Corrugated shipping boxes take up a large part of the budget for mail order companies, online retailers and any store that ships a large quantity of product. However, online suppliers offer an array of prices from extremely cheap for small boxes to a higher range for custom boxes.

The average pricing of corrugated boxes for mailing is between 13 cents to over $1, depending on size and quantity. It's common for a corrugated box supplier to sell the boxes in bulk quantities only. However, there are some suppliers willing to sell individual boxes. When buying corrugated mailers, remember that the price goes down the more you buy. Before you buy corrugated mailing boxes online, check the following:

1. Check how long it takes for a supplier or manufacturer to make custom boxes.

2. Can the boxes have any graphics on them to advertise your business?

3. Is there an experienced sales staff that can help you determine the right boxes for your needs?

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Look for the best bundle pricing on corrugated packaging

Bundle pricing includes a set amount of corrugated boxes for a certain price per box. With bundle pricing, the cost per box goes down the more you order. Most suppliers already have a set number for bundles, such as 25, 50, 100 and so forth. However, suppliers are usually eager to work with clients who need truckloads or pallets of boxes.

I recommend: Check out Argrov Box for bundle pricing starting at around 50 cents for 1 to 299 boxes, with prices lowering slightly for increased quantities. CheepCheepBoxes.com doesn't lower the price for larger quantities, but the company already offers fairly low pricing on boxes. Smaller boxes range around 40 cents, with larger boxes going a little over $1.

Order custom industrial corrugated boxes

A custom box meets the specifications set by your company. A custom box is ideal for very heavy items, oddly shaped items and for companies that want their logo printed on the box. Since custom boxes aren't stock items, it may take a few days before your boxes ship, so make sure you order custom boxes with plenty of time for delivery.

I recommend: Houston Carton offers custom corrugated boxes, including company graphics and logos printed on the boxes. The Custom Box Company offers a variety of custom boxes and states they can make most boxes that utilize x-y axis cuts. Both companies give specialized price quotes over the phone.

Find wholesale pricing on corrugated mailing boxes

Wholesale pricing from suppliers of industrial corrugated mailing boxes is slightly cheaper than ordinary box suppliers. One difference with wholesale suppliers is the selection variety. Wholesale box choice may not vary as much as a regular corrugated box supplier.

I recommend: AM Shipping Supplies offers a handful of boxes at wholesale prices, with prices starting in the 20 cent range and going to over $1. The eSupplyStore offers boxes in a 15, 25, 50 or 100 count quantity and offers one set price for the bundles. They also offer a $2 savings per bundle if you order at least five bundles.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't forget to check the pricing of packing materials when ordering corrugated boxes. Bubble wrap, corrugated cardboard sheets and packing peanuts all effect your shipping budget.

In a business that ships or transports goods, chances are you need to stock corrugated mailing boxes. Mailing boxes often make the first impression for your business, so you want your boxes to reflect your professionalism and attention to detail. Customers appreciate their shipments arriving in great condition with the packaging intact, so your corrugated mailing boxes should be strong and well packed. You can get them in Brown Kraft, plain white or have them custom imprinted as a moving advertisement for your business. Corrugated boxes for mailing come in all shapes and sizes, or have them custom made. Consider ordering in bulk to reduce costs.

When choosing mailing boxes, consider:

1. Size and shape—stock all the sizes you may need according to the space you have and your budget. You need a space devoted to keeping corrugated mailers neat and sorted, such as under the counter or in overhead bins.
2. Strength—corrugated packaging comes in lots of different weights, from single-weight to more than 200-pound test strength.
3. Specialty—get corrugated shipping boxes designed for video tapes, compact disks, maps or other roll goods, sensitive instruments or fragile items.

Action Steps
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Find the best suppliers of industrial corrugated mailing boxes for your needs.

A dependable, long-term supply is critical, especially when are having boxes custom made. You don't want to spend time working with one corrugated box supplier after another on your design.

I recommend: ULine is a company that has been supplying industrial corrugated boxes for a long time. They have a large selection of shapes and sizes in boxes for mailing. Buy corrugated mailing boxes online at Paper Mart. A great place to get decorative corrugated boxes for mailing is TheBoxDepot.com.

Have a box custom made and imprinted.

Custom imprinting adds to the cost, but is a great way to advertise your business, unless, of course, you need a plain brown wrapper for security reasons.

I recommend: For some very attractive corrugated mailing boxes, Cactus Corrugated Containers. For a sleek look, see Argrov Box for plain white boxes.

Stock extra supplies for mailing boxes.

Along with industrial corrugated boxes, procure some bubble wrap, tape, mailing and contents labels, packing list envelopes, shrink-wrap, plastic bags, strapping and twine. In addition, you need some attractive shelving to keep supplies organized and handy.

I recommend: For cost effective shipping supplies, Packaging Price, and AM Shipping Supplies. Also, go to CentralPack.com for cold packs, twist ties and edge protectors. CentralPack and P&M Consolidator are suppliers of industrial corrugated mailing boxes. For mailroom shelving, Smart Furniture has some great ideas, or try MikesMailroom to get a price quote on modular units that are configurable to meet your needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Track your inventory of corrugated mailing boxes and supplies to keep a good stock on hand, particularly if you are using custom boxes. They require more lead-time.

