Shipping & Packing Tapes

Keep boxes, cartons, mailers, and everyday projects securely handled with reliable shipping and packing tapes. Choose clear packing tape for sealing packages and general-purpose masking tape for temporary holding, labeling, bundling, painting, and other light-duty applications.

Whether you're preparing customer orders, organizing a warehouse, moving, or tackling everyday projects, choose the tape that matches the surface, application, and level of hold you need.

Shop Shipping & Packing Tape by Type

Clear Packing Tape

Clear packing tape is designed for securely sealing cardboard boxes, cartons, mailers, and packages. Its transparent backing keeps labels and package markings visible while providing a strong hold for everyday packing and shipping.

Best for:

• Sealing shipping boxes and cartons
• Packing customer orders
• Moving and storage
• Securing mailers and packages
• Bundling lightweight items

Available option: 2-inch × 110-yard clear packing tape.

General-Purpose Masking Tape

General-purpose masking tape uses an easy-to-handle paper backing and is suited to temporary applications where convenient placement and removal are important.

Best for:

• Painting and surface masking
• Temporary labeling
• Light-duty bundling
• General maintenance
• Drafting and project work

Available option: 2-inch × 55-yard general-purpose masking tape.

Clear Packing Tape vs. Masking Tape: Which Should You Choose?

Choose clear packing tape when your main goal is keeping boxes and packages securely closed during handling, storage, or shipping.

Choose masking tape when you need temporary adhesion for masking, labeling, bundling, or everyday projects.

How to Choose the Right Tape

Consider these factors before selecting shipping or packing tape:

Application: Start with what you're trying to accomplish. Package sealing generally calls for packing tape, while painting and temporary applications are better suited to masking tape.

Surface: Consider whether you're applying tape to corrugated cardboard, paper, painted surfaces, or another material.

Holding requirements: Packages that will be handled, stacked, stored, or shipped typically require a stronger, more durable seal than temporary projects.

Tape width: A 2-inch width provides broad coverage for common box seams and general-purpose applications.

Roll length: Longer rolls can reduce how frequently tape needs to be replaced when packing orders or handling repetitive tasks.

Environment: Think about the conditions the package or project may encounter, including handling, storage, temperature, and moisture.

Who Uses Shipping and Packing Tape?

Shipping and packing tapes are useful anywhere products, supplies, or packages need to be sealed, organized, stored, or prepared for transportation.

Common users include:

• E-commerce businesses
• Warehouses and fulfillment teams
• Retail stores
• Offices
• Shipping and receiving departments
• Courier and logistics operations
• Schools and organizations
• Homeowners and movers

For businesses shipping orders regularly, keeping packing tape readily available helps maintain a consistent packing workflow.

Common Uses for Packing and Masking Tape

E-Commerce Order Fulfillment

Packing tape helps close cartons before orders move through handling and delivery.

Warehouse Packing

Shipping teams can use packing tape when preparing boxes for storage, transfer, or outbound shipment.

Moving and Storage

Clear packing tape can help secure moving boxes and storage cartons.

Painting and Maintenance

Masking tape is useful for protecting selected areas during painting and for temporary marking or labeling.

Organization and Bundling

Masking tape can support temporary labeling and light-duty bundling, while packing tape can secure packages and cartons that require a stronger hold.

Complete Your Shipping Setup

For a more complete packing station, pair shipping tape with complementary shipping supplies such as:

• Corrugated shipping boxes
• Poly mailer shipping bags
• Paper mailer shipping bags
• Bubble wrap and protective shipping supplies

Choosing compatible packaging, cushioning, and sealing materials helps create a more efficient packing process from product preparation through shipment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping & Packing Tape

What is shipping tape?

Shipping tape is adhesive tape used to close and secure boxes, cartons, mailers, and packages for handling, storage, or shipment. Packing tape is one of the most common types used for this purpose.

What is packing tape used for?

Packing tape is primarily used to seal cardboard boxes and cartons. It can also be useful for moving, storage, packaging, and bundling applications.

What is the difference between shipping tape and packing tape?

The terms shipping tape and packing tape are often used interchangeably for tape designed to seal packages. Specific tape products can differ in backing material, adhesive, thickness, and intended application.

Is packing tape good for cardboard boxes?

Yes. Packing tape is designed for common packaging applications such as sealing corrugated cardboard boxes and cartons.

What width of packing tape should I use for boxes?

Two-inch packing tape is a common option for standard box-sealing applications because it provides enough width to cover carton seams securely.

What is masking tape used for?

Masking tape is commonly used for painting, temporary labeling, light-duty bundling, drafting, maintenance, and other applications where easy handling and temporary adhesion are useful.

Can masking tape be used for shipping boxes?

Masking tape may work for some light-duty or temporary applications, but clear packing tape is the better choice when securely sealing boxes for shipping.

What is the difference between packing tape and masking tape?

Packing tape is intended primarily for stronger package and carton sealing. Masking tape has a paper backing and is generally better suited to temporary masking, labeling, painting, and light-duty applications.

Can packing tape be used for moving boxes?

Yes. Clear packing tape is suitable for sealing many standard cardboard moving and storage boxes.

Can packing tape be used on mailers?

Packing tape can be used to reinforce or secure many paper and cardboard mailers when additional closure is needed. Always consider the mailer's material and the shipping requirements for the package.

How do I choose packing tape for my business?

Consider the types of boxes or mailers you use, package weight, shipping conditions, tape width, roll length, and how frequently your team packs orders. Businesses with frequent shipments may benefit from longer rolls that require fewer changes.

What tape is best for e-commerce shipping?

Clear packing tape is generally the better choice for sealing corrugated boxes and cartons used for e-commerce shipments. The appropriate tape ultimately depends on the package material, weight, handling conditions, and shipping requirements.

How should packing tape be applied to a box?

Apply packing tape across the box's main closing seam and ensure it adheres firmly to the cardboard on both sides. Heavier packages or boxes exposed to more handling may require additional reinforcement.

Can I buy shipping tape for business use?

Yes. Shipping tape is commonly purchased for offices, warehouses, retail operations, fulfillment centers, and other businesses that regularly pack or ship products.

What other supplies do I need for shipping packages?

Depending on the product being shipped, you may also need corrugated boxes, paper or poly mailers, protective cushioning such as bubble wrap, labels, and other packaging materials.

Find the Right Tape for Your Packing Needs

From sealing customer orders and moving boxes to masking, labeling, and everyday projects, the right tape makes packing and handling easier. Compare clear packing tape and general-purpose masking tape based on your application, required hold, surface, and roll size to find the best option for your needs.