5 Ways to Choose the Right Corrugated Cardboard Box for Your Shipping Needs

5 Ways to Choose the Right Corrugated Cardboard Box for Your Shipping Needs

The box you choose makes all the difference when it comes to shipping. Whether running a small online store or just trying to safely send a care package to a loved one, selecting the correct corrugated cardboard box is crucial to ensure everything arrives in one piece. Over the years, I've experimented with many options, and I'd love to share what I’ve learned. Here are five practical ways to choose the best corrugated cardboard shipping box.

1. Understand the Strength Ratings and Flute TypesKnow Your Box Ratings

The first thing to know when picking a corrugated cardboard box is its strength rating. Corrugated boxes come in different grades that determine how well they can hold weight, resist crushing, and protect what’s inside. The Edge Crush Test (ECT) and the Burst Strength Test are two standard ratings. The ECT tells you how much stacking strength the box has, which is helpful if shipping multiple boxes on a pallet. On the other hand, the Burst Strength rating focuses on the pressure the box can withstand without breaking.

For most shipping needs, an ECT rating of 32 will do the job well, but you might opt for an ECT of 44 or higher for heavier items. If you’re like me and ship delicate handmade items, a strong but not excessively bulky box is ideal—you want that perfect balance of sturdy protection and practicality.

Choose the Right Flute Type

Boxes also have different flute types, referring to the thickness and corrugation inside the cardboard. Flute types are labeled from A to F, with A-flute being the thickest and F-flute being the thinnest. If you’re shipping fragile items, a C-flute or B-flute is a good middle ground that offers both cushioning and strength. On the other hand, if you’re sending smaller or more delicate items that don’t require as much weight support, the thinner E-flute is more appropriate.

When I ship fragile ornaments, for instance, I use a B-flute corrugated cardboard box, which has just enough cushion without making the box overly bulky. Little details like these can help avoid shipping mishaps.

2. Match the Box Size to Your ProductAvoid Excess Empty Space

Grabbing a giant box and stuffing it with filler can be tempting, but in my experience, excess space inside a box is just an invitation for damage. Items shift around and can break if they’re not secured. Instead, you want to choose a box that’s just big enough to accommodate your item comfortably and has some padding.

When picking a corrugated cardboard shipping box, measure your product and allow just about two inches of space for cushioning materials like packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or paper. This is especially crucial if you’re shipping heavy or oddly shaped items.

Customizing Box Size

If you have an e-commerce store like I do, sometimes standard box sizes don’t quite fit your unique products. This is where custom-sized corrugated boxes come in handy. For some of my smaller products, I use custom boxes to reduce wasted space and shipping costs. It’s amazing how optimizing your box size can make the package more secure and lead to significant postage savings.

3. Consider the Product’s Weight and DurabilityHeavy Items Need Reinforced Boxes

The weight of your product is another significant consideration. A single-wall corrugated cardboard box is likely sufficient if you're shipping something light. For heavier products—think electronics or tools—you might need a double-wall or even triple-wall corrugated box. These reinforced boxes provide extra protection and keep heavier items from breaking through the packaging.

I once shipped a set of books using a standard single-wall box, and they broke through the bottom—lesson learned! After that, I always use double-wall boxes for anything over 30 pounds.

Test Your Box Before Shipping

Don’t underestimate the value of testing out your box before actually shipping. Pack your item, close the box, and give it a light shake. Does everything feel secure? Testing allows you to fix any issues before your package is in transit.

4. Choose a Box That Protects from External FactorsMoisture and Humidity Protection

Corrugated cardboard boxes are made of paper, which can absorb moisture. If you’re shipping something at risk of water damage—like documents, clothing, or food items—you should consider adding a liner or using a wax-coated corrugated cardboard box for extra protection.

Don’t Forget About Double-Taping

I often double-tape the bottom of boxes for extra security, especially if the box holds something heavy. Using high-quality packing tape across all seams and flaps makes a difference, preventing the box from falling apart in humid conditions.

5. Think About Environmental ImpactOpt for Recyclable and Reusable Boxes

If you, like me, are eco-conscious about shipping, you’ll want to opt for recyclable corrugated boxes. Luckily, most corrugated cardboard boxes are already made with recyclable materials and are recyclable after use.

Reusing Boxes Without Compromising Quality

Another sustainable option is reusing boxes whenever possible. However, be sure that reused boxes are still sturdy and have no damage. A box that’s been used multiple times may be weakened, which means it may also not protect your items. For instance, if I receive a box that looks worn or has soft spots, I won’t reuse it for shipping anything valuable.

Choose the Right Fill Materials

Consider what you use for cushioning. Biodegradable packing peanuts and recycled paper are excellent choices that keep your products safe and reduce your environmental impact. If your business brands itself as sustainable, using green packaging materials can also enhance your image and appeal to environmentally conscious customers.

Choosing the Perfect Corrugated Box

To wrap things up, choose the correct corrugated cardboard box that matches the box’s strength, size, and features to your specific shipping needs. Pay attention to strength ratings and flute types, and don’t forget to consider your products' weight and the environmental impact of your packaging choices. When you take all these factors into account, you’re not only making sure your items arrive safely—you’re also making your packaging process more efficient and cost-effective.

If you’re ever in doubt, remember there are plenty of great corrugated cardboard shipping box options.

Need Quality Corrugated Boxes? The Boxery Has You Covered!

Regarding finding the correct box, The Boxery is your go-to source for quality packaging solutions. With a wide selection of corrugated cardboard boxes designed to fit any shipping need, you can rest assured that your products will be well-protected and arrive in excellent condition. Whether you need single-wall or double-wall boxes, The Boxery has everything you need to streamline your shipping process.