ParcelPedia Podcast

Package Protection: Finding the Perfect Shipping Container

• James Banks • Episode 26

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Can You Explain The Difference Between Standard Boxes, Specialty Boxes, And Mailer Envelopes?

Every package has a story to tell, and how it arrives at its destination depends largely on what's holding it together. In this practical exploration of packaging options, ParcelPedia owner James Banks breaks down the science of shipping containers with expert precision and a touch of humor.

From the ubiquitous standard cardboard box to specialized shipping solutions, we navigate the surprisingly complex world of packaging materials. James reveals why double-wall boxes are crucial for heavy mechanical parts, how specialty containers like mailing tubes can slash your shipping costs for posters and blueprints, and when bubble mailers make sense for smaller items. You'll learn precisely how much bubble wrap you need (two inches in every direction is the magic number) and why painter's tape has absolutely no place in your shipping arsenal.

The conversation takes some entertaining turns as James shares packaging horror stories, including the common mistakes that can lead to damaged goods and denied insurance claims. Beyond just container selection, you'll discover the proper sealing techniques that carriers prefer and the weight limits you should know before attempting to ship anything substantial. Whether you're an e-commerce entrepreneur or simply sending gifts to loved ones, this episode delivers practical wisdom that will save you money and ensure your items arrive intact.

Ready to become a packaging pro? Stop by ParcelPedia at 8992 Preston Road in Frisco, mention this podcast, and save 10% on select shipping services. Our team is standing by to help you select the perfect box, envelope, or specialty container for your next shipment. Because when it comes to shipping success, what's on the outside counts just as much as what's inside.

To learn more about ParcelPedia visit:
https://www.ParcelPedia.com
ParcelPedia
8992 Preston Road, Suite 110
Frisco, Texas
972- 335-1450

Speaker 1:

Welcome to the Parcelpedia Podcast, the ultimate guide to all things shipping and business services in Frisco, texas, from US mail and FedEx to private mailboxes and packing supplies. We've got you covered. Stay tuned for a special discount code to save on your next order. And now delivering expert tips and insider insights with a smile, here's your host, james Banks. Owner of Parcelpedia.

Speaker 2:

Choosing the right packaging makes all the difference when shipping your items. But what's the best choice? A standard box, a specialty box or a mailer envelope? Welcome back everyone. I'm Sophia Ayivet, co-host and producer. Back in the studio with owner of Parcelpedia, James Banks. James, how are you today?

Speaker 3:

Hey Sophia, I'm doing very well. How are you?

Speaker 2:

I'm doing well, James. Now I know you just got back from vacation, but let's go ahead and get into it a bit more. So, James, packaging might seem straightforward, but there's a science to choosing the right box or envelope. Let's dive in. Can you explain the difference between standard boxes, specialty boxes and mailer envelopes?

Speaker 3:

Oh for sure I'd love to. So standard box is something you or I would say most people have probably come across. Amazon ships almost everything in standard cardboard boxes so they'll have their printing and their logos on the outside. But standard corrugated cardboard boxes is what you see almost everywhere. They're pretty ubiquitous these days.

Speaker 3:

Going past that, like a next step up, is what is called a double wall box, so you can literally doubly thick, so twice as thick in every face. Those are more used for heavier objects, actually not so much fragile objects, it's used for objects that have the potential of busting out of the box, so like heavy mechanical pieces, like big gears, big steel balls, things that are just heavy and maybe even sharp that would otherwise puncture a standard box. They are safer in the double walls. And then obviously we have specialty boxes, as you mentioned earlier. So we have the very long, thin ones which would be considered like a TV box or a picture frame box. Those are good because you only use what you need and you don't have to waste any space, you know, using a big old cubic box and having a flat little photograph in there. Some other specialty boxes we have are like mailing tubes. So we have posters, artwork, prints, you know blueprints, plans. They're pretty big and so, instead of stacking them up in a box and getting all that weight, if you're rolling them up into a tube, it can help you save a lot on shipping.

Speaker 3:

And lastly, as you mentioned was the bubble mailers. Those are great for small items that need a little bit of protection, not major. Be in mind, though, when shipping through US Mail, the bubble mailers are considered a parcel, so they'll charge you just like you're using a box. So if you may as well use a box for protection, you're not going to save money by using a bubble mailer. In that sense, you may as well use a box, but if it's just trying to keep the weight down, something small, they're great. They're great for the trip and the transit.

