Boxes seem to be everywhere, especially at this time of year. However, if you are a business that ships products to customers or regularly uses boxes for other purposes, you already know there is a box for every use.
There is an impressive variety that differs depending on their construction and purpose. The key to selecting the right box depends on a number of things–the size of the box compared to the size of the item(s) being placed inside, the strength, thickness, and color.
Let’s Measure!
Have you ever wondered how to measure a box? Boxes are measured and noted in our catalog as L (Length) x W (Width) x H (Height). Length is always the longest side, width is the shorter side of the box, and height is measured at one of the corners, from the bottom to the top edge.
You must measure the item(s) you’re shipping and compare that to the box you plan to use. If a box is too big or too small, you risk the item being separated from its box and an unhappy customer who didn’t get what they ordered. That can also occur if you don’t fill empty spaces inside the box before sealing. That can result in a broken box (especially if the item is heavy) or breakage due to the products bouncing around.
What is a Box Code Key?
There is also a Box Code Key, which can help you further determine if the box you are looking at in our catalog is the right one for your purposes. The key is located on the bottom right of odd-numbered catalog pages from 9-29. The codes in the description section tell you if a box is SW (Single Wall), ECT (Edge Crush Test), FOL (Full Overlap), or one of the other types. There are a few boxes that include additional information in the description, such as Haz Mat Box 350#DW (Double Wall).
Know Your Box Strength
Box strength is another important factor. Have you ever looked at a box and tried to figure out if it would hold that heavy item you want to ship? Luckily, we give you that information, too. The key for that information can be found in the boxes section of the catalog, on the left side of even pages 8-28. ECT-32 means a box will hold up to 65 pounds, while ECT-155 TW is made to hold 201-300 pounds as long as it is distributed evenly and packaged, so it stays in place. There are several different strengths in between those as well.
Other factors to consider when selecting the appropriate box for your items include box thickness, which can be single, double, or triple-walled, and what type of fill you plan to use to protect your items and keep them from shifting while in transit. Fill can be paper shreds, rolled paper crumpled and placed in open spaces, Styrofoam peanuts, or air pillows.
About Us
Pinnacle Packaging, Inc. offers our customers the best product selection and fast delivery, all at great prices. We are proud to offer over 20,000 quality products from well-known and trusted brands like 3M, Sealed Air, Tape Logic, Rubbermaid, Ivex, and many more. Our mission is to be the single source answer to all our customers’ packaging needs.
Through the years, we have established a reputation with our customers for providing fast, reliable, and professional service. Our high level of responsiveness to our customers’ needs keeps them coming back.