect thanks to the many air cushions created in its design. These air cushions provide extra shock absorption that helps protect fragile items. They are usually wrapped around the items when packing the box. Since they are so effective at cushioning items, there is no need to use additional padding. While protecting products, they remain lightweight enough not to impact shipping costs.  

Protect Fragile Items in a Shipping Box

custom shipping box
With more and more people opting to shop online, businesses that sell even fragile items have been forced to figure out how best to pack boxes for shipping so the contents do not end up damaged while in transit. When you have products that can easily break this becomes critical as during shipping, poor handling and rough travel can easily lead to scratches and breakages. Here are a few tips you can use to improve the chances that whenever your items are packed in a shipping box, they arrive at their destination safely.

Correct size shipping box

Always pick a box size that can adequately accommodate the items you are shipping plus any packaging material that will be used to pad or protect them. Too big and the contents may end up getting jostled about, too small and you may not be able to reinforce. Also, consider using corrugated cardboard material with more fluting. This added thickness will help to better protect the contents, not just from jostling, but also if exposed to dampness or perforated.

Boxes for shipping label

People will not know to handle a package carefully unless that information is well displayed on the outside of the box. Make use of labels or stickers to ensure people know the contents are fragile and need to be carefully handled. This often compels handlers to be more careful and avoid stacking other boxes on top. Also, be sure to indicate which way the shipping box should be placed upright. This can be especially important with bottled products like wine that should not have the cork continually absorbing the liquid.

Boxes for shipping packaging

Once you have packed your fragile items in the box, be sure to use packing material to fill up void spaces. This will help keep the contents immobilized inside the box so they do not get jostled around. This is especially important if you have packed more than one item and want to avoid them knocking into each other and breaking

Boxes for shipping: dividers

Dividers are another way to separate items. You can pack multiple items in the same box safely and in their own compartment. Try to ensure that whatever arrangement you use, the box is well balanced to prevent it from easily toppling over

Shipping box reinforcement

Consider reinforcing the box at the bottom and along its edges. This can help when the box is exposed to moisture or even when mishandled by preventing the box from collapsing. For moisture protection, consider using packaging tape that will prevent absorption. You can also use a polyurethane coating or a lacquer spray sealer spray.

Boxes for Shipping Marketing Tactics

die cut mailer with insert kraft e flute boxes for shipping
When you have boxes for shipping, it often creates an opportunity for branding and sharing of other information. As you send out shipments, be it to end-user customers, retailers, or distributors, there are likely to be many eyes that will land on the printed shipping boxes. You need to capitalize on this exposure to market your brand by ensuring you present the right kind of information in the best possible way. Here are a few tips on how to accomplish this.  

Boxes for Shipping – Print on Top 

The top side of your box should be the first place you consider printing branding information, especially for smaller boxes being shipped to end-user customers. This is the first surface they will look at upon receiving the box and opening it up. It is the most important place to emblazon your logo and brand name and slogan. It is the announcement of what is to come, welcoming them to open up the box and see what is within. Make this print on boxes for shipping well centered.  

Printed Shipping Boxes Font Style 

There are many font options when it comes to writing. It is best to focus on classic choices that are easily recognizable and therefore easily readable. Serif fonts like Times New Roman and Baskerville are classic and easily readable options. They are ideal for brands looking to portray a more formal image. For brands looking to appear more playful or informal, sans serif fonts like Calibri or decorative options like Leah Gaviota can be considered. Essentially, you should choose fonts based on what kind of impression you want to make with observers and that will remain easily readable so they can quickly register the information you are presenting at a glance.  

Boxes for Shipping – Social Media Handles 

Ensure that you include information on the social media handles that your brand uses. This is especially useful for fashion brands that make use of imagery. Indicating that you are on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest can stir the recipient to take pictures of their unboxing experience and share them on social media. You can even include a campaign hashtag you are using to help add buzz surrounding a product.  

Printed Shipping Boxes – Logo  

Many brands will make use of imagery like logos and renders of the product on the sides and flaps of printed shipping boxes. It may seem like this will leave out space to include the brand name, but having this text printed as a branded chain along the bottom edge of the side can work just as well. If no imagery is included, you can make a chain that repeats the brand name across the sides. You can even have your packaging supplier make packing tape that incorporates your brand name, providing another way to display this information

Making Boxes for Shipping More Sustainable

Shipping Box Eco-Friendly
Businesses have become increasingly aware of the need to do more for the environment. They are making choices to ensure they make a minimal harmful impact. This extends to the kind of packaging they use for products.

Eco-friendly boxes for shipping have become vital in this effort. But ordering this type of packaging is not enough. There are other measures businesses can apply to help ensure better results.

Boxes for shipping size

It is best to ensure any shipment you send out is the right fit. It should safely accommodate the contents without being oversized. A box that is that much bigger than the contents means you will have added to waste. More so if you have to make use of extra filler to fill out the gaps. Oversized packaging also increases the risk of the contents being damaged in transit if handled roughly.

