box for shipping

A well chosen box for shipping protects the goods inside, keeps postage predictable and presents your business properly when the parcel arrives. Custom Postal Boxes, a project of Vertex Packaging based in Wolverhampton, makes each box for shipping to the size, board grade and print specification your products actually need.

What makes a good box for shipping

The best box for any order starts with the product rather than with a stock size. Measure the item at its widest points, add room for any cushioning or inserts, and then choose a box that holds everything without forcing the flaps or leaving wide empty gaps.

Most everyday orders travel well in corrugated cardboard because the fluted inner layer absorbs knocks while the flat outer liners give the box its shape. Our range of custom shipping boxes covers light cartons for clothing and documents through to stronger cartons for tools, ceramics and electrical goods, and every size can be printed with your branding.

Board grades and flute profiles explained

Corrugated board is described by its flute profile and by whether it has one wall of fluting or two. A finer flute gives a smoother surface that suits detailed printing and lighter goods. A deeper flute adds cushioning and stacking strength for heavier contents.

Single wall and double wall compared

Single wall board suits light and medium weight goods that will not be stacked under heavy loads. Double wall board uses two fluted layers and feels noticeably stiffer, which helps when parcels are stacked in a van or warehouse. If your goods are dense or fragile, look at our double wall shipping boxes and heavy duty shipping boxes before deciding, and ask us to advise on the grade for your heaviest typical order.

Sizing a box for shipping around Royal Mail formats

Postage is charged on the packed parcel, so the finished outside size and total weight decide the format you pay for. Under the Royal Mail size and weight guidance, a small parcel can measure up to 450 mm by 350 mm by 160 mm and weigh up to 2 kg, while a medium parcel can measure up to 610 mm by 460 mm by 460 mm and weigh up to 20 kg.

Always measure the packed box rather than the bare product. Tape, labels and slight bulging all count towards the finished size, and a few millimetres can move a parcel into the next format.

Printing, packing and ordering your boxes

Printing can be as simple as a logo and a returns note or as involved as full colour artwork across every panel. Print on the inside lid is a popular choice for online sellers because the customer sees your message at the moment of opening. You can browse our cardboard shipping boxes for construction ideas, and our team offers free design support to check artwork position, text size and colour before production.

A packing method that reduces damage

Place the heaviest part of the load in the centre of the box and cushion every face that could touch the walls. Fill remaining gaps so the contents cannot slide, then close the flaps without forcing them and tape along every seam. Mark the outside clearly if the contents are fragile, and keep a sample packed box aside so new staff can copy a method that already works.

Pricing depends on size, material and quantity, so we quote each specification individually rather than listing prices. Low minimum order quantities make it practical to start with your best selling line, and delivery across the UK is free. Send your product dimensions through our contact page for a quote and we will recommend a size and grade that suit both the goods and the postage format you want to use.

FAQs

How do I measure my product for a shipping box?

Measure the product at its longest, widest and tallest points, then add space on each side for cushioning or inserts. Give us the internal box size you need rather than the outside size, because board thickness takes up a little room.

Which board grade is best for heavy items?

Heavy or dense items usually need double wall corrugated board because its two fluted layers resist crushing and stacking pressure far better than single wall board. The right grade still depends on the weight, the box size and how the parcel will travel. Tell us the weight of your heaviest typical order and we will advise on a grade that protects it without adding unnecessary material.

Can I have my logo printed on a shipping box?

Yes. Shipping boxes can be printed with your logo, brand colours, handling notes and messages inside the lid. Our free design support helps you place artwork where it will print cleanly and stay clear of folds and tape lines. Many customers start with a simple outside design and add inside printing once they can see how the box looks in use.

What do you need from me to provide a quote?

We need the internal box size you want, the board strength you have in mind if you know it, the quantity, and a brief description of what goes inside and how heavy it is. Artwork files help if you want printing, but a rough layout is enough to start. We then confirm a specification and price for your approval before anything is made.