From Fragile to Freight: Uncover the Best Boxes for Shipping Items of All Sizes and Types

When shipping items safely and economically, nothing is more important than choosing the correct shipping box. We have shipping boxes of various sizes, shapes, and types for practically any shipping need. Yet, picking the wrong size or type of box can lead to costly mistakes, from higher shipping fees to damaged goods.

In this article, we will look at the factors you should consider when selecting the best shipping boxes and the sizes available, helping you make informed decisions that will save you money and ensure your items stay safe and sound.

Importance of Choosing the Right Shipping Boxes

Properly sized packing boxes help to ensure that your goods fit snugly, preventing unwanted movement during transit and the potential breakage of fragile items. Additionally, selecting insulated shipping boxes suited for particular goods can lessen the likelihood of breakage and protect valuable assets.

Couriers accept cardboard boxes that are properly sealed and labeled. Using free shipping boxes poorly constructed risks damage, and your cargo may never reach its destination. Taking the time to research the best shipping boxes for your items, along with following our small business shipping tips, will maximize safety, cost-efficiency, and peace of mind.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Shipping Boxes

The table below provides key information on the factors to consider when selecting the right shipping boxes for a specific project. Choose the right boxes to ensure your cargo is protected during shipping and reduce costs associated with damaged or lost items.

By considering all the factors associated with selecting shipping boxes – size, strength, cost, and special requirements – you can make informed decisions that ultimately result in cost-effective and secure shipping. Our blog on shipping box sizes offers additional guidance.

12 Shipping Boxes for Different Purposes: Find the Perfect Fit

1. 5 x 5 x 5 Corrugated Boxes for Small Electronics

5 x 5 x 5 32 ECT 25 bdl./ 1500 bale

This compact cube-shaped box is ideal for securely storing and transporting small, lightweight items like jewelry, books, materials, and electronics. It ensures the items stay secure during transit, and its lightweight design reduces shipping costs.

Its stackability and lightweight design make it easy to store and ship, while its cube shape allows maximum storage efficiency. Compared to The Boxery, our boxes are 10 cents cheaper per box, per bundle.

Buy from us in bundles of:

• 25 = $0.21 per item
• 100 = $0.21 per item
• 250 = $0.21 per item
• 500 = $0.21 per item
• 1000 = $0.21 per item

2. 5 x 5 x 4 Corrugated Boxes for Books and Documents

5 x 5 x 4 32 ECT 25 bdl./ 2000 bale

Our top-tier, 200#/32 ECT kraft-corrugated cartons provide unparalleled strength and style and come in bundles or bales. Stock up on your shipping supplies and get the convenience of flat-packing them away when you’re done – have all your packaging supplies in one place and no wasted space!

The 5 x 5 x 4 box is suited for online retailers or homeowners shipping small, flat products like documents, photographs, or thin items. Our cheap shipping boxes are around 10 cents less than Uline’s ($0.46 per box per bundle of 25).

Purchase from us in bundles of:

• 25 = $0.34 per item
• 100 = $0.33 per item
• 250 = $0.30 per item
• 500 = $0.28 per item
• 1000 = $0.28 per item

3. 6 x 6 x 12 Corrugated Boxes for Home Decor Items

6 x 6 x 12 32 ECT 25 bdl./ 750 bale

The 6 x 6 x 12 corrugated box size offers plenty of storage space for larger and longer items such as books, electronics, kitchenware, decor items, or retail merchandise. Its flat surface is easy to label and decorate with company logos and other branding materials.

At The Boxery, these sell for $0.68 per box, whereas ours are more affordable, even more so when bought in bulk.

Shop in bundles of:

• 25 = $0.62 per item
• 100 = $0.59 per item
• 250 = $0.54 per item
• 500 = $0.51 per item
• 1000 = $0.50 per item

4. 12 x 10 x 10 Corrugated Boxes for Kitchenware

12 x 10 x 10 32 ECT 25 bdl./ 500 bale

Our 200#/32 ECT kraft corrugated cartons are an industry standard perfect for shipping and storage requirements! Durable and reliable, these cartons are designed to withstand any wear and tear life throws at them. Furthermore, the bundle or bale quantities for these cartons are especially useful in saving space on shelves and during transport.

Brandt Box’s 12 x 12 x 12 corrugated cardboard boxes retail at roughly 10 cents cheaper than The Boxery, which is $0.79 per item.

