Shipping costs can add up quickly if you’re unaware of your packaging. I’ve witnessed firsthand how businesses inadvertently overspend on shipping supplies, especially when using the wrong types and sizes of boxes. Let’s investigate how to cut costs and get more affordable corrugated shipping boxes that fit your business needs.

The Hidden Costs of Overpaying for Shipping Supplies

Many businesses need to recognize the actual costs of inefficient shipping practices. It’s not just the shipping price itself; it’s about how you package your products, the size of your boxes, and even how well they fit what you’re shipping. Every extra inch of space in a box can drive up your shipping costs, and when you ship at scale, those costs can accumulate quickly.

I once consulted with a business shipping hundreds of small items in an oversized box—24 x 24 x 6 box, to be exact—when a smaller box would have sufficed. The company spent far more on dimensional weight charges than necessary simply because it wasn’t optimizing its box sizes.

The Solution: Optimize Box Sizes and Save Money

One of the easiest ways to reduce shipping costs is to choose the correct box sizes. For instance, if you’re shipping smaller items, consider using a 12x12x12 cardboard box or an 18x12x6 box. These sizes are perfect for packing more miniature goods while avoiding unnecessary dimensional weight charges.

If your products are longer, like posters or artwork, rectangular shipping boxes will allow you to pack efficiently without wasting space. A side-load shipping box might be the best option for items that need to be loaded from the side.

Benefits of Optimizing Box Sizes

  • Reduced Shipping Costs: Smaller, better-fitted boxes lead to lower dimensional weight charges.
  • Less Wasted Space: No more filling your boxes with extra packaging materials to fill the void.
  • Sustainability: Using the right size boxes reduces waste and promotes eco-friendly practices.

Understanding Popular Box Sizes for Business Shipping

To make your shipping more cost-effective, let’s explore some standard box sizes and their ideal uses:

  • 12x12x12 boxes: Perfect for smaller to mid-size items like electronics, small kitchen appliances, or bulk goods.
  • 18x12x6 box: Ideal for books, clothing, or other medium-sized goods.
  • 24 x 24 x 6 box: Perfect for more extensive, flat items like artwork or signage.
  • 12x12x18 box: Ideal for taller items or stacking products.
  • 15x15x15 box: Great for heavier or bulkier items like home goods.

Pro Tip: Buy in Bulk

You’re not alone if you’re wondering, “Where can you buy boxes?” at affordable rates. Many businesses benefit from buying boxes in bulk, resulting in significant cost savings. Sites like The Boxery provide businesses with various box sizes, including bulk options, so you never overpay for individual units.

How to Save Money with Sustainable Shipping Practices

In today’s world, sustainability is a growing concern for businesses. The good news is that sustainable packaging practices often align with cost-effective solutions. Corrugated boxes, for example, are recyclable and made from renewable resources, making them an eco-friendly packaging option.

Here’s how sustainability and cost-efficiency work hand-in-hand:

  1. Right-Sizing Your Boxes: When you use appropriately sized boxes, you reduce the need for excess packing materials, saving money and reducing waste.
  2. Recyclable Materials: Choosing boxes made from recycled materials supports sustainability efforts. Corrugated cardboard is one of the most recyclable materials available.
  3. Bulk Buying: By purchasing cheap shipping boxes in bulk from suppliers like The Boxery, you’re not just cutting down on costs but also reducing the environmental footprint associated with multiple shipments.

One business I worked with was sending fragile items in large shipping boxes that required tons of packing peanuts and bubble wrap. After switching to the correct box sizes, they reduced their use of plastic fillers, lowered costs, and became a more eco-conscious brand.

How to Choose the Right Supplier for Corrugated Shipping Boxes

Finding the right supplier is crucial to cutting shipping costs. You want a partner who provides affordable pricing and shares your commitment to sustainability and quality.

Here’s what to look for in a supplier:

  • Variety of Box Sizes: A good supplier offers a wide selection of sizes to match your needs—from 12x12x12 cardboard boxes to more extensive options like 24 x 24 x 6 boxes.
  • Sustainability Commitment: Look for suppliers who offer recyclable and eco-friendly options to align with your business goals.
  • Bulk Pricing Discounts: As mentioned earlier, buying in bulk saves you money and ensures you have the packaging you need without constant reordering.

Your Partner in Affordable, Sustainable Shipping

If you’re ready to stop overpaying for shipping, The Boxery can help. They provide a variety of affordable corrugated shipping boxes, including popular sizes like the 18x12x6 box and 12x12x12 boxes. Whether you need cheap or large shipping boxes in bulk, The Boxery has sustainable and cost-effective solutions to help your business thrive. They understand the balance between eco-friendly packaging and cost savings, making them the ideal partner for your shipping needs.