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Get the weight of your product and the quantity you want to pack together. Let’s say you want to ship small packages of nails and you want twenty four per box. Weigh each package, say they weigh ¼ or .25 pounds each, multiply the weight by the quantity (.25lb x 24 packages= 6 lbs). That means you will be shipping 6 pound packages. You will also need to apply the same math to how big of a box you need. Let’s say the nail box is six inches by six inches and we have twenty four of them we want to ship. Multiple (6×6=36) that’s 36 square inches. So now we take 36 square inches times 24 four nail boxes to get 864 square inches of total space needed. So now you know your weight requirement and size requirement.

There are many box companies on line to choose from, you can buy online or call them as they would be happy to help you find some cheap shipping boxes to meet your needs. Sometimes you may not find cheap shipping boxes for the products you want to ship, for instance, if you are shipping by sea you would want a water proof container that would stand up to the salty sea air and moisture, you probably wouldn’t want some cheap quality box in that instance. As the old saying goes; you get what you pay for and sometimes cheap is not always the best option.

Kansas Distribution Center Delivery Times

Indiana Distribution Center Delivery Times

UPS Shipping: Your Package Is In Good Hands

Cushioning
Place the cushioning all around your items. Close and shake the box to see whether you have enough cushioning. Add more newspaper, styrofoam, bubble wrap if you hear items shifting.

Sealing
Tape the opening of your box and reinforce all seams with 2” wide tape. Use clear or brown packaging tape, reinforced packing tape or paper tape. Do not use cord, string or twine because they get caught in mail processing equipment.

Correct Address
Using a complete and correct address is critical for efficient delivery. Use ZIP Code +4 when possible. Locate a correct address for accurate mailing.

Drop Off
Packages may be handed to your carrier or taken to the Post Office. Packages may also be dropped into a blue collection box with the following restrictions:

	Stamped packages must weight 13 ounces or less
	Packages with postage printed using Click-N-Ship or another PC Postage provider may weigh more than one pound, but must fit in the collection box

Mailing a package via the United States Postal Service has been one of the most common ways to ship small products by individuals or by businesses. While the USPS shipping rates are generally thought of as fixed rates, there are many variables. The rate is determined by the weight, dimensions and the distance that the package is traveling. There are incremental rates based on the size of the package. The weight of a package can either be its actual weight or its dimensional (DIM) weight. Dimensional rate is calculated by adding the length and girth of the box. The USPS will only ship items up to 70 pounds and a maximum overall size of 130 inches.

A similar shipping company that specializes more in business and global shipping is the United Parcel Service or UPS. UPS shipping rates are very competitive and offer some additional advantages. UPS does not have additional charges for delivery confirmation, which confirms to the shipper that a package has been successfully delivered to the proper person. Many believe that they also ship their ground or regular packages faster than the USPS. Another advantage is that they will ship heavier, larger packages. Their shipping maximums are 150 pounds and 165 inches. This is nearly double what the USPS will ship.

Because UPS ships larger packaging, they also offer cheaper cost-per-delivery mile and cost-per-dollar rates. UPS shipping rates can be calculated from the comfort of one’s home or office. An account can be established which will help manage the cost and track the money spent on shipping. The United States Postal Service also has a system to figure the USPS shipping rates as well, however they do not offer account billing. They also charge additional money for many of the additional services that are offered.

One other factor that affects USPS shipping rates is that the USPS is a regulated government run establishment. They are controlled by the Post Master General. Because increased competition has started to chip away at the business that the USPS does, they have been forced to raise their rates.

UPS shipping rates have also fluctuated; however, competition has helped to keep their rates reasonable. It is important to check the rates a company charges because they do vary. A company or individual must also consider if the shipping organization offers additional services for little or no additional charge. Because the cost of shipping has an overwhelming strong influence on a business’ success, it is imperative that each company reviews theirshipping needs to determine that they are getting the best rate possible. Individuals also should use rate calculators to compare the cost to ship using various carriers.

