There are various shipping box sizes. Each type is designed to accommodate different items. Some companies create custom boxes for particular products, but there are standard sizes for shipping boxes. Understanding the different shipping box sizes helps you make a more informed decision on how to ship products.
The following are 15 common shipping box sizes.
1. 4 x 4 x4″ Boxes
A box with these dimensions is also known as a mug box. These shipping box sizes are great for shipping cubic, round, or odd-shaped items. It can carry up to 3lbs.
2. 5 x 5 x 5″ Boxes
A box with these dimensions can carry a maximum weight of 5 lbs. You can also use it to ship items with a regular or odd shape.
3. 6 x 4 x 4″ Boxes
You can use a 6 x 4 x 4″ box to carry a weight of up to 4 lbs. You can use it to pack, store and ship products. Most boxes with these dimensions and above are shipped flat to save on freight charges, but they are easy to set up.
4. 8 x 6 x 4″ Boxes
A shipping box of this size can carry up to 9 lbs. It’s perfect for shipping electronic equipment, scales, books, picture frames, spools of wire and apparel.
5. 12 x 6 x6″ Boxes
Typically, this shipping box can carry up to 11 lbs. Its dimension makes it great for long, narrow items. For compact storage, this box is shipped flat and bundled if empty. Such boxes open on the long side. The wide opening allows easy loading.
6. 1-Cubic Foot Box
A 1-cubic foot box is in some cases known as a file box. You can use it for packaging and storing business and personal records, folders, letters, etc. The dimensions of a 1-cubic foot box are 15″ x 12″ x 10″.
7. 1.5-Cubic Foot Box
A 1.5-cubic foot box is also known as a book box. It’s considered the standard size for shipping boxes. Its dimensions are 16″ x 12″ x 12″. You can use it to pack small, heavy items such as CDs, records, canned products, books, power tools, etc.
8. 3-Cubic Foot Box
A 3-cubic foot box is considered a medium box. Most items can be packed and shipped using this box. It measures 18″ x 18″ x 16″ and can be used to carry small kitchen appliances, outdoor tools, lamp bases, electronic gadgets, etc.
9. 4.5-Cubic Foot Box
A 4.5-cubic foot box is considered large. You can use it for packaging and shipping large and heavy items such as lampshades, kitchen items, toys, clothes in bulk, linens, etc. Its specific measurements are 18″ x 18″ x 24″.
10. 6-Cubic Foot Box
A 6-cubic foot box is extra-large. It measures 24″ x 18″ x 24″. These shipping box sizes can be used to package blankets, coats, rugs, towels, comforters, pillows, etc.
11. 3.3-Cubic Foot Box
A 3.3-cubic foot box is also known as a lamp box. It measures 12″ x 12″ x 40″. It can be used to ship oddly-shaped items such as sports equipment, telescopes, lamps, etc.
12. Wardrobe Box
The dimension of a wardrobe box is typically 20″ x 20″ x 34″. It’s very practical and ideal, especially for moving. A wardrobe box is designed specifically for a hanging wardrobe. With this box, you don’t have to fold clothes. Just hang them inside the box and ship them to the new location. A single wardrobe box can carry half of the hanging clothes in a standard-size closet; so, if you have a completely full closet, you’ll need two.
13. Dish Barrel Box
Typically, the dimension of a dish barrel box is 18″ x 18″ x 28″. It’s designed specifically for packing fragile items such as glassware, dishes, antiques, dinnerware, and more. Dividers for this box are usually separately sold because they aren’t a necessity. You can do with or without them. The box features a double wall for carrying delicate items.
14. 24 x 24 x 12 Box
This shipping box can carry up to 30 lbs. You can use it to ship stereo systems or speakers.
15. 36 x 36 x36 Box
A box of this size can carry up to 46 lbs. It’s ideal for shipping bulk products. Use it to transfer bulk products from one place to another safely. It’s easy to load and unload. It’s too large to fit in a standard door. To avoid damaging your items, when using it, make sure you have some form of padding, so the items don’t move around too much.
All the above shipping box sizes are suitable for a variety of products. It all depends on what your specific needs are. The ideal is one that can safely transport items from one location to another. Besides safety, you want to use a box that can compactly carry as many items as possible.
