1) Overview of Shipping Boxes
Packaging has been key to almost all players involved in some form of goods trade. However, the eCommerce industry depends on packaging of products for its very survival. Product packaging is not only necessary to protect the item from the effects of the environment, damage, or theft, but it also critical to place relevant information regarding the product.
One of the most widely used packaging solutions, shipping boxes. Shipping boxes are generally made from cardboard, a toughened paper-based material, owing their relatively high strength and light weight as well as ease of handling and transportation. Ecommerce shipping boxes enable online sellers to ship a large variety of items in prefabricated packaging solutions, reducing the cost of packaging and preserving the item throughout the journey.
In this article, we discuss the use case of eCommerce shipping boxes, the best manufacturers in the industry and key factors to determine the right supplier or manufacturer for your eCommerce business.
2) Understanding the need for eCommerce Shipping Boxes
Shipping boxes are use for moving goods for a variety of different reasons. Here are some of the reasons why these boxes are an ideal choice for shipping items throughout the world:
2.1) Weight
One of the primary reasons for using shipping boxes is their weight. Since the boxes are lightweight, handling, and storing them becomes extremely easy. Since these boxes are often collapsable, they easily be stored in large quantities without requiring much space. The cost of shipping the boxes themselves is also low owing to their low weight and foldable nature.
2.2) Diversity
Ecommerce Shipping boxes are manufactured in a variety of sizes and shapes. Although generally restricted to cubes or cuboids, the boxes are able to store a diverse set of items. Since the boxes are highly symmetrical moving them is especially easy and allows space to be used more efficiently. The boxes are easy to manufacture and only require minimal assembly to make them fit to use they can be found in a diverse range of sizes.
2.3) Cost
Shipping boxes are some of the cheapest packaging materials in the market. They are mostly paper based which reduces cost of raw materials. Further, since they have a high strength to weight ratio, robust models can be produced at lower costs.
2.4) Ease
The boxes are some of the easiest goods to move and store. Shipping boxes can be folded and collapsed into flat panel-like structures and stored together in large. When these boxes are required for packaging they can simply be assembled and given the desired shape.
3) Top eCommerce Shipping Box Manufacturers in the U.S.
Now that we understand why shipping boxes are an ideal packaging material for eCommerce companies, let us take a look at some of the best manufacturers of these boxes.
3.1) International Paper
International Paper is the largest eCommerce shipping box manufacturer in the world. The company was founded in 1898 when 17 pulp and paper manufacturer in the northeastern region of United States merged together. The company employs almost 50,000 people and has a customer base of 25,000 business across 150 countries. It is a major supplier to eCommerce companies such as Amazon.
3.2) WestRock
WestRock is a major shipping box manufacturer and was formed in 2015 when MeadWestvaco and RockTenn merged together. The company employs over 50,000 people and runs a massive manufacturing network with more than 320 facilities throughout the world. The company has presence in 5 continents.
3.3) Georgia Pacific
Georgia Pacific is another paper and pulp giant based out of the US. The company was established in 1927 and is headquartered in its eponymous state. The company employs a workforce of more than 30,000 across 180+ locations worldwide. It is a major supplier of boxes for eCommerce shipping in the US with offices in 30 states in the US.
3.4) Packaging Corporation of America
Packaging Corporation of America or PCA is a major corrugated boxes manufacturer in the US. Founded in 1959, the company is headquartered in the city of Lake Forest, Illinois. It currently employs over 15,000 people and runs 8 mills, several converting facilities and design centers, as well as 10 fulfillment centers and multiple packaging and supply centers.
3.5) Associated Bag
Associated Bag is a leading American manufacturer of shipping products and packaging materials. The company was founded in 1938 and is present throughout the United States. The company is a leading provider of shipping boxes to eCommerce SMBs.
3.6) Emenac Packaging
Emenac is a US-based packaging boxes manufacturer specializing in the field of customized packaging solutions. They offer a variety of paper-based cardboard products for eCommerce companies. The company was founded in 2011 and offers packaging solutions across 12 broad categories.
3.7) Larsen Packaging
Larsen Packaging is a American manufacturer of corrugated boxes headquartered in St. Charles, Illinois. The company was established in 1987 and has been in the box manufacturing industry for over 30 years. The company offers over 1,300 in-stock cartons, 30,000 packaging and shipping items in its catalog.
3.8) Deluxe Packaging
Deluxe Packaging is manufacturer paper-based shipping boxes and is based in the US. The company was founded in 1982 and has been working with eCommerce companies for over a decade. The company offers several products in 7 broad categories and several custom packaging products.
3.9) Albert Paper Products
Albery Paper Products is a major US-based shipping boxes manufacturer from New Jersey. The company was founded in 1944 and is currently being run by the fourth generation of descendants of the founder Joseph Kenah. The company manufactures corrugated boxes and provides allied services such as packaging design and testing for multiple industries.
How to select the right shipping boxes for your company
With so many options available in the market and a vast catalog of products available from multiple manufacturers, it can be difficult to choose the right packaging solution for your company. Therefore, here are some ways you can decide which shipping boxes would work best for you eCommerce business.
1) Material
The material used in the manufacturing of shipping boxes is a key determinant for brands to decide which product to choose. Depending on the type of product that you brand sells, choose a material that protects your product best and suits its specific requirements. For example, choosing a corrugated box with high density would work best brittle products, whereas a thinner box that occupies less space can be used for products that are stronger and not prone to breakage.
2) Shape and Size
The shape and size of the product is important to consider while choosing a shipping box. The shipping box must ideally fit the product in a way that it does not take up must space while also protecting the contents inside. Further, there must be enough space left inside the box to place additional shock absorption material.
3) Quality
The quality of the shipping box is also of key importance here. A high quality shipping box with higher density would offer better shock absorption as against a thinner box that can easily bend. The purpose of the box to preserve the contents inside must be satisfied by its quality.
Final thoughts
Shipping boxes are a key component for the eCommerce industry. When companies ship products, they exposed to the forces of nature and other man-made events. Therefore, it is critical that eCommerce brands pay due attention when choosing shipping boxes for their products.
FAQs
1. How to the choose the best shipping box for a product?
When choosing a shipping for your products look for a higher quality boxes that higher in density. Further, choose boxes that fit the shape and size of the products snuggly with space to spare for additional shock absorption content inside, and must be manufactured with the right materials.
2. Who are the best shipping box manufacturers in the U.S.?
Some of the best shipping box manufacturers in the US are International Paper, WestRock and Georgia Pacific.