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Corrugated Shipping Boxes
Providing higher level of assurance that your products will be safely packed and shipped in great shape, corrugated boxes will be the ideal packaging tools. Sturdy than cardboard boxes, they are resistant to moisture and sudden temperature changes.
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Corrugated Shipping Boxes
Protect products during storage, packing, and delivery with durable corrugated shipping boxes. Made with fluted material between liner layers, corrugated boxes provide lightweight cushioning and structural strength for shipping products, packing orders, moving supplies, and storing inventory.
Available in multiple sizes, these shipping boxes are practical for businesses, warehouses, retailers, e-commerce sellers, offices, and individuals who need reliable packaging for everyday shipments.
Shop Corrugated Shipping Boxes by Size
Choose a box that closely matches the dimensions of the items you are shipping while leaving enough room for protective packing materials.
Popular sizes include:
- 10" × 10" × 10" corrugated boxes
- 12" × 12" × 12" corrugated boxes
- 13" × 13" × 13" corrugated boxes
- 14" × 14" × 14" corrugated boxes
- 15" × 15" × 15" corrugated boxes
- Additional sizes for different packing and shipping requirements
For business shipping operations, ordering boxes in larger quantities can help maintain a consistent supply of packaging for outgoing orders.
What Are Corrugated Shipping Boxes?
Corrugated shipping boxes are packaging containers made from layers of paper-based material that typically include an outer liner, an inner liner, and a fluted layer between them.
The fluted structure helps give corrugated boxes their strength while keeping them relatively lightweight. This makes them well suited for protecting products during handling, storage, and transportation.
Corrugated boxes are commonly used for:
- E-commerce order fulfillment
- Retail shipments
- Warehouse operations
- Product storage
- Office shipping
- Moving and packing
- Mailing merchandise to customers
Corrugated Boxes vs. Cardboard Boxes
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, corrugated and cardboard packaging are not the same.
|
Feature |
Corrugated Boxes |
Standard Cardboard |
|
Construction |
Multiple layers with fluting |
Typically a single thick paperboard layer |
|
Strength |
Higher structural strength |
Better suited to lighter applications |
|
Cushioning |
Fluting provides additional protection |
Limited cushioning |
|
Shipping |
Commonly used for shipping and fulfillment |
Often used for lightweight packaging |
|
Storage |
Suitable for many storage applications |
Suitable for lighter contents |
|
Recyclability |
Commonly recyclable where accepted |
Commonly recyclable where accepted |
For products that need additional protection during transportation, corrugated boxes are generally the more practical shipping option.
Why Choose Corrugated Boxes for Shipping?
Strong Yet Lightweight
The fluted construction provides structural support without making the package unnecessarily heavy.
Helps Protect Products
Corrugated walls help protect contents from impacts and everyday handling during transportation.
Easy to Store
Unused boxes can typically be kept flat and assembled when needed, making them convenient for warehouses, stockrooms, offices, and fulfillment areas.
Versatile
Corrugated boxes can be used to ship everything from merchandise and promotional products to office supplies and household items, provided the appropriate box size and strength are selected.
Recyclable
Corrugated packaging is commonly recyclable where local recycling programs accept clean paper-based packaging. Boxes may also be reused when they remain structurally sound.
How to Choose the Right Corrugated Shipping Box
Choosing the right box helps protect your products while reducing unnecessary packaging.
Measure Your Product
Measure the length, width, and height of the item or group of items you plan to ship.
Allow Space for Protective Packaging
If your product requires bubble wrap, paper, air pillows, or another cushioning material, choose a box that provides enough room for that protection without leaving excessive empty space.
Consider Product Weight
Heavier products may require stronger packaging than lightweight products. Always consider both the dimensions and weight of the contents when selecting a shipping box.
Avoid Oversized Boxes
A box that is significantly larger than its contents can require additional void fill and may allow products to move during transportation.
Secure the Package
Once packed, seal the box securely with appropriate shipping or packing tape before transportation.
What Size Shipping Box Do I Need?
The best shipping box is generally one that fits the product plus the protective packaging required around it.
|
Shipping Need |
What to Consider |
|
Small products |
Choose a compact box with enough space for cushioning |
|
Multiple items |
Allow room for separators or protective material between products |
|
Fragile products |
Leave sufficient space for cushioning around every side |
|
Lightweight products |
Avoid unnecessarily large packaging |
|
Larger products |
Measure all dimensions before selecting the box |
|
Bulk fulfillment |
Standardize a few useful box sizes based on your most common orders |
When possible, keeping several frequently used box sizes available can make packing faster and reduce excess packaging.
Who Uses Corrugated Shipping Boxes?
Corrugated boxes are useful across a wide range of industries and applications.
E-commerce businesses use them to fulfill online orders and deliver products to customers.
Retailers use them for inventory transfers, customer shipments, and storage.
Warehouses and fulfillment centers use corrugated boxes for packing, organizing, and distributing products.
Small businesses can keep different box sizes available for regular customer orders.