Businesses should seek out custom packaging tailored to the correct dimensions of their products. They however may still stock an inventory of larger boxes for bulk shipping. Bulk purchases can be good for the environment as they mean fewer orders and less demand for shipping. Businesses can offer discounts to encourage clients to make bulk orders.

Reusable boxes for shipping

Green packaging that is reusable is great for the environment. It takes that much longer for them to be disposed of as many recipients are happy to store them or immediately make use of them for other purposes. Some businesses will make simpler refill packets so that clients will retain the reusable packaging and simply top-up using the refills. Others will make the packaging convertible for other uses such as potting plants businesses need to think outside the box, so to speak, to see how they can develop packaging that gets more re-use and is better for the environment.

Choose cardboard boxes for shipping

Cardboard material is easily one of the best options for a shipping box. It is biodegradable, reusable, recyclable, and customizable. This makes it possible to ensure your products are safely contained for shipping and once no longer in use, the shipping box can be safely disposed of without worry it will be a problem to the environment. And thanks to customizing, you can ensure a design that helps with branding and publicizing your commitment to conservation.

Make sustainability part of your brand

As said, you can advertise your commitment to environmental conservation through your packaging. Indicate that boxes for shipping can be reused and recycled. You can include a note on how to creatively reuse the boxes inside your shipment. Explain how they can add it to compost, use them for planting trees, and so on. Use this opportunity to educate your clients in a way that is actionable and they will appreciate.

How To Minimize The Weight Of A Shipping Box

Shipping Box
Sending out goods for delivery is often good news. It means that you have customers willing to buy your products, even if they cannot come to your store. Even for businesses that operate entirely online, this revenue is always appreciated.

However, deliveries are never done for free. This is another industry that charges for its services. While many businesses will claim to offer free deliveries, the reality is that they have already factored in this cost into their product pricing. But they must keep this impact minimal to remain competitive.

One of the best ways they manage to minimize this cost is by cutting down on the weight of boxes for shipping. The less their shipments weigh, the less costly it becomes to cover this expense. Here are some ways to accomplish this.

Custom Boxes

Investing in custom boxes is always a good idea. Oversize boxes will take up more room and will be heavier. Especially when you factor in the extra packaging you will need to add inside the shipping box to keep the contents stable. Extra filler like inserts and bubble wrap also means extra packaging expenses. Sourcing for custom fit boxes for your merchandise will help keep shipping expenses low.

Deeper, Not Wider

When configuring boxes, it is best to choose specifications that are deeper rather than wider. This means the smallest dimensions should be on the top and bottom sides. This makes loading of the boxes into containers and vans more space-saving. It can also limit the amount of corrugated material that will be used to make the box. Being able to place more boxes on the same pallet can also increase the amount of product you ship with little impact on the rates.

Choose Lighter Board

Corrugated boxes are considered a safer option thanks to their excellent shock absorption. The more flutes, the better the water resistance, and ability to survive penetration or denting. While there is no big difference noticed when the number of flutes is varied, there can be some impact when you choose a thinner board that will cover the interior and exterior surfaces. Be sure to consult with the manufacturer to ensure that the shipping box will still accommodate whatever custom design features you desire.

Buy in Bulk

When ordering boxes for shipping, consider upping your quantity. Most manufacturers will offer bigger discounts on larger orders. And since most box designs are collapsible, having a large number of boxes may not take up as much room as you would think.

Boxes Shipping And What To Know About It

When you need to ship, trust Cactus Container. Their company has been around for over 30 years helping businesses like yourself. They provide any type of boxes, including boxes for shipping.

If you need to ship, there is no need to look anywhere else. With 2 factories in Canada, they can provide small shipping boxes, large shipping boxes, printed shipping boxes or custom sized shipping boxes. Give them the dimension you want, and they will deliver.

The provide fast friendly service. Order in bulk or just a few. They are flexible and can accommodate your different needs.

Rely on their boxes for shipping. Boxes are their speciality and can give you tips and advice. They know what kind of box you need by what you need to ship. Just tell them what you would like to ship, and they will provide your options. They will work around your schedule, and can deliver anywhere in America.

Small shippping boxes are perfect for your small or medium sized items such as mugs, promotional items, company gifts, books, or documents. Large shipping boxes can never be too large for them either. Do you need to ship office furniture, lamps, or clothing wardrobe? Provide them your unique large item, and they will gladly advice you on the best corrugate boxes for shipping.

At times you may need to customize your shipping boxes. For instance, your company may want to pre-print your company logo onto the boxes for shipping. Save time and manual labor. Let Cactus Container professionally place your company logo onto the printed shipping boxes. Printed shipping boxes can be used as a form of advertisement. Identify products, company logos, shipping information by incorporating printed shipping boxes.

Do you also need custom shipping boxes? Cactus Container can easily provide that for you too. Boxes are their specialty. You are not limited to a certain box dimension. They can provide any size you desire. Just give them the measurements you need, and Cactus Container will definitely provide the correct size by creating custom shipping boxes.

Cactus is also really known for their fast service. They understand quick needs and definite deadlines. They are attentive and accurate. If you need any kind of boxes for shipping, Cactus will make sure you will get exactly what you need and fast.