Shipping boxes are one of the essential components in the global supply chain. These boxes are the primary mode to transfer the goods efficiently. Shipping boxes provide great organisation and protection from the E-Commerce platform to retail stores and manufacturing companies. In the world of online shopping and trade, the importance of shipping boxes cannot be neglected.
Shipping boxes are made from corrugated cardboard that is durable and lightweight. It ensures that the product will reach safely to its destination even after handling. The versatility of these boxes make them essential for modern logistics. The ability to find the perfect size of the box is not only important for protecting but also optimising the shipping cost.
Standard Shipping Box Dimensions for All Packaging Needs
Shipping boxes come in a variety of standard sizes to meet the diverse industries and shipping needs. The standard shipping box sizes in cm also helps to streamline the packaging process so that the businesses can choose the box perfectly according to their products. Here are some of the common box sizes with their dimensions.
Small shipping boxes
The small size shipping boxes are perfect for non fragile, lightweight and compact items. Small cardboard boxes are used for electronics, cosmetics and small accessories.
- 6x6x6 inches (15.24×15.24×15.24 cm)
The small box is ideal for cosmetic small electronics or accessories.
- 8x6x4 inches (20.32x 15.24x 10.16 cm)
This box is commonly used for small mobile phone accessories or delicate cosmetic packaging.
- 10x8x6 inches (25.4×20.32×15.24 cm)
This size is ideal for lightweight tools, small toys and retail products
Medium shipping boxes
The medium size of shipping boxes is versatile for the businesses including home goods electronics and apparel. These boxes have more space with ease of handling
- 12 x 12 x 12 inches (30.48 x 30.48 x 30.48 cm)
You can use this size for the packaging of boxes for retail goods or medium size gadgets.
- 14 x 10 x 8 inches (35.56 x 25.4 x 20.32 cm)
These boxes are most common for bulky accessories and shoes.
- 16 x 12 x 8 inches (40.64 x 30.48 x 20.32 cm)
These boxes are ideal for kitchen appliances, electronics and apparel. It also offers more space for medium size products.
Large shipping boxes
If you want to ship bulky items with more space and protection, large shipping boxes are an ideal solution. These boxes are quite popular in industries including appliances, furniture and large retail items
- 18 x 14 x 12 inches (45.72 x 35.56 x 30.48 cm)
This size of shipping box is suitable for electronics or bulky household items for secure packing.
- 20 x 16 x 12 inches (50.8 x 40.64 x 30.48 cm)
The boxes are great for packaging larger retail goods or small furniture pieces
- 24 x 18 x 18 inches (60.96 x 45.72 x 45.72 cm)
If you want to pack bulky items or multiple items combined in one shipment, use this box size.
Extra large shipping boxes
Extra large shipping boxes are used for shipping larger and heavy duty appliances. These’re commonly used in manufacturing and automatic industries.
- 26 x 20 x 20 inches (66.04 x 50.8 x 50.8 cm)
These boxes are commonly used for oversized retail items and large electronics.
- 30 x 24 x 20 inches (76.2 x 60.96 x 50.8 cm)
Use these boxes for the packaging of small furniture, electronics and bulk manufacturing parts.
- 36 x 30 x 30 inches (91.44 x 76.2 x 76.2 cm)
Perfect for large equipment and large scale retail shipments.
Summary of Standard Shipping Box Sizes
| Box Size (Inches) | Box Size (Centimeters) | Common Use Cases |
| 6 x 6 x 6 | 15.24 x 15.24 x 15.24 | Accessories, cosmetics, small electronics |
| 8 x 6 x 4 | 20.32 x 15.24 x 10.16 | Mobile accessories, small gadgets |
| 10 x 8 x 6 | 25.4 x 20.32 x 15.24 | Small toys, tools, retail products |
| 12 x 12 x 12 | 30.48 x 30.48 x 30.48 | Apparel, books, medium-sized gadgets |
| 14 x 10 x 8 | 35.56 x 25.4 x 20.32 | Shoes, accessories, kitchen appliances |
| 16 x 12 x 8 | 40.64 x 30.48 x 20.32 | Apparel, electronics, household items |
| 18 x 14 x 12 | 45.72 x 35.56 x 30.48 | Bulk household items, large electronics |
| 20 x 16 x 12 | 50.8 x 40.64 x 30.48 | Small furniture, large retail goods |
| 24 x 18 x 18 | 60.96 x 45.72 x 45.72 | Bulky items, large retail products, multiple items |
| 26 x 20 x 20 | 66.04 x 50.8 x 50.8 | Bulk orders, oversized retail items |
| 30 x 24 x 20 | 76.2 x 60.96 x 50.8 | Large equipment, appliances, furniture |
| 36 x 30 x 30 | 91.44 x 76.2 x 76.2 | Industrial goods, oversized items |
Custom Shipping Boxes; Maximise Protection and Efficiency
Along with the standard boxes, many businesses need customised shipping boxes. Generally, these boxes are for irregularly shaped products, bulker shipments or fragile items. Moreover, customised boxes also come with specific packaging solutions to ensure maximum handling.