Offices use them for shipping documents, equipment, supplies, and other materials.
Individuals can use corrugated boxes for moving, storage, mailing, and general packing needs.
Corrugated Boxes for E-Commerce Shipping
For e-commerce businesses, packaging affects both product protection and the customer experience.
Choosing an appropriately sized corrugated box can help:
- Reduce unnecessary space
- Limit product movement
- Reduce the amount of void fill required
- Make packing more consistent
- Keep shipments organized
- Present orders neatly when customers open them
Businesses with recurring shipments may benefit from standardizing several box sizes around their most frequently shipped products.
Buying Corrugated Shipping Boxes in Bulk
Businesses that ship products regularly may benefit from purchasing corrugated boxes in larger quantities.
Keeping frequently used sizes in stock can help streamline fulfillment and reduce the risk of running out of packaging during busy periods.
Bulk corrugated boxes are particularly useful for:
- Online stores
- Retail businesses
- Warehouses
- Distribution centers
- Subscription-box businesses
- Offices
- Schools and organizations
- Moving and storage operations
Before ordering, estimate how many boxes your organization uses during a typical week or month and identify the dimensions used most often.
How to Pack a Corrugated Shipping Box
For reliable packing:
- Choose a box appropriate for the size and weight of the contents.
- Inspect the box before use and avoid boxes with significant structural damage.
- Cushion fragile products when necessary.
- Fill excessive empty space to limit movement.
- Keep items away from the box walls when additional impact protection is required.
- Close all flaps securely.
- Seal the package with suitable packing tape.
- Attach the shipping label to a flat, visible surface.
Always follow the requirements of your chosen shipping carrier, especially for heavy, fragile, hazardous, or unusually shaped items.
Frequently Asked Questions About Corrugated Shipping Boxes
What is a corrugated shipping box?
A corrugated shipping box is a paper-based packaging container made with liner layers and a fluted inner layer. The fluting provides additional strength and cushioning, making corrugated boxes useful for shipping, storage, and product fulfillment.
What is the difference between corrugated and cardboard boxes?
Corrugated boxes typically contain multiple layers, including a fluted middle layer, while standard cardboard or paperboard is generally made without this corrugated structure. Corrugated construction provides additional rigidity and protection for shipping applications.
Are corrugated boxes good for shipping?
Yes. Corrugated boxes are widely used for shipping because they combine structural strength, relatively low weight, and protective properties. The appropriate box should always be selected based on the dimensions, weight, and fragility of the contents.
What size corrugated box should I use?
Measure the length, width, and height of your product and account for any cushioning or protective material. Choose a box that provides sufficient packing space without leaving excessive unused room.
Can corrugated boxes be reused?
Yes, when a box remains clean, dry, and structurally sound, it may be suitable for reuse. Inspect previously used boxes for crushed corners, tears, moisture damage, or weakened seams before shipping.
Are corrugated shipping boxes recyclable?
Corrugated boxes are commonly recyclable through programs that accept clean corrugated fiberboard. Remove non-paper packaging materials when required and follow your local recycling program's guidelines.
Are corrugated boxes suitable for fragile products?
They can be, but fragile products generally require additional protective packaging such as bubble wrap, paper cushioning, dividers, or other void-fill materials.
How much packing material should I use?
Use enough cushioning to keep the product protected and limit movement inside the box. Fragile items typically require more protection than durable products.
Can businesses buy corrugated boxes in bulk?
Yes. Bulk purchasing can be useful for businesses that regularly pack and ship customer orders, transfer inventory, or maintain packaging supplies.
How should unused corrugated boxes be stored?
Keep unused boxes in a clean, dry environment away from moisture and excessive humidity. When possible, store boxes flat until they are needed.
What are corrugated boxes commonly used for?
Common uses include e-commerce shipping, retail fulfillment, inventory transfers, product storage, office shipping, moving, and general packing.
How do I keep products from moving inside a shipping box?
Select an appropriately sized box and use cushioning or void-fill material to reduce space. Fragile products may require protection around multiple sides.
Can corrugated boxes handle heavy products?
Some corrugated boxes can accommodate heavier products, but capacity varies by box construction and specifications. Check the product's rated strength or weight recommendations before packing heavy items.
Do corrugated boxes require packing tape?
Most standard shipping boxes should be securely sealed with suitable packing tape before shipment. The amount and type of tape required will depend on the box, contents, and carrier requirements.
Why buy corrugated shipping boxes from Imprint?
Imprint offers corrugated shipping boxes in multiple dimensions for business, fulfillment, storage, and everyday shipping needs. Compare available sizes, quantities, pricing, and production or shipping information to find the option that best fits your packaging requirements.
Find the Right Shipping Supplies
Complete your packing setup with related shipping supplies such as:
- Shipping tape
- Bubble wrap and protective packaging
- Paper mailers
- Poly mailers
- Other packaging and shipping supplies
Choose packaging based on the size, weight, fragility, and shipping requirements of the products you need to send.