What are they?

Packaging boxes are practically everywhere. Both in the domestic and business world. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Being of varying types and forms, it is imperative that one distinguishes the shipping packages from other types. A shipping box is a packaging item made of fiberboard that is corrugated to increase resistance. It has upper and bottom flaps that are openable and are closed using adhesive tape after packaging, while the other side walls are permanently glued in manufacturing. When unassembled, the two upper and lower sides transform the box into a flat shape, enabling the boxes to occupy minimal space, thus ease of transportation.
Despite having a standard material, companies have evolved to make customized shipping boxed using different kinds of techniques to make the boxes suitable for different ranges of products. As such, the different types will be discussed later. The utmost important aspect for all customers is that items are delivered without any damage occurring to them. Every business that cares about revenue will automatically go for the right packaging, one that guarantees safe delivery of products whether they’re being shipped for short or long distances. Besides losses, poor packaging can also affect client preferences when they lower their satisfaction.
Supplies come in all kinds of shapes, sizes and features. Reliability, durability and cost-effectiveness have seen shipping boxes being the preferred type of packaging by numerous small and large-scale manufacturers. This is because of a couple of features that meet the needs of the producers and they’ll be discussed next.

What features do they have?

1. Lightweight - Shipping boxes are made of cardboard which is a lightweight material. This means that they only add a few grams to the supplies being shipped, making them easy to load, offload and transport.
2. Humidity Resistant - Despite being made of paper, these boxes do not succumb to high humidity conditions. They are able to keep the products in them dry, making them suitable for food and beverage which are shipped over long distances. Apart from directly coming into contact with water, these boxes will last a long time even in humid conditions. To preserve against water, other techniques are employed. These lamination options like gloss, semi-gloss and matte. They also prevent any print from weather damages.
3. Affordable - The cardboard is considered a cheap material, easy to obtain and process. This makes the cardboard boxes cheap in comparison to other packaging techniques.
4. Print-Friendly - This makes them add value to the products they are shipping through brand promotion. They thus accommodate text and graphics and can be used to market products even in transportation. This also avoids cases of confusion in case different companies are using the same container for shipment. Simply looking at the brand name helps distinguish one company’s products from another. Apart from this, different information inclusive of serial numbers, contact details like the company’s phone number and online address can be indicated.
5. Their Surface is Writable -This complements the printability. In case additional information is needed, for example specifying recipient’s addresses, all one has to do is indicate the address on the boxes using a marker or pen, and will, therefore, avoid errors of delivering wrong packages.
6. Different Sizes and Colors - Cardboard is easy to mold into different sizes to fit different kinds of goods. They can also be fabricated to have different color schemes, closing techniques, shapes and so on. This makes them sit a myriad of shipping supplies.
7. Customizable - Technology has made packaging manufactures to go the extra mile and innovate shipping boxes that are a notch higher than standard corrugated boxes. These include metallized cardboards which are stronger and add a magnetic element to closing technique. Numerous other types have come up to improve shipping.
8. Environmentally Friendly - Shipping boxes can be reused and recycled multiple times. They are therefore eco-friendly and take cognizance of the changing environment supporting the ‘going green’ mantra.

How many types are there?

Based on the material used to make them, they are mainly of three types:

Corrugated Boxes - They are the most common type and are made from sturdy corrugated cardboard. This cushions supplies inside the box as well as support moderate-weighted products. They are used in long destinations.
Chipboard Boxes - These are used for shelf packaging or packing of delicate supplies inside the larger corrugated boxes. They are made of easily bendable chip cardboard and are very light. They can be white or brown and are used in the gift, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
Cleated Plywood Boxes - These ones are made of cleated plywood as the name suggests which makes them feel very firm. They are still lightweight despite this, and as such are used for extremely long-distance shipments. This makes them the most common type when shipping freight by air.

Based on the shape and measurements, there are literally hundreds of types. The following are some of the most common in shipping via railroad, air and water:

