| |
| TYPES OF SHIPPING BOXES |
|
| |
|
| |
| Here are descriptions of the most common types of shipping
boxes. |
| |
| Regular Slotted Containers (RSC's) |
|
| |
 |
| If you are shipping a box weighing
more than 5 pounds, you are probably using a Regular
Slotted Container (RSC). This box has 4 flaps on
the bottom and an identical arrangement at the top.
When the box is sealed, only the 2 outer flaps are
visible.
By the way, the shorter flaps should be closed
first. |
|
|
| |
| Variable Depth Boxes |
|
| |
These boxes resemble the regular slotted
containers (above). Variable depth boxes are generally scored
(indented for easy folding) at 2 or 3 different heights. To
reduce the height, one cuts the corners down to the desired
height and folds over the walls of the box. Variable depth
boxes are completely suitable for ordinary shipping use.
Suppose you ship books -- sometimes 2 books;
sometimes 4 books and sometimes 6 books. The height of a varidepth
box is adjustable so you can always use the same basic box
for your books. This saves the cost of stocking several sizes
of boxes. |
| |
| Mailers |
|
| |
| Flat boxes with hinged lids are called "Mailers".
The ones we sell are made of corrugated and are completely suitable
for shipping. |
| |
 |
| Mailers have several advantages over
RSC's.
A flat mailer is generally stronger than an RSC
of the same shape.
A mailer makes a nice storage container after
being shipped. (Consumers like this.) |
|
|
| |
| There is less chance of damage to the contents as the box
is opened. When the sealing tape is cut as the box is opened,
the knife blade runs along the edge of the box -- not over the
contents. This reduces the chance of the contents being cut.
For this reason, mailers should be considered for shipping garments. |
| |
 |
There are several varieties of mailers. The
sketches attempt to show some of the options in mailers.
Larger mailers are sometimes called garment boxes.
|
 |
|
| |
| The mailer at left and the mailer above it have dust flaps,
that is, side pieces on the lids to keep out dust. Because the
dust flaps must move into the box as the lid is closed; a lid
fitted with dust flaps can be difficult to close if the box
is very full. The 2 mailers at right have locking tabs. These
allow the front flap to close on the outside, rather than on
the inside of the box. Generally, if you need a mailer of a
specific size, you will have to settle for whatever style is
offered with those dimensions. |
| |
| Folders |
|
| |
 |
| Folders (shown at left) work a bit
like a box and a bit like an envelope. Frequently,
the height is adjustable -- just like a variable
depth box. In the figure, it's the "H"
dimension which is adjustable. Folders provide a
bit less protection for the contents but they may
be quicker to assemble. If you look carefully, you'll
see there are no corners on a folder.
|
|
|
| |
| Folders are generally used where one needs a bit more protection
than an envelope, but a regular corrugated carton would be more
protection (and cost) than necessary. Less expensive books are
frequently shipped in folders.
Somehow, folders rarely turn out to be cost effective. We
sell very few of them. |
| |
| 5-Panel Folders |
|
| |
| 5-Panel Folders are long, thin, square corrugated boxes which
may to replace some round mailing tubes. Parcel carriers prefer
them because, unlike round mailing tubes, they don't roll off
conveyor belts. We like them because, unlike mailing tubes they
ship flat, requiring less storage space. |
| |
 |
| 5-Panel folders are not as strong as
mailing tubes. When crushed, they can fold flat.
The 3-Sided Folders, described below. are stronger.
|
|
|
| |
| 5-Panel folders have a strange negative. If one rolls a piece
of paper inside one, the paper will acquire a somewhat squarish
set that unrolls a bit lumpy. Those who sell art prints prefer
round mailing tubes. Their set is more smooth and conventional. |
| |
| 4-Panel Folders (or) 3-Sided Folders |
|
| |
 |
| Three sided folders can replace mailing
tubes. They, too, are corrugated boxes and so they
ship flat. They fold to form a rather striking triangular
cross section instead of the more conventional square
one. Consider using these if you want to make a
strong visual impression. (People get very few triangular
shaped parcels in the mail.)
|
|
|
| |
| Three sided figures cannot fold over and collapse the way
4 sided figures can. (It's the nature of triangles.) Also, the
larger flat sides permit the use of larger, more readable labels.
Three sided folders have a negative the same as the 5 Panel
folders above. If one rolls a piece of paper inside one, the
paper will acquire a somewhat triangular set that unrolls
a bit lumpy. Those who sell art prints prefer round mailing
tubes. Their set is more smooth and conventional. |