The different types of boxes and how they can protect your goods

Discover a range of brilliant box options you probably never even knew existed!

Here's a question...

How much money does your business lose each year due to breakages? By that we mean returned sold items that have been damaged while in transit? Well, whatever that figure is, let's work together on it straightaway. Let's reduce that figure to zero, if we can. How? By ensuring that you're using the best, most suitable boxes for shipping purposes.

Many businesses suffer considerable damage costs annually simply because they're oblivious to the range of box options out there. This article will give you a few ideas – wonderful ways to go beyond using standard boxes, and move towards boxes that are practically tailor-made for the types of items that you send out every day, week after week, all-year-round.

Let's start with something nice and light...

1: Single Wall Boxes

No point overdoing things. For lighter objects, simply opt for single wall cardboard boxes. They're ideal for packing light goods, and also for storing them without risk of damage. Not all packaging needs to be über-robust 'quadruple strength' and all that malarkey; single wall boxes from a reputable supplier will more than do the job. Adequate protection, with shipping costs kept low. Perfect.

And for when things get a bit heavy...

2: Double Wall Boxes

Don't try to save money by using a single wall box for a heavy object. That'll just end up costing you. Double Wall Boxes are heavy-duty boxes but without being ridiculously 'uncompromising industrial strength' and all that. Use them for handling and shipping objects that are weighty, bulky, unquestionably substantial – way too substantial for single wall protection. Items will be free from damage risk. There's no potential punctures from sharp objects in transit to worry about either. What's more, double wall boxes (with two layers of cardboard fluting) come in a range of sizes.

3: Postal Cubes

Posters, prints, architectural drawings, how on earth can you 100 per cent protect such things in transit? Hmm… The solution is to use postal cubes. For anyone struggling to find suitable packaging for irregular shaped goods, postal cubes are a godsend. They come in a range of sizes too, so - with a secure snug fit - and are compact and super easy to store.

4: BDCM Boxes

If you've ever worked in the retail, clothing and/or catalogue trade, you'll probably be familiar with Bulk Distribution Carton Metric Boxes, or BDCM Boxes. Strong quality containers (available in a choice of sizes), BDCMs are used by thousands of companies throughout the year. And if some of your customers are retailers, they'll appreciate you supplying them with printing trade shipping details. Using BDCMs gives you that option.

5: Export Boxes

Ah, yes... that old chestnut… sending items overseas... it can be a bit of a worry, can't it? Will the heavy items get to the other side of the world, to the correct address, in time, in the ordered quantities without even a single scratch? Once there, can the boxes be stored well? What if they don't even make it out of the country undamaged, due to some pallet stacking issue at this end?

Never fear, export boxes are here. Strong, durable, designed to fit onto pallets without products being crushed or otherwise broken... export boxes not only offer shippers peace of mind, they're also easily referenced, logged and tracked at every stage of the supply chain. How? Through each box bearing a clearly displayed IATA (International Air Transport Association) reference. Bon voyage!

6: Cardboard Mug Boxes

Finding a marvellous must-have mug online can be exciting. A mug with your football team's name and club badge on, one with your favourite pop group on, or even a personalised mug that you've had specially created for a loved one or friend. Great. What a disappointment, then, when it arrives in the post or by courier chipped, with the handle broken off, or the whole thing smashed to smithereens :( Ensure that your customers avoid all that by getting your mug packaging right, and by taking absolutely no chances. Only use purposely designed little boxes that can be used for shipping and storing mugs, small gifts and similar sized items, without any risk to the contents. Each box measures 110 x 100 x 82 mm and, for secure closure, they come with a FREE hinged tuck-in flap. (Don't say we never give you anything!)

So, there you have it. A quick overview of transit boxes. Now, choosing the right level of protection for your products should be a doddle, so long as you remember to always check the recommended load for the box. Make sure it can hold the weight of your goods safely. With that checked, you can enjoy peace of mind. Your damaged goods in transit costs are massively reduced, and you can sleep at night knowing that your products are always being sent in a worry-free way.

Don't get premature grey locks, get the ideal box!