Regardless of whether one ships using UPS or USPS, the first thing in saving money is to make sure he or she knows both the UPS shipping rate and the USPS shipping rate for their packages. This will insure that each person is getting the best rate available for his or her particular shipping needs.

 
Whenever possible, use a new box. The more times a box is used, the more it loses its original protective qualities, so a previously used box may not adequately protect your shipment.If you must reuse a box, make sure it is rigid and in excellent condition with no punctures, tears, rips, or corner damage, and that all flaps are intact. Remove any labels and all other shipment markings from the box.

Choose a box strength that is suitable for the contents you are shipping. Weight limits printed on the Box Maker’s Certificate (found on the bottom flap of most boxes) are intended for palletized freight shipments, not for shipments through small parcel carrier environments. Following the UPS Box Strength Guidelines will help ensure your package is of adequate strength to provide sufficient protection.

Engineers at the UPS Professional Services Package Lab have developed specifications for box strength after years of testing and analysis. Refer to this chart below for recommendations so you can determine the proper size and maximum gross weight limit of a box.

UPS Single Wall Box Strength Guidelines

Single Wall Corrugated Fiberboard Maximum Weight of Box and Contents (lbs/kg) Size Limit of Box Length, Width, and Depth Added (inches/cm) * Minimum Bursting Test (lbs per sq. inch/kg per sq. cm) Minimum Edge Crush Test (ECT) (lbs per inch/kg per cm width) 30/13.6 75/190.5 200/14.1 32/5.7 40/18.1 75/190.5 200/14.1 40/7.1 50/22.7 85/215.9 250/17.6 44/7.9 65/29.5 95/241.3 275/19.3 55/9.8 80/36.3 105/266.7 350/24.6 N/A

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UPS Double Wall Box Strength Guidelines Double Wall Corrugated Fiberboard Maximum Weight of Box and Contents (lbs/kg) Size Limit of Box Length, Width, and Depth Added (inches/cm) * Minimum Bursting Test (lbs per sq. inch/kg per sq. cm) Minimum Edge Crush Test (ECT) (lbs per inch/kg per cm width) 60/27.2 85/215.9 200/14.1 48/8.6 80/36.3 95/241.3 275/17.6 51/9 100/45.4 105/266.7 350/24.6 61/10.9 120/54.4 110/279.4 400/28.1 71/12.7 140/63.5 115/292.1 500/35.2 82/14.6 150/68 120/304.8 600/42.2 N/A  Back to Top

Please be sure that you wrap each item separately. Fragile articles need separation from each other, and from the corners, sides, top, and bottom of the box.

Each item should be surrounded by at least two inches (5.08 cm) of cushioning and be placed at least two inches (5.08 cm) away from the walls of the box. This prevents product-against-product damage and protects contents from shock and vibration, which can pass from the outside of the box to the contents.

Please use proper cushioning material, combined with a strong outer container, to protect your shipment fully. Make sure you use enough cushioning material to ensure that the contents do not move when you shake the container.

Improper cushioning material includes clothing, blankets, towels, newspaper/newsprint, and pillows. Instead, please use the materials listed below to cushion and protect your shipment:

Air-encapsulated plastic (small and large cell bubble sheeting)

• Designed to protect and cushion lightweight items
• Used in multiple wraps and layers to ensure that the item is completely protected, especially on corners and edges

Inflatable packaging (air bags)

• Used primarily as void-fill materials for lightweight items
• Not recommended for items with sharp corners or edges
• Extreme hot or cold temperatures may affect the ability of air bags to provide adequate product protection.

