Long Shipping Boxes
Long shipping boxes are especially designed for the mailing or storage of tall and narrow items. They are available in a number of different sizes and styles.
Top Load and Side Load RSC Boxes
As you come across the various types of long shipping boxes, you will notice that some will require you to load contents through the shorter side (top load) and some will require you to load contents through the long side (side load). In general, we recommend side loading models for medium to light weight items, or contents for which you must lay down in a particular configuration. For heavier items we recommend that you use top loading models. The reason for this is most times these packages are handled long side facing up. With the majority of its weight concentrated on the long side, a heavy object can burst through the flaps if not sealed properly. However, when the flaps are on the shorter side, there is little to no stress placed on them and the contents are supported by solid cardboard walls.
Are These Cartons Strong Enough To Handle My Shipment?
As long as you follow the above mentioned guidelines, for the most part, yes! The majority of long shipping boxes will have an industry standard 200 lb / 32 ECT strength rating. This means that the side walls will be able to withstand two hundred pounds of pressure per square inch along the side walls before they start showing signs of tearing. Furthermore, they will be able to withstand up to 32 pounds of pressure per square inch along the top ridge before they start to show signs of crumpling. So even when shipping a large or tall item, this should provide adequate cushion and rigidity for most shipping applications. Keep in mind that couriers do recommend that you limit the weight of the contents to forty pounds when using standard strength shippers. If you need a heavier duty box, consider using a shipping box with a 275 lb / 48 ECT strength certification, which will have a courier recommended weight capacity of 65 pounds. These, however, are usually only available in larger sized shipping boxes, the most common being 48 x 12 x 12 inches.
Sizing
Although we recommend that you get an accurate measurement of the width, length, and height of the item(s) that you are shipping, we’ve provided a general sizing guide below.
Boxes with short sides measuring 3 x 3 – 6 x 6 inches and long sides measuring 6 – 16 inches are recommended for smaller items. Popular sizes in this range are 6 x 4 x 14 and 6 x 4 x 16 inches.
For mid sized items, we recommend that you use boxes with short sides measuring 4 x 4 to 9 x 9 inches, and long sides measuring 16 – 22 inches. We find that 6 x 6 x 17 and 8 x 8 x 20 inch long shipping boxes will fit mmsg medium sized items nicely.
To ship large items, you will need boxes with short side dimensions measuring 4 x 4 to 16 x 16 inches, and long side dimensions measuring 24 – 33 inches. Popular sizes in this category are 4 x 4 x 24, 10 x 8 x 24, and 8 x 8 x 24 inches.
Extra large items tend to need long shipping boxes with short sides measuring between 4 x 4 and 16 x 16 inches, and long sides measuring between 36 and 48 inches. Popular extra large sizes include 10 x 10 x 36, 10 x 12 x 36, and 12 x 12 x 48 inches.
For shipping objects that are both very long and very narrow, such as rods, you will need a different type of long shipping boxes, more commonly referred to as tall shipping boxes. These specialty mailers have very small width-length, 4 x 4 inches for instance, but very long height measurements, some as long as 74 inches.
Cost
Prices will vary, and depend on things such as the merchant from which you make your purchase, size, and quantity ordered. Below is a quick pricing guide that will show general pricing for the different sized boxes. Usually the bigger the size the greater the cost per box, although there are some exceptions, where the more popular sizes will cost more. All prices shown below are per box based on a lot of 25 units, because most merchants will require you to buy a minimum of 25 units per order per size.
Small – $.25 – $.70
Medium – $.60 – $1.05
Large – $.65 – $2.70
Extra large – $1.00 – $4.00
Telescopic Boxes
These types of long shipping boxes are specifically meant for shipping tall fragile items that require careful preparation in the packaging, and tight containment to prevent potential damage that could be caused by excessive or sharp movement while in transit to their destination. These items often include artwork and furnishings such as statues, paintings, mirrors, lamps, etc. They come in two halves, the bottom half that cradles the contents, and the top half that covers the contents. Overall height can be adjusted by sliding the top half up and down, as it overlaps the bottom carton. These are highly versatile and can be used to ship extremely tall or long items, as some models can adjust to mores than one hundred inches in height.
There are two types of telescopic long shipping boxes – tall and flat.
Tall telescopic shipping boxes are meant for shipping bulky, heavy, fragile items (i.e. sculptures) that must be handled upright at all times while in transit.
They are available in a number of different sizes. The most popular models will provide the following dimensions. Prices are listed below as well.
48 – 90 inches tall, with base measuring 4 x 4 – 12 x 12 inches depending on model. Prices: $2.35 – $7.50 per box.
40 – 74 inches tall, with base measuring 14 x 14 – 24 x 24 inches depending on model. Prices: $6.00 – $8.75 per box.
Flat telescopic shipping boxes are meant for shipping items that are wide and tall, but have narrow depth (i.e. portaits).
Below are the most common sizes, as well as
Base 24 x 8 inches, Height 57 – 108 inches. $24 per box.
Base 30 x 6 inches, Height 24 – 44 inches. $7 per box.
Base 37 x 4 inches, Height 30 – 60 inches. $10 per box.
Base 48 x 6 inches. Height 38 – 72 inches. $12 per box.
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