Regular Slotted Box - They are very common and have a simple single-wall design. This is equal length flaps which are usually half of the box’s width, which means that the flaps meet at a perfect center. Regular slotted boxes have numerous applications from packaging, storage and transportation of toys, appliances clothes an even food. They are very efficient in production, having minimal waste. They also come in triple and double walls to add stability and protection for goods inside.
Full Overlap Boxes - It is just like the regular slotted box but in this case, the two sets of flaps are the full width of the container, thereby in one flip will fully close the box. They offer extra protection by giving a thicker layer on the bottom and top. They are thus used for products which require more protection from shock. Generally, they can be used for pharmaceutical packaging or cosmetics where there is need for additional cushioning.
Roll End Tray with Locking Cover - The Roll end tray with locking cover has a dual-sided wall which has a locking flap. It is a popular option for delicate electronic products.  The additional thickness and outstanding sealing technique make this box a bit expensive but non-the-less affordable. It comes in a brown finish more often than not and is particularly convenient for the electronic and cosmetic industry. In case you own a phone or laptop, pretty sure they came in such a box, as they tend to, so to fully explore, just take it out!
Full Telescope Boxes - They have separate tops and bottoms that can fit over one another. When separated, they appear to be trays that can fit over one another. They are very economical in production and use minimal paper as well. On closure, they offer double layer protection, making them sturdier than the overlap boxes. Since they have a horizontally flattened bottom, they are ideal for catalogues, magazines, books and papers.
Wrap Around Blank Boxes - They are used to wrap around a delicate product by engulfing a container, as the name suggests. In essence, they have a blank wrap-around that looks like the first regular slotted box. The covering of this box on a product is usually automated, then put in the regular box to provide extra strength. As such they are suitable for drinks like beer, olive oil and jars that store delicate products.
One-Piece Folder Boxes - A single piece of the board gives a continuous flat bottom while the top has short flaps and an elongated one that tucks into it. They provide more stability and are used for items that have shallow depths like painting and frames for pictures amongst other shallow depth supplies. This box is unique in assembly as its very fast and thus used in fast loading and packaging.
Die-Cut Self-Locking Box - Quick to assemble just like one-piece boxes, these ones are suitable for low depth items and have one flap that opens to one side. They are used for lightweight items like paper, envelopes, sandals, and so on. Being pre-set, they are very convenient, safe and stylish.
Five-Panel Folder Boxes - These unlike the one-piece are ideal for narrow lengthy products like balustrades, rails, metallic items and umbrellas. They have combined layers of board on the ends and are made from one piece of corrugated material.  They have five panels, of which the last is used as the final flap to enclose the product.
Partitions for boxes - Though they aren’t enclosed, they are an important part of the packaging and are used to add additional protection to fragile items in a box. These include bottle, cups, glasses and so on. As the name suggests, they offer partitions and separate one fragile item from another. They are customizable to fit all your different needs.
Boxes will come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, closing mechanisms and colors. The list of types is endless but the above are the most common kind in the shipping industry, used for a variety of supplies. To explore the hundreds of types all you have to do is walk into a bakery, grocery store, the electronic shop, fashion store, jewelry outlets and you’ll be appalled at just how many shipping packages there are. They are all designed to suitably enclose a specific type of merchandize.

Pros
There are numerous advantages of using shipping boxes to transport, pack and store products some of which include:
•    Provide protection against shock and external pressure that could cause damage
•    They are elegant, stylish, professional and add value to products.
•    Can be re-used as a storage box by the customer, adding to customer satisfaction.
•    Allow for innovation and creativity to attain uniqueness
•    Readily available anywhere around the globe.
•    Available in different sizes to suit small as well as huge goods like fridges
•    Protect against weather elements like temperature and moisture
•    They are cheap both in wholesale and retail
•    Enhance customers’ perception.
•    Strong marketing tool through branding.
•    Sustainable and eco-friendly.
•    They are lightweight thus not cumbersome to carry.
•    Durable thus used even in slow travel over long distances.
•    Resistant to pressure thus can accommodate more corrugate layers
•    Space conscious when not in use since they can be folded into sheets for easy transportation and storage.

Cons:
•    They are not suitable for excessively heavy items.
•    Cannot withstand water and snow for long even with a glossy finish.
•    Deform under excess pressure.

How are they used?

To efficiently use a box for shipping, here are the steps:

1. Select the most suitable box - As seen, different kinds of boxes suit different kinds of items. Some are suitable for shallow depth ones, other long ones, other delicate ones and so on. To choose the right type, assess the qualities of the product you intend to pack then choose from the list of box types.
2. Pad the chosen box - Though the boxes are corrugated for extra protection, delicate items like TV screens need extra padding to protect against breakage.  This can be done using old papers, packing peanuts and paper pads. They absorb shock, therefore, protect breakable items.
3. Wrapping the products - This enhances product image and protects products against moisture, which the box may not. They are wrapped to offer additional shock absorption too. In the case of mirrors and glass, bubble wraps are used and taped.
4. Pack then seal the box - When safely wrapped, goods are then packed inside the box carefully. The box is then sealed using tape and from here prepared for transit to be shipped accordingly. Ensure that the boxes are not overstuffed to avoid pressure which may damage goods.

Conclusion

Great packaging begins with a good packaging supplier. They are able to provide sturdy durable shipping boxes at pocket-friendly costs, both in retail and wholesale deals. A good supplier will ensure goods are packed in the right type of box and are protected as per the need. Good shipping helps minimize loss and increases the client’s satisfaction. For the best shipping boxes, be sure to choose great pacific packaging as all their boxes, containers and papers are of high quality and they offer branding solutions as well to fit all your marketing needs. With many years in the industry, the company is sure to deliver innovation, low prices and excellent customer service!