Using the Right Box – Shipping Vs Moving Boxes
For businesses that ship packages across the country or around the world, having the right box can make all the difference. As business owners try to find ways to offset increasing shipping costs, some wonder if switching to moving boxes is an effective way to cut down on costs?
While both shipping boxes and moving boxes seem similar at first glance, both are designed with entirely separate purposes in mind. In fact, choosing to ship products with moving boxes may lead to greatly increased costs down the line.
In this article, we will discuss the key differences between shipping and moving boxes, and why moving boxes are not the best choice for shipping products:
Breaking Down the Basics: Comparing Shipping and Moving Boxes
1. Durability and Protection
The most fundamental difference between shipping boxes and moving boxes is their construction and durability. Shipping boxes are made from double-layered corrugated cardboard, which is much stronger than the single-layer construction of most moving boxes. Shipping boxes are designed to endure the rough and tumble nature of transportation, significantly increasing the chances that items reach their destination unharmed.
The main goal of shipping boxes is to provide protection during transit. Shipping boxes are engineered to minimize the risk of damage or breakage during the shipping process. Moving boxes instead prioritize ease of handling during the moving process via ergonomic design features such as cutout handholds or stackability.
Shipping boxes undergo a variety of tests to ensure their effectiveness, including:
- Drop tests
- Vibration tests
- Compressions tests
- Incline Impact tests
- Puncture Resistance tests
- Stacking tests
- Temperature, Moisture, and Humidity testing
2. Size, Shape, and Weight Capacity
Shipping boxes are available in a range of shapes and sizes to cater to a wide range of products. On top of this, the availability of thin mailer boxes, mailer tubes, bubble envelopes, and other specialized shipping packaging makes it easy to find the right package for any product. Moving boxes tend to be much more generic in this aspect, as most companies only supply the standard box shape in a smaller range of sizes.
With their double-layered design, shipping boxes are built to handle much greater package weights than standard moving boxes. Shipping boxes are engineered to handle heavy loads, while moving boxes are designed for the more practical weight limits associated with household items. This means that moving boxes may lack the support needed for heavy objects, which can cause items to fall out of the bottom of the box when being picked up or moved.
3. Cost-effectiveness
Shipping boxes are often optimized for material cost-effectiveness, especially when purchased in bulk. This helps businesses find the perfect balance between package quality and cost. The general standardization of package sizes among carriers is also a key factor in cost-effectiveness. By optimizing the packing process for shipping containers and vehicles, this leads to lower shipping costs for businesses. Moving boxes certainly can be much cheaper than shipping boxes, but their overall lack of protection during shipping can lead to increased costs caused by return shipping fees, replaced items, and refunds.
4. Specialized Shipping Requirements
The shipping industry transports all sorts of items that have special shipping needs. Certain items may need protection from moisture, static, or sunlight. Other items may require extra protection from shocks, vibrations, and drops. Shipping boxes can be designed for specific types of items, ensuring that they are transported in optimal conditions.
Moving boxes, on the other hand, are primarily designed for general household items. While this general versatility is great for most items, certain items may not have the extra protection they need for safe transport.
5. Customization Options
For most businesses, generic shipping boxes and other materials may be a simple and effective choice for the majority of everyday products. However, certain items may not get the protection they need from stock shipping boxes.
One of the biggest advantages of choosing shipping boxes is the ability to design custom shipping boxes to fit virtually any need or preference. This will make sure that products get the most protection possible, reducing the risks of damaged goods and unhappy customers.
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Ensure You Never Pick The Wrong Box with Preferred Packaging Products
Since 1985, we have been the preferred packaging, logistics, and automation solution for businesses along the Colorado Front Range.
We specialize in custom package development and can help you optimize your packaging to maximize product protection, minimize material and shipping costs, and keep customers happy. We also offer a wide selection of high-quality generic packaging materials and products to suit all of your packaging and business needs.
Some other ways Preferred Packaging can help your business include:
- Our logistics, warehouse, and distribution services can help you streamline your logistics process and better support order fulfillment.
- Our package kitting and assembly services can take a load off your employees and help your business focus on other tasks.
- Our packaging equipment automation and installation services can increase your efficiency and help your business transition to a more hands-off packaging process.
To see what Preferred Packaging Products can do for your business, give us a call at (303) 444-4774 or get in touch with us online to get started.