Parcel packing guide
Shipping Boxes: Size, Strength & Packing
Choose a suitably sized corrugated carton, cushion each item, control empty space, seal every seam and keep the shipping label flat and visible.
Getting a parcel to its destination in one piece comes down to two things: the right box and the right packing. A weak or oversized box invites damage, while a strong box packed with care protects the contents through every drop, stack, and van ride. This guide covers how to choose a shipping box, what sizes and weights they handle, and how to pack ordinary and fragile items so they arrive safely.
Single Wall vs Double Wall for Shipping
A double wall box has two fluted layers and generally offers greater resistance to handling and stacking forces than a comparable single-wall construction. Actual performance still depends on the complete board specification, box size, environment and load. Test packaging with the actual contents before committing to a large order. To understand the standard flapped box most shippers use, see our guide on the RSC box.
Shipping Box Sizes and Weight Load
| Size | Code | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Smaller Box | C544 | L45cm x W40cm x H40cm |
| Medium Box | C645 | L60cm x W40cm x H50cm |
| Larger Box | C655 | L65cm x W45cm x H55cm |
Do not rely on a generic weight figure: box performance varies with the complete specification and conditions of use. For heavy goods, request packaging advice rather than assuming that an extra base sheet creates a rated load. Boxes arrive flat, so assemble and seal the bottom before loading. See all sizes and prices on our carton boxes page.
How to Pack a Shipping Box Correctly
Choose the right size first, then build up in layers. Cushion the base, place the heaviest items down low, and work upward to the lightest and most delicate. Useful tools to have ready are masking tape or OPP tape, and a cutter or penknife. If the contents are heavy, use several overlapping strips of tape so the bottom stays closed for the whole trip.
How to Protect Fragile Items
Bubble wrap is light and useful for surrounding breakables. See our air bubble wrapping for sizes. After wrapping, fill remaining gaps with loose fill or another appropriate cushioning material so nothing moves in transit. Our general bubble wrap and loose fill are not presented as anti-static packaging for sensitive electronic components. Gently test the closed box and add padding if anything shifts.
How to Label Your Shipping Box
A clear, correctly formatted address avoids delays and misdeliveries. If the box is part of a house move rather than a courier shipment, marking each box by room and contents saves a lot of time at the other end. For a full moving checklist, see our guide on moving boxes.
Conclusion
Safe shipping is simple when you combine a strong box with careful packing. Start with a double wall box sized close to your goods, load heavy to light, cushion every gap, and seal the seams well. Fragile items just need individual wrapping and a snug fill so nothing moves. Follow these steps and your parcels arrive intact. When you are ready to stock up, browse our double wall shipping boxes and order the sizes you need.
Common questions
Shipping Box FAQs
What is a shipping box?
A shipping box is a corrugated cardboard box built to protect goods in transit. Most use double wall board for extra strength, and they arrive flat so you assemble and tape the base before packing.
What size shipping box do I need?
Choose a box about 10 to 25 percent larger than your item, so there is room for cushioning but not so much empty space that the contents shift. For heavier or fragile goods, allow a little more room for padding.
How much weight can a shipping box hold?
There is no universal load figure for every double-wall box. Capacity depends on dimensions, board grade, construction, moisture, handling and weight distribution. Confirm requirements for heavy or high-value goods before shipping.
How do you pack a shipping box so items do not break?
Put heavy items at the bottom and lighter items on top, wrap each item, and fill every gap with cushioning so nothing moves. Give the box a gentle shake: if you feel movement, add more padding, then seal the seams with an H pattern of tape.
Should I use single wall or double wall for shipping?
For most shipping, double wall is safer because it is stronger and carries more weight than single wall. Single wall can be fine for light, non-fragile goods, but double wall better survives handling and stacking in transit.