Purchase in bundles of:

• 25 = $0.66 per item
• 100 = $0.66 per item
• 250 = $0.66 per item
• 500 = $0.66 per item
• 1000 = $0.66 per item

5. 12 x 10 x 3 Corrugated Boxes for Shoes and Accessories

12 x 10 x 3 32 ECT 25 bdl./ 750 bale

The 12 x 10 x 3 corrugated shipping box is a low-profile solution for items requiring limited dimensions or packaging material. It’s perfect for consumers and small businesses shipping documents, photos, or small electronics.

The shallow design offers cost-saving potential since less packaging material is required, and the box is easy to store. This corrugated cardboard box is well-crafted, and its sturdy construction ensures secure and safe shipping of flat or slim items. It has a total volume of 360 cubic inches, so it suits many home and small business shipping needs.

Shop in bundles of:

• 25 = $0.81 per item
• 100 = $0.77 per item
• 250 = $0.70 per item
• 500 = $0.67 per item
• 1000 = $0.65 per item

6. 12 x 10 x 6 Corrugated Boxes for Industrial Equipment

12 x 10 x 6 44 ECT Heavy Duty 25 bdl./ 500 bale

The 12 x 10 x 6 cardboard box is perfect for homeowners or small businesses that need extra protection and endurance when shipping delicate items such as electronics or fragile items.

This box is constructed from thick, heavy-duty cardboard and provides enhanced strength and resilience to withstand rough handling. The interior dimensions allow plenty of room to accommodate a variety of items.

Buy in bundles of:

• 25 = $1.08 per item
• 100 = $1.02 per item
• 250 = $0.93 per item
• 500 = $0.88 per item
• 1000 = 0.86 per item

7. 16 x 10 x 10 Corrugated Boxes for Household Items

16 x 10 x 10 32 ECT 25 bdl./ 500 bale

The 6 x 12 x 12 shipping box is an excellent option for shipping larger items such as small appliances, home furnishings, or fragile collectibles. This generous-sized box is made from durable 48 ECT kraft corrugated cardboard thicker than standard cardboard and provides reliable protection during shipping. It is well-suited for heavier items or extra cushioning.

Available in bundles: of

• 15 = $2.34 per item
• 100 = $2.22 per item
• 250 = $2.03 per item
• 500 = $1.92 per item
• 1000 = $1.88 per item

8. 16 x 12 x 12 Corrugated Boxes for Fragile Goods

16 x 12 x 12 48 ECT 15 bdl./ 150 bale

The 6 x 12 x 12 shipping box is great for shipping more oversized items, such as small appliances, home furnishings, or fragile collectibles. It offers a generous size of 6 inches wide, 12 inches long, and 12 inches deep and is lightweight yet durable for reliable protection during transit.

The tall side walls provide ample room for padding or additional packaging materials, should they be necessary, and ensure that the items shipped are secure and more protected from potential damage.

Shop in bundles of:

• 15 = $2.34 per item
• 100 = $2.22 per item
• 250 = $2.03 per item
• 500 = $1.92 per item
• 1000 = $1.88 per item

9. 16 x 12 x 12 Corrugated Boxes for Heavy-Duty Items

16 x 12 x 12 44 ECT 25 bdl./ 250 bale

Our cartons, 275# flute with kraft corrugation (unless asked otherwise), are perfect for all industries due to their strength and superior quality. Not just that, but they’re also 100% recyclable, making them a great choice if you wish to be more eco-conscious.

This shipping box is best for homeowners or small businesses shipping large items, such as kitchen appliances, home furnishings, or multiple items in a single shipment.

Purchase from us in bundles of:

• 25 = $1.87 per item
• 100 = $1.78 per item
• 250 = $1.62 per item
• 500 = $1.54 per item
• 1000 = $1.50 per item

10. 20 x 16 x 14 Corrugated Boxes for Bulk Items

20 x 16 x 14 32 ECT 20 bdl./ 120 bale

This large 20 x 16 x 14 shipping box is best for oversized items, such as kitchen appliances, home furnishings, or multiple items in one package. It is spacious for bulkier items and extra room for cushioning or packing materials. Our 20 x 16 x 14 heavy-duty box is also highly durable and cost-effective, potentially reducing shipping costs when consolidating items into one box.

