Another common inquiry regarding shipping boxes is whether larger boxes provide superior protection. For the majority of applications, larger shipment containers do not provide greater protection. When there is excessive room in a shipment container, it often necessitates additional cushioning materials. Absent proper cushioning, items may move during transit. Such movement can result in scratched surfaces, dented edges, cracked parts and numerous other types of damage.

This article explores the importance of selecting the appropriate shipping box for each item. One major issue many shippers face is the tendency to select a shipping box by proximity rather than by measuring the product. Selecting a shipping box based upon location, without measuring the product appears to be innocuous at first. The product fits inside the shipping box; the flaps shut properly; and the shipment leaves your warehouse or dock area. The consequences of this approach may manifest themselves far prior to reaching the end-user.

A few individuals have asked about how big of an impact shipping box size has on their business. As you will see below, the impact can be huge. If a shipping box is selected that is excessively oversized, then products may shift within the shipping container due to each jolt, bend or drop during shipment. Each time the shipping container is subjected to such a force, there is an increased potential for damage. Conversely, if a shipping box is selected that is overly undersized, then there will either be undue stress placed on the product(s) or it will become extremely difficult to incorporate adequate packaging materials to prevent such damage.

Shipment containers (or shipping boxes) were designed to provide structural integrity during shipment. Shipment containers assist with protecting products from impact forces generated by stacking pressures and/or typical handling forces encountered throughout the shipment process. By using shipment containers of the proper size, these containers should function as expected.

Companies also inquire about whether box size affects the cost of shipping. Often, it does. Larger packages typically incur greater shipping costs due to the fact that they occupy additional volume space during transport. The utilization of properly sized shipment containers can aid in minimizing unnecessary shipping costs while maintaining protection.

Shipment containers also affect packing rates. When employees have access to standardized shipment container sizes for commonly shipped items, they tend to pack faster. Rather than trying to determine which shipment container would be most suitable, employees can adhere to previously established packing protocols. This aids in improving consistency and reducing errors.

Customer satisfaction is also a favorable outcome resulting from utilizing the proper-sized shipment container. When customers receive securely packed and undamaged products, they generally develop a favorable impression of your company. Although customers may not even recognize the shipment container itself, they certainly recognize when products arrive safely packaged.

Storage requirements must also be taken into account. Companies that manage a reasonable assortment of shipment container sizes typically find it easier to maintain organized inventory and packing areas. Organizations that achieve effective storage tend to enjoy improved workflows and reduced wasted space.

While some companies utilize the same type of shipment container for nearly all of its products as a means of simplifying the procurement process, this approach tends to create inefficiencies in various aspects of the operation. Products may need additional filler materials, be charged higher shipping costs or require longer times for packing.

Therefore, the most beneficial way to select shipment containers is to assess the products that are shipped most regularly. Product measurements (length x width x height), weight and fragility will enable organizations to select shipment container sizes that strike an optimal balance between protection and operational efficiencies.

Shipping containers serve a purpose beyond merely containing products. Shipping containers help minimize damage; optimize packing processes; and contribute toward enhancing the customer’s experience. Investing time to identify the optimal shipment container size for each product can result in more successful shipments and fewer expensive complications.