Customised shipping boxes come with a lot of advantages to businesses. It reduces the shipping cost and offers more protection to enhance the unboxing experience. Custom boxes are significantly crafted to keep the dimensions of your product in mind. It gives snug fit with minimised movement that reduces the risk of product damage.
How to Select the Perfect Shipping Box Size?
Selection of the right shipping box is important to ensure that the product is protected during the transportation. Here’re some of the significant tips that can help you choose the right boxes of the shipment
Measure your product accurately
It is crucial to measure the product accurately while selecting the right shipping box. Measure the length, weight and height of the product. Make sure to account for protective material such as form inserts or bubble wrap.
Considered the fragility and weight of product
The fragility and weight of the product are essential factors to consider while selecting the right cardboard shipping boxes. Heavy products need durable boxes that are enforced with walls. However, fragile items need the boxes with protective inserts and extra padding.
Considered the dimensional weight charges
DIM is a pricing method used by shipping carriers to calculate the cost based on the size of shipping boxes rather than actual weight of the product. In order to avoid extra weight charges, select a box that fits the products as closely as possible.
Optimise the space for bulk shipments
If you are shipping multiple products in one box it is suggested to select a box size with more space while ensuring that each product is packed securely. Arrange your items carefully.
Why Choosing the Right Box Size Matters?
Choosing the right shipping box offers variety of benefits for the business such as
Reduced shipping costs
One of the significant reasons to choose the right shipping box size is the reduced shipping cost. It avoids excess dimensional weight charges and the need for filler material. It not only reduces the shipping weight but also the packaging cost.
Better customer experience
The ideal box size contributes to a positive customer experience. A well- fitted shipping box creates an organised and professional unboxing experience. Customers appreciate the packaging when they receive the product in good condition.
Protect the product during transportation
Properly sized boxes are responsible to offer maximum protection. If you choose a large box, it’ll not handle the products accurately. On the other hand, if you choose a small box it will not provide maximum protection specially for the fragile items.
Understanding Shipping Box Materials
Shipping boxes are made up from corrugated cardboard that are famous for their lightweight and durability properties. These boxes come in various strengths such as single wall, double wall and triple wall construction. However, the choice of material significantly depends on the weight and size of the product. That durability of corrugated cardboard also makes it cost- effective and environment- friendly packaging material for the businesses.
Shipping Box Size Regulations
While you’re shipping the boxes internationally, or locally, it is important to be aware of size regulations. Shipping couriers have specific guidelines and weight limits.
Royal Mail Size Guideline : Royal Mail categorised the packaging into small, medium and large parcels. Therefore, it is important to select the box that fits within the allowed size to avoid additional charges.
Small: Maximum size of 45 x 35 x 16 cm (17.72 x 13.78 x 6.3 inches)
Medium: Maximum size of 61 x 46 x 46 cm (24.02 x 18.11 x 18.11 inches)
Large: Maximum size depends on the service selected.
UPS size regulations: UPS also has dimensional weight regulations for the packages. The maximum size is 165 inches.
Standard UPS Package: Maximum weight of 150 pounds (68 kg).
Large Package Surcharge: Applies to packages with dimensions over 96 inches (243.84 cm) in length or 130 inches (330.2 cm) along with the length and girth.
DHL size guideline: DHL also follows the same guidelines for the package sizes with restrictions on dimensional weight. That dimensional weight formula of DHL considered the volume of the package in relation to the actual weight.
Conclusion
Selection of the right shipping boxes is crucial for the business who want to optimise the shipping cost. By selecting the accurate size, you can reduce the dimensional weight charges and ensure that your product will arrive safely.
So are you ready to find the ideal shipping box size for the business? Explore our huge selection of standard and custom-size boxes. Our team of professionals is ready to help you create the ideal shipping solution. Contact us to discuss your requirements and get the box that fits the product perfectly.
