boxes for shipping

The right boxes for shipping are corrugated cartons matched to the weight, size and fragility of what you send, so goods arrive undamaged and postage stays in the correct price band. Custom Postal Boxes manufactures boxes for shipping in Wolverhampton, with custom sizes and print, low minimum order quantities and free UK delivery.

Choosing boxes for shipping by strength

Start with the load, not the box catalogue. Single wall corrugated board suits light and medium weight goods such as clothing, books, printed matter and boxed retail products. Double wall board adds stacking strength and puncture resistance for heavy, dense or fragile loads, and for cartons that will be stacked on pallets or in a courier network. Board that is too light fails at the corners and base, while board that is too heavy adds postage weight and cost to every single order you send.

Single wall, double wall and mailer styles

Standard cartons with flaps that meet in the middle are the workhorses of most packing benches, taped top and bottom and easy to stack. Mailer style boxes fold together with a hinged lid and a neater finish, which suits orders sent direct to customers where presentation counts. Our cardboard shipping boxes and double wall shipping boxes cover the main carton options, and small shipping boxes suit compact orders that need proper protection.

Why the base fails first

Most carton failures start at the base, where tape carries the full weight of the load every time the box is lifted. Use a wide tape, run it along the centre join and up the sides, and keep heavy items centred rather than resting on one flap. If a carton will hold more than a few kilograms, ask for a stronger board grade rather than relying on extra tape to do the work.

Sizes, postage bands and packing well

Measure the product with its protective wrapping in place, then choose internal box dimensions a little larger on each side. Too much spare space lets goods move, adds void fill and can push the parcel into a larger postage band. Royal Mail large letters can be no bigger than 35.3 cm by 25 cm by 2.5 cm and up to 750 g, small parcels up to 45 cm by 35 cm by 16 cm and 2 kg, and medium parcels up to 61 cm by 46 cm by 46 cm and 20 kg, as shown in the Royal Mail prices and size guidance. Checking the finished parcel against those limits before dispatch prevents underpaid postage and delays.

Filling space and protecting corners

Fill empty space so the contents cannot shift, using paper void fill, corrugated inserts or bubble cushioning for fragile items. Corners and edges take most knocks in transit, so keep breakable items away from the walls of the box and separate multiple items with dividers. A box that feels solid, does not rattle and does not bulge is the simple bench test before the label goes on.

Custom sizes, print and ordering

Standard sizes force many businesses to pay for air. A custom size built around your best selling products reduces void fill, postage and damage in one move, and print on the outside can carry handling marks, branding and returns guidance. Our custom shipping boxes are made to order in house. Send your product measurements, typical weights and quantities through our contact page for a quote and we will recommend a board grade and size, with free design support included.

FAQs about boxes for shipping

What size box do I need for shipping?

Measure your product with its wrapping in place and choose a box a little larger on each side, leaving room for cushioning but not for movement. Then check the finished parcel against your carrier size and weight bands so you pay the right postage.

Should I choose single wall or double wall boxes?

Choose single wall boxes for light and medium weight goods that stack gently, and double wall boxes for heavy, dense or fragile loads and for parcels that will be stacked in transit. Matching board to load prevents both damage and unnecessary postage weight.

Can shipping boxes be printed with our logo?

Yes. Shipping boxes can be printed with your logo, handling instructions, returns information and brand colours inside and outside. Free design support is included, so artwork is checked against the box template before your boxes go into production.

How can I reduce damage when shipping goods?

Use a box that fits closely, cushion fragile items on all sides, fill empty space, separate items that could knock together and tape the base and top securely. Most damage comes from movement inside the box or from board that is too light for the load.

What is the minimum order for custom shipping boxes?

Minimum order quantities are low, which suits growing online sellers as well as established fulfilment operations. Pricing depends on size, material and quantity, and every order includes free design support and free UK delivery.