Shop in bundles:

• 25 = $1.87 per item
• 100 = $1.78 per item
• 250 = $ 1.62 per item
• 500 = $1.54 per item
• 1000 = $1.50 per item

11. 20 x 16 x 14 Corrugated Boxes for Furniture

20 x 16 x 14 44 ECT 20 bdl./ 120 bale

The 20 x 16 x 44 ECT heavy-duty box is excellent for shipping delicate, fragile, valuable collectibles and heavier items. The 275# paper weight denomination indicates a thicker, higher quality, heavier paper.

This reinforced construction provides the necessary durability (capable of withstanding 44 lbs per inch of edge compression) and ensures high weight capacity, making it perfect for heavier items needing extra support.

Available in bundles of:

• 20 = $2.98 per item100 = $2.83 per item
• 250 = $2.58 per item
• 500 = $2.44 per item
• 1000 = $2.39 per item

12. 21 x 10 x 10 Corrugated Boxes for Automotive Parts

21 x 10 x 10 32 ECT 25 bdl./ 250 bale

This 20 x 10 x 10 shipping box is a perfect fit to ship items with an elongated shape. It offers a secure fit for posters, artwork, lamps, automotive parts, and other objects. Constructed from 200#/32 ECT kraft corrugated cardboard for durability, these boxes save storage space.

Currently, The Boxery charges $1.72 per box per bundle of 25, making Brand Box’s corrugated cardboard boxes more cost-effective by about 30 cents per bundle!

Shop in bundles from us:

• 25 = $1.39 per item
• 100 = $1.32 per item
• 250 = $1.20 per item
• 500 = $1.14 per item
• 1000 = $1.11 per item

Tips for Packing and Securing Items in Shipping Boxes

1. Use Proper Cushioning and Fillers

Materials like bubble products, packing peanuts, and foam inserts go a long way in securely packaging fragile items for shipment. Different types of packaging materials have unique benefits.

For instance, air pillows fill voids and secure items inside the box, crumpled paper is cost-efficient and ideal for packing oddly shaped items, and packing foam keeps things safe by conforming to their shape.

Although cushioning and filling materials make packing easier, improper use can still lead to a damaged package. Homeowners should always wrap each item individually and fill empty spaces in the box with cushioning materials to keep things secure and steady. Doing so sustains the package’s integrity and guarantees safe transit.

2. Secure Fragile Items

Poorly packed fragile items are more likely to be damaged during transit, so extra precautions must be taken to protect them.

We recommend taking the following steps to secure fragile items:

• Double boxing (a box inside a box)
• Creating dividers with cardboard in large boxes. You can probably find free boxes at your local supermarket, although we suggest you only use them for dividers, not the actual shipping boxes
• Wrapping items with additional packaging protection materials. Ask family and friends if they can offer free shipping supplies like old newspapers. For fragile items, you can purchase bubble products and packing peanuts, etc

We also suggest labeling the boxes clearly as “fragile.” Hence, the handlers know the contents and can take extra care during shipping.

3. Seal Boxes Correctly

A box should be sealed with heavy-duty packing tape on all edges and seams to prevent any items from falling out, keep the contents secure from moisture and dust, and protect the package’s integrity.

Packing tape is the most commonly used adhesive for sealing shipping boxes, as it provides an extra layer of protection and compresses the box to ensure it won’t suddenly open during transit. Another option is hot-melt glue or packaging bands for extremely heavy boxes.

Start by pressing one side of the tape onto the edge of the box, then firmly press the tape along the edge of the box to ensure a tight seal. Apply tape around the entire box, creating additional layers as needed.

Labeling the box with the contents or destination address will aid in handling and sorting during transportation. Moreover, a quality seal lets customers know the package was carefully prepared, increasing consumer confidence.

Save Money and Protect Your Shipments with Brandt Box – Shop Now!

Choosing the best boxes for shipping is the difference between receiving items intact and dealing with costly hassles. To recap: Consider the size, durability, cost, and unique requirements of the shipped item. There’s no doubt the shipping process can be efficient and cost-effective with the right boxes.

If you’re looking for the best cardboard boxes for shipping, Brandt Box can help. We stock some of the best custom shipping boxes and can also advise you on which shipping boxes best suit your needs. Contact us online or call us at 847-541-7000 to buy boxes today!