Corrugated boxes for mailing come in all shapes and sizes. Corrugated box manufacturers typically offer boxes for mailing in a variety of weights that are capable of protecting anything from fine china to heavy machinery.

You can pick from a variety of corrugated mailing boxes. Types and styles usually depend on the fold of the corrugated material, as well as its weight. As you look to purchase corrugated packaging, you should consider the cost first. Cheap corrugated boxes may work; but if your products arrive at their destination damaged, you haven’t gained anything. It’s best to pick single- or even double-wall corrugated mailing boxes to make sure your product arrives safely.

The S-shape, or flutes, sandwiched between the two pieces of paper that forms a piece of corrugated material mark the difference in corrugated mailing boxes. There are basically three types of flutes in mailing boxes:

1. C-flute corrugated mailing boxes are suitable for glass, food and furniture products.

2. B-flute corrugated mailing boxes are resistant to punctures and stand up well.

3. E-flute corrugated mailing boxes are lightweight and only serve as a protective shell.

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Choose regular corrugated mailing boxes

The typical mailing box has four sides with a top and bottom that fold. The tops and bottoms either interlock or have tape to secure them. Corrugated mailing boxes come in a size to fit every purpose. It's possible to buy them in bulk quantities at a discounted price.

I recommend: Pick corrugated mailing boxes from the large selection at eSupplyStore.com. You can find boxes for mailing almost any size and shape product. Empire Container has a complete line of industrial corrugated boxes to use to mail your products. You can choose from several corrugated mailing boxes types and styles.

Select literature mailers as your mailing boxes

If you can use lighter weight corrugated shipping boxes that still have C- or B-flutes, literature mailers may be a good option for you. There are a number of fold type variations that make this a good product for packing your items.

I recommend: Uline, a major supplier of industrial corrugated mailing boxes, offers corrugated mailers for literature in a large variety of sizes and shapes. You can also find mailing boxes for literature at First Packaging of Chicago.

Personalize the mailing boxes your company uses

Why send plain white or brown mailing boxes when you can personalize the color and logos on the box? Choose a company that specializes in this type of product. Once your brand is set up, the value from the extra advertising more than offsets the extra costs.

I recommend: Create customized, branded corrugated boxes for mailing items at Custom Boxes Now! Put your brand on the custom corrugated mailing boxes from Cactus Corrugated Containers.

Corrugated mailing boxes come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and styles to suit the most diverse needs. Whether you are a supplier of corrugated mailing boxes or require corrugated mailing box use within your business, you should understand the corrugated mailing box weight limits to ensure safe shipping of your products.

From telescopic corrugated mailing boxes to regular slotted cartons, corrugated mailing boxes exist to meet every budget. With a plethora of box options on the market, know these corrugated mailing boxes key terms to choose the most appropriate packaging for your unique needs.

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Corrugated

If an object is corrugated, the surface of the object has parallel raised ridges or flutes with corresponding parallel indentations. Corrugated mailing boxes provide a cushion of protection for the objects inside.

I recommend: Read more extensive information on the history and uses of corrugated mailing boxes at Apparelsearch.com.

Telescopic corrugated mailing boxes

Telescopic corrugated mailing boxes are adjustable to fit odd-sized products. Available in a range of styles and sizes, telescopic corrugated mailing boxes are typically made of two pieces that adjust for tall objects or larger, fragile products.

I recommend: Hawkeye Corrugated Box Company offers extensive information and diagrams of different types of telescopic corrugated mailing boxes.

Old corrugated containers (OCC)

Old corrugated containers, or OCC, is a term refering to corrugated mailing boxes and products that have already been used. OCC are heavily used by industries and individuals as a recycling effort.

I recommend: The Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance offers more information on old corrugated containers.

Corrugated mailing box strength

Corrugated mailing box strength refers to the amount of weight the corrugated mailing box can safely hold during the shipping and handling process. The strength is determined by the number of flutes (the raised ridges) per square inch of the box. The recommended weight is usually printed on the bottom flap of the box.

I recommend: For more in-depth information on corrugated mailing box strength, visit TheOfficeGuide.

Regular slotted carton (RSC)

A regular slotted carton (RSC) is a standard and widely used corrugated mailing box that has four overlapping flaps on both ends. RSC's are available in different sizes and weights.

I recommend: Visit Richmond Corrugated Box Company to view RSC's and other mailing box styles.

Containerboard

Containerboard is a heavy, durable paper that is used to make corrugated mailing boxes and shipping containers. Two types of containerboard are used to make a corrugated box: flat, smooth containerboard and corrugated containerboard. The two types are attached to create a corrugated mailing box.

I recommend: ProPakInc.com offers further information on containerboard.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  To ensure safe shipping and handling measures, never exceed the weight and strength limits that are printed on a corrugated mailing box.