cardboard delivery boxes

cardboard delivery boxes are corrugated cartons used to pack, protect and send goods to customers, retailers and other businesses across the UK. The right box matches board strength to the weight and fragility of the contents and matches size closely enough that products cannot move around in transit. Custom Postal Boxes makes cardboard delivery boxes to order, printed or plain, for UK businesses that want fewer damages and a tidier despatch process.

Choosing cardboard delivery boxes by strength

Most delivery cartons are made from corrugated cardboard, where a fluted middle layer sits between flat liner boards and gives the sheet its strength and cushioning. Single wall board, with one fluted layer, suits light to medium weight goods such as clothing, books and boxed retail products. Double wall board, with two fluted layers, adds crush resistance and stacking strength for heavier, fragile or high value contents, and for parcels that will be stacked on pallets or in courier vans.

Board choice should follow the journey, not just the product. A parcel passing through several courier hubs faces drops, compression and vibration, so fragile items deserve stronger board plus internal protection. Our cardboard shipping boxes cover everyday despatch, while double wall shipping boxes and heavy duty shipping boxes handle the demanding end of the range.

Sizing the box to the contents

Measure the contents at their widest points, add room for protective material on all sides, then choose internal box dimensions to match. A close fit reduces void fill, lowers the risk of movement damage and can keep the parcel in a cheaper postal size band. Royal Mail sorts parcels into size and weight bands, so a few spare centimetres can move a parcel into a higher band. Check the current limits on the Royal Mail Tracked parcel sizes page before fixing a box size for regular products.

Why external dimensions matter

Postal bands are based on the parcel as sent, including tape and any bulge, so judge your box by its sealed external size. Weigh the packed parcel too. A box that is in band when empty of fill can tip over a weight step once tape, labels and protective paper are added.

Printing and presentation on delivery cartons

A delivery box is often the first physical thing a customer sees from an online brand. Printing your logo, colours and a short message on the outside turns a plain carton into a recognisable delivery, and printing inside the lid adds a message that is revealed on opening. Plain kraft cartons remain the economical workhorse for trade and wholesale shipments where presentation matters less than protection and cost control.

Print should never weaken practical details. Keep handling marks, address label areas and opening instructions clear of busy artwork, and avoid dark solid print where tape will sit, because tape adhesion and barcode scanning both work better on clean flat surfaces.

Packing delivery boxes well

Place the heaviest items at the bottom, wrap fragile pieces individually, and fill empty space so nothing shifts when the box is tilted. Seal the centre seam and edge seams with strong packing tape, and put a copy of the delivery address inside the box in case the outer label is damaged. Businesses placing packaging on the UK market also have duties under extended producer responsibility, explained in the GOV.UK guidance on extended producer responsibility for packaging, so keeping box sizes lean helps both protection and material use. For sizes, print and a quote based on your products, contact Custom Postal Boxes for a quote.

FAQs

Should I choose single wall or double wall cardboard delivery boxes?

Choose single wall for light to medium weight goods and double wall for heavy, fragile or high value contents, or where parcels will be stacked. The journey matters as much as the product, so long courier routes favour stronger board.

How do I measure for cardboard delivery boxes?

Measure your contents at the widest points, add space for protective material on every side, and use those figures as the internal box dimensions you need. Then check the sealed external size and packed weight against your courier size bands.

Can cardboard delivery boxes be printed with my branding?

Yes. Delivery boxes can be printed outside, and inside the lid, with your logo, brand colours and messages. Keep label areas and tape seams clear of heavy artwork so labels scan and tape grips properly.

Are cardboard delivery boxes recyclable?

Corrugated cardboard is widely recycled in the UK and most boxes can go in household or trade recycling once tape and labels are removed where required. Choosing the right size also reduces the amount of material used per parcel.

What information should I give for a quote?

Give the internal box size you need, what you are packing, the approximate packed weight, whether you want print, and the quantity. Pricing depends on size, material and quantity, and every order is quoted individually.