Shipping Cartons – Buyer's Guide for Shipping Boxes
Most people prefer cardboard shipping cartons because they are cheaper and lightweight than other material. Other than cardboard, you can find shipping cartons made from material such as chipboard, plastic and other composites. Getting the right type of cartons is essential because they can keep the cost down, while protecting the goods in them.
Guide to selecting the right cartons
- Pick the right carton material
Select the carton material to suit your needs. Most of the time corrugated cardboard is used because they’re lightweight and durable. About 4-5 cardboard boxes can be stacked for better space management during transportation.
For advanced logistics operations, you should check the Edge Crush Test (ECT) value. This is used to measure the toughness of corrugated fiberboards. Most of the commercially available boxes are made from 200#/ECT-32, which can hold up to 65lbs.
- Pick the right size
Select the size to match the goods. Very small boxes can put unwanted pressure on the goods while large boxes will have a lot of loose space for things to move around. If you’re moving homes or offices, it is best to select boxes of the same size because they’re much easier to stack during transportation.
- Check labeling options
If you’re planning to use the cartons to deliver goods to multiple clients, check the type of labeling options available. You can get boxes with return and postage data printed which will save you a lot of time and money on stickers.
If you’re planning to use the boxes for storage, make sure the boxes have space or an empty area so that they can be marked for easier retrieval later. For delivery or storage of fragile items you will need stickers, or get them marked as ‘Fragile’ to prevent any accidents.
- Select a suitable padding
For most fragile and delicate items, you will need some type of padding. The most common choices are recycled or shredded paper, polystyrene peanuts, bubble wrap and old newspapers. For domestic packing, you can use old clothing, bed sheets or curtains.
- Buy tapes and marking pens
This may seem common sense, but often people forget to purchase packing tape and permanent markers. For large projects, buying a packing tape dispenser will improve efficiency.
- Reuse and Recycle Unused Cartons
Boxes in returned goods can be often re-used as long they’re in good condition. If the boxes have any sensitive information printed, you can use some large-area stickers to cover old postage, delivery information and product codes. This will avoid any confusion with delivery personnel. If the cartons are warped, torn or punched, it is best to send them to be recycled.
Prices of Cardboard Shipping Cartons
The prices of shipping cartons depend on the dimensions of the box. Generally, a 12” x 12” x 12” box will be around $1, and a 24” x 24” x 12” carton will be about $3 each. The prices vary from one manufacturer to another, and you will get large discounts if you buy them in wholesale lots.
Often you can’t buy them as singles in retail stores. They are available in bundles of 10, 20 or 25.
Buy Shipping Boxes Wholesale and Save
For residential moves, you can buy these boxes at retail prices from many movers or storage companies. For businesses, you will save a lot of money if you buy the shipping boxes at wholesale prices. Depending on the volume of order and your long-term needs, you can negotiate pricing and delivery terms with the wholesalers. If you have a large business network, it is better to contact a manufacturer directly. This will enable you to get your company name and logo imprinted in the boxes to increase brand awareness.