Speaker 3:

So I definitely recommend bubble mailers for small items. Try to stay away from the boxes, because they tend to increase your weight and size on shipping, but if it's necessary, you know you definitely want to use what is best for your shipment and, as always, you can call us, you can stop by and email us with those questions if you're not sure, and we supply almost all of that. There's some things I do have to specially order, but I can always do that for you, so just give us a heads up and you know we'll have it ready for you.

Speaker 2:

We'll help you pack it up as well. So, james, what types of items are best suited for standard boxes specifically?

Speaker 3:

Standard boxes are great for anything that is not fragile, that's not like overly heavy clothing, kitchen utensils and, you know, books, knickknknacks, things that are okay to get a little bit of shock, and you know. But you want to keep your package light because a double wall box, while it does protect your the shipment from being not totally destroyed when it gets there, it they're a heavier box just due to the nature of having like double the product, so your shipping costs can go up if you're shipping a lot of those out okay, I I'm sure you have some funny stories of things that customers have tried to put in standard boxes.

Speaker 2:

You want to share those with the listeners today.

Speaker 3:

Oh yeah, and it's not so much the standard box, because even standard boxes can withstand pretty good banging, it's the um, the sealing techniques, which I see is pretty funny. So packing tape is, you know, advised and recommended for packing boxes. But I've seen painter's tape which I do not recommend ever because it's a tape that's meant to be peeled off, so you have a nice paint line and so it does not keep your box closed. Duct tape is pretty strong and sturdy but the carriers actually do not like duct tape and sometimes they'll deny a claim if you use too much duct tape. So try not to use duct tape. The brown security tape is good. I do like the brown security tape. It shows tamper, any kind of tamper evidence, which is good for like secure shipments. But yeah, if it's a tape meant for a carton box, like a carton, sealing tape is what it will say on the package. That's what you want. Anything else it's probably meant for what it's meant for.

Speaker 2:

So, james, are there weight or size restrictions when using mailer envelopes?

Speaker 3:

No restrictions outside of the carrier restrictions. So they do have a like oversized restriction. If your dimensions are longer than three feet on each length, width and size, you're going to have to use like a flatbed truck or a freight service. But you can get a pretty large box through with US Mail, FedEx and DHL. Fedex and DHL and UPS specifically they have a limit of 150 pounds, so you can imagine that's a pretty decent sized box. I mean, that's the weight of a human right there. So they take pretty big things. It's almost kind of hard to get past their oversized restrictions unless you're shipping something that needs to go on a pallet.

Speaker 2:

Now, when should a customer choose a padded mailer instead of a box?

Speaker 3:

Padded mailers are good for small items. Really, just if you know that you're under a pound, then you're shipping in the ounce range. That's a good time to use a bubble mailer if it's going to be something that will be fine in that transit. If you're going to hit over a pound just because you're throwing it in a box, you're kind of doing yourself a disservice because you're going to be paying more for something that's not really necessary.

Speaker 2:

And what are the best practices for packaging fragile items securely?

Speaker 3:

Bubble, bubble wrap, plenty of bubble. You want to have like an inch to two inches around every surface of the item. That just gives you shock protection. It gives you drop protection, gives you crush protection, but bubble wrap is your friend. You don't want to use so much now. You have a huge box and you're shipping a little keychain, but just enough to protect the item. Two inches around in every direction is sufficient.

Speaker 2:

Now, James, any final words on the difference between standard boxes, specialty boxes and mailer envelopes.

Speaker 3:

Yeah, I mean, the great thing is, most of these boxes, if they're non-standard, if they're anything other than just a regular cardboard box, it'll tell you what it is. I mean, on the box or on the packaging it'll say double wall, it'll say TV box, wardrobe box, you know, box for glass. They're very good about labeling what they're meant for and just you know, do that, just follow what they say, use it for what it's meant for and you really won't run into too many issues.

Speaker 2:

Well, james, that was some great insight on packaging. Picking the right box or envelope can make all the difference in shipping success. Thanks again, we'll see you in the next episode.

Speaker 1:

Thank you, Thanks for joining us on the Parcelpedia podcast. Don't forget mention podcast at our store. To snag 10% off select shipping services, Stop by at 8992 Preston Road, Suite 110, Frisco, Texas, or give us a ring at 972-335-1450. We're here to make your shipping a breeze. Until next time, keep shipping and smiling.