Posts Tagged ‘Shipping Boxes’

Packing items in a Shipping Box

Monday, September 21st, 2009

In our third Packing Tip Episode we review how to properly pack items into a shipping box. We also review the box-in-box packing method for fragile items. Enjoy!

How Shipping Boxes are Measured

Saturday, August 1st, 2009

In our second Packing Tip Episode we review How Shipping Boxes are Measured.  We hope this helps everyone choose the box that best fits their needs.  Enjoy!

Use the Box-In-Box Packing Method for Fragile Items

Monday, September 1st, 2008

While using a single corrugated box to ship items is possible in most instances, there are many situations when a single box just isn’t enough.  Why?  Because many single boxes endure sorting impact, over-the-road vibration, and other kinds of package handling situations that transfer directly to the fragile contents.   The Box-In-Box packing method is an effective way of protecting fragile items such as electronics, glassware or pottery from damage by packing the item in one box and placing the packed box in another box.

  1. Wrap your product(s) individually with at least 2″ thickness of bubble wrap or foam material to fit snugly inside a corrugated box.
  2. Place your wrapped product(s) in a box and make sure to restrict the movement inside the box using void fill like crumpled kraft paper or packing peanuts.
  3. Close and tape the inner box to prevent accidental opening.
  4. Use a second, outer container that is at least 6″ longer, wider and deeper than the inner box.
  5. Choose the wrap or fill method to cushion the inner box inside the larger sturdy outer container.
  6. Wrap the inner box with at least 4″ thickness of bubble wrapping material or use at least 3″ of packing peanuts or other cushioning material to fill the spaces between the inner box and outer container on the top, bottom and all sides.
  7. Fill any void spaces with more cushioning material.
  8. Seal your package with carton sealing tape and place the shipping label on the box.  Don’t forget a fragile label.

Lastly, even the best of packing jobs can end up getting damaged; therefore, we do recommend insuring your packages with your carrier.

How Shipping Boxes are Measured

Friday, August 1st, 2008

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:

How to Measure Shipping Boxes

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.