When shipping a package, it’s essential that you pick the right box size dimensions for your products. If the box is too small, your items will be squished inside, but if it’s too large, you may incur more shipping fees. But how do you find out what box is right for your products? With a bit of knowledge of the box sizes dimensions and strengths, you can find your ideal shipping box in a pinch.
With so many types of boxes for shipping, exploring the size of boxes for your shipment can feel overwhelming. To assist with your shipping process, we are breaking down the box size guide as well as tips to ensure your package arrives safe and sound.
Shipping Box Carrier Guidelines
There are a number of reasons businesses rely on shipping boxes for their products. From delivering orders to transferring supplies and storing goods, different shipping carton sizes can help a business run smoothly.
Typically, shipping box carriers charge based on size, weight, and destinations, as well as how the product is being shipped. Keep in mind, depending on your shipping method, there are various weight and size restrictions that must be checked prior to shipping.
Shapes & Sizes of Shipping Boxes
Asking yourself, “What size box do I need?” You’ve come to the right place. To assist with your shipping needs, we are sharing the most common box sizes and what they are best for.
4 x 4 x 4 32 ECT 25 bdl./ 2500 bale
Cube Boxes
Cube boxes are characterized by having the same length on all edges and featuring the same square box shape on every side.
28 x 20 x 24 Multi-Depth 22, 20, 18, 16, 14″ 32 ECT 20 bdl./ 120 bale
Multi-Height Boxes
Multi-height boxes allow you to choose between an array of heights, adjusting to suit your desired need. These boxes do have a fixed width and depth but offer two or even three adjustable height options.
7 x 4 x 4 32 ECT 25 bdl./ 2000 bale
Long Boxes
As the name suggests, long boxes offer a longer length than their width and height. This is ideal for loading elongated items, allowing them to ship on their side or lying down flat.
3 x 3 x 18″ Square Tube
Tall Boxes
A tall box has a taller height with a smaller length and width. This is ideal for shipping tall items that cannot be folded to a more compact height and will need to stay upright during shipping.
4 x 4 x 48 Telescoping Inner HSC 32 ECT 25 bdl./ 625 bale
Telescopic Boxes
Telescopic boxes are ideal for shipping items that cannot fit into a single box. These boxes fit together and work well for both large and tall items.
20 x 8 x 50 F.O.L. 44 ECT Heavy Duty 15 bdl./ 120 bale
Side-Loading Boxes
Typically, side-loading boxes are wide and thin, with an opening on the narrow side that allows items to be loaded or unloaded. This is commonly used for items like framed photos or posters.
Strength of Shipping Box
When exploring the box size chart for shipping, it’s important to also understand that boxes have different strengths, too. When choosing a box, you must ensure that it not only fits your items but can handle their size and weight as well during the delivery process.
To measure a shipping box’s strength, the edge crush test (ECT) is used. This test helps determine the stacking strength of a box. To test the bursting strength of a box, the Mullen test is used.
Since there are a number of different box sizes, from large to small shipping box dimensions, there are varying degrees of strength, too. With all the different box strength options available on the option today, the most common ones for shipping are:
- 200# boxes: Ideal for shipping items with some weight. These are usually used for heavy-duty items.
- 32 ECT boxes: Designed to withstand a maximum of 32 pounds per square inch vertical compression, these boxes are often used when stacking more lightweight products.
For more heavy-duty items, the best boxes to use include 44 ECT, 48 ECT, 51 ECT, 71 ECT, and 90 ECT. Typically, heavier items require a double or triple-wall shipping box to deliver safely. If you have questions, check with your shipping company to ensure you have the right box strength for your items.
Conclusion
Now that you’re armed with information on the most common box sizes, it’s time to choose the right box for your shipments! Whether you’re shipping a large poster board or a new dining room table, packaging your products in the right box not only ensures a safe delivery but limits damage to your items, too.
As a leading shipping box supplier, Brandt Box is proud to offer a range of the most common types of boxes for shipping. For additional information on boxes available and assistance choosing the right box for your products, contact our team today to learn more.
