How Shipping Boxes are Measured
Shipping Boxes are the most commonly used shipping supply in the packaging industry and are available in hundreds of different sizes. That said, we would like to review how boxes are measured and share a few best practices.
Box measurements are always listed using interior dimensions. The first dimension is the length; the next is width, and the last is height.
For Example: If a box is listed as 12 x 10 x 8″ the dimensions would be in a 12 Length (L) x 10 Width (W) x 8″ Height (H) format as follows:
When choosing the best size box to ship an item, make sure to allow room for adequate padding around the contents. For maximum protection make sure the item is centered in the box with 2 to 3 inches of packing material used for protection.
Here are a few best practices for packaging your item(s):
- Use new boxes for maximum protection.
- If reusing a box, make sure there are no holes, tears, or corner dents. Remove old labels.
- Avoid shipping items in the manufacturer’s box.
- Use double-wall boxes for heavier items.
- If you’re shipping many items in a box, wrap each separately and put sufficient packing material between them.
- Use packing peanuts, wadded paper, shredded paper, or bubble wrap as cushioning.
- Fragile items require more cushioning.
- Use enough packing material so that the item does not shift or move during transit.
