What does it take to keep your product safe during transit? You need the right box. And not just any old box will do. It needs to be big enough, strong enough, and have the correct features for what you are shipping.

This article brief on how to select the right shipping box for your product can help you find out everything you need to know about selecting a good one.

Size matters... even in packaging

One of the first things you’ll want to consider is size. You don’t want it too big or too small because that would mean lots of wasted space.

In either case, but also because if it doesn’t fit into a standard-sized truck, then there may be additional charges associated with delivery depending on where you are sending it.

How to Measure a Shipping Box

Box size typically corresponds with cubic feet (not cubic inches).

When it comes time to pack your shipment, you’ll need the measurements of your product and also those of its packaging.

The best way to gather all this information is to:

  • Make a scale drawing of the product on a sheet of paper.

  • Mark the dimensions of each side of the product on your scale drawing, including any protrusions such as handles or latches.

  • Measure the thickness of the board that you used to make up each side. This can be done using a ruler with gradations.

  • Add up the height, width, and depth of each of the four sides of your product.

  • Now measure the thickness of your boxboard.

Boxes are measured in millimeters (mm). A completely flat surface with no corrugations is 600 mm wide by 1200 mm long by 1250 high.

Typically, you’ll want a box that is only slightly larger than your product, but if the dimensions of your product fall within the standard deviation, then go for the next size up.

This will allow it to fit into a standard-sized shipping truck and prevent excessively high shipping costs.

Composition: Boxboard and corrugated

Boxboard is simply cardboard without the corrugations.

It is used for boxes that are relatively light but need to be strong enough to withstand pressure or crushing.

For heavier shipments, it’s best to use a medium-to-heavy grade corrugated board. This kind of box is made with multiple layers of brown paper that have been glued together at pre-determined intervals to form corrugations.

The strength of the box increases with each layer, while weight decreases. It’s important that you use one that is designated “corrugated medium/heavy duty”—these are manufactured to withstand higher pressures than regular, non-corrugated boards.

Boxes come in a wide range of sizes, making it easy to find one that will fit your product. They are also less expensive than corrugated boxes.

What other factors should you consider?

Other factors to consider when selecting the right shipping box for your product:

  • Does the box have any special properties or features? Is it waterproof? Does it have an airtight seal? Is it reusable?

  • Are there any chemicals in the box that could harm your product?

  • How much weight/force will the box be able to take before bursting or breaking into pieces? Will you need reinforcement tape or stronger hinges?

Now that you know about the different types of boxes available, you can find the perfect one for your product.