Expanded polystyrene “peanuts” (loose fill)

• Used primarily as void-fill material for lightweight items
• Overfill the box with loose fill, gently close the flaps, and seal securely
• Do not use with flat or narrow products that may move to the edge or bottom of the carton in transit
• Due to the shifting and settling properties of peanuts, it is recommended that a minimum of two inches (5.08 cm) of cushioning be used around the contents
• It is recommended that flat pieces of corrugated fiberboard be used between contents and peanuts to help prevent migration through the peanuts
• Peanuts cause static electricity and may damage electronic items. Anti-static peanuts should be used for electronic items. Use plastic bags, bubble sheeting, or other items to wrap the item so peanuts will not work themselves into areas that may cause harm to your merchandise.

Engineered foam enclosures

• Materials may include expanded polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, or copolymers
• Enclosures should be pre-engineered for specific products

Foam-in-place/Foam-in-bag

• A foam, sprayed into the box or mixed in packets, that expands and forms a protective mold around contents
• Must be properly used, with even foam distribution around the contents
• Because this material is offered in varying densities, it is important to select the most appropriate foam to meet the requirements of the product

Corrugated liners and inserts

• May be added to the package to increase strength and improve package performance

Crumpled kraft paper

• Used primarily as a void-fill material for light-to-medium weight, non-fragile items and items that are suitable for such packing materials
• Must be tightly crumpled
• Place at least two inches (5.08 cm) of paper between contents and outer box

Note: Fragile objects such as electronics, glass, ceramics, and artwork, require special packaging for safe shipment. Packages containing these and similar items may require added cushioning or a double (over) box.

To close a box securely, do not use masking tape, cellophane tape, duct tape, string, or paper over-wrap. Instead, use a strong tape — two inches (5.08 cm) or more in width — such as these types:

Pressure-sensitive plastic

• Generally the easiest, most convenient tape to use
• Versatile because it adheres without water and sticks to a variety of surfaces and shapes
• Apply three strips to both the top and bottom flaps of the box. For regular slotted containers (RSC), where the flaps meet in the center, apply three strips of tape to both the top and bottom of the box, so the middle and two edge seams are sealed. For corrugated containers where the flaps overlap (FOL), apply three strips of tape to both the top and bottom of the box, so the three edge seams are sealed.

Nylon reinforced filament tape Use 60 lb (27 kg) grade tape at least three inches (7.62 cm) wide Apply three strips to both the top and bottom flaps of the box. For regular slotted containers (RSC), where the flaps meet in the center, apply three strips of tape to both the top and bottom of the box, so the middle and two edge seams are sealed. For corrugated containers where the flaps overlap (FOL), apply three strips of tape to both the top and bottom of the box, so the three edge seams are sealed.

• Always include the recipient´s postal code with the complete street address. For international shipments, include a contact name, telephone number, and postal code.
• You must make every effort to obtain a street address. If a shipper should use a P.O. Box address, the recipient´s telephone number must be included on the label. Your package that is addressed to a P.O. Box may be delayed, will not be covered by any UPS Service Guarantee, and will require an address correction charge. Army Post Office (APO) and Fleet Post Office (FPO) addresses are not accepted.
• Please include the apartment or unit number, if applicable.
• Place the shipping label on the top of the package. To avoid confusion, place only one address label on the package. If you are using a packing slip, place it on the same surface of the package as the address label.
• Do not place the label over a seam or closure or on top of sealing tape.
• Remove or cross out old labels or markings on a used box.
• Always include your complete return address, including full street address and postal code. For international shipments, include a contact name, telephone number, and postal code.
• Place a duplicate label or other form of identification inside your package.

Note: If you are using a mailing tube, place the label horizontally, with each end of the label pointing toward the ends of the tube, so the bar code can be scanned.

Note: The smart labels produced by UPS WorldShip^®, UPS Internet Shipping, and UPS OnLine Compatible Vendor shipping systems include bar codes and routing codes that help ensure accurate routing and prompt delivery of your shipments. In addition, the use of smart labels allows you fast access to tracking and delivery information.

Note: UPS does not provide special handling for packages with “Fragile”, package orientation (e.g., “UP” arrows or “This End Up” markings), or any other similar such markings.