So, you want to send an urgent courier but don’t know where to find packaging materials, right? Wondering where to buy shipping boxes in Canada? Caught in the dilemma of choosing the right box that balances cost and protection?
We get it. Searching for shipping supplies can be frustrating when you just need to safely send off a package. So, back to the question. Where do you find the shipping boxes for your parcel and how could you find the right one?
Chill! You’re about to feed two birds with one scone. Well, in this case, three! In this blog, we discuss the top retailers to buy shipping boxes, which types of boxes are best fit and how to find the best fit boxes for your package.
Let’s get started!
Where to Buy Shipping Boxes in Canada?
You’ve chosen the company offering the fastest shipping in Canada; now it’s time for shipping. Multiple online shops, wholesalers, and brick-and-mortar stores across the country sell good packaging supplies. Let’s talk about some of the most popular shipping box suppliers:
Amazon
Amazon, one of the biggest online stores, has more than 9,000 items when you look for “shipping boxes.” They have a wide selection of corrugated cardboard, plastic poly bags and bubble mailers. Amazon Prime members get free two-day shipping on many supplies.
Uline
This wholesale supplier has more than 38,500+ shipping and packing supplies. You can get the best deals at Uline if you buy in bulk. Sometimes they are over 50% cheaper than Amazon. They ship quickly across North America from their 12 warehouses.
Staples
You can visit the Staples website or one of their stores across Canada to look at their wide range of packaging products. As a Staples Rewards member, you can get savings and free shipping. They also offer custom packaging solutions.
Home Depot
Home Depot has a lot of heavy-duty boxes, like wardrobe and TV boxes, as well as big boxes and specialty moving boxes. They also sell kits that come with different kinds of boxes and packing supplies. They are usually used for moving, but you can also use them to ship things.
Walmart Canada
You can buy boxes at Walmart in person or online. The store chain is great for last-minute shopping because many of their sites are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Small orders can cost less than $1 and larger orders $100.
Lowe’s Canada
Lowes has a wide collection of boxes and mailing supplies available at their website and 70+ Canadian locations. They have their own brand of boxes, as well as Duck, Bankers Box, and other brands. Prices can start at $1 and go up to around $1,000.
EcoEnclose
EcoEnclose helps people package things in an eco-friendly way, and they sell reusable and long-lasting shipping boxes. Eco-friendly companies can find choices that work with their goals for sustainability and make sure their shipping is safe and done in an eco-friendly way.
Where to Get Free Shipping Boxes?
Spending a lot of money on shipping supplies like boxes and padding can eat away at your profits. Good news: if you know where to look, you can get good packing materials for free. We’ve talked about where to buy shipping boxes previously.
Now, let’s find some of the best options to score free shipping boxes and supplies:
Canada Post
The official postal service has a large selection of quality shipping boxes and mailers. You’ll get free shipping boxes when you use Canada Post to ship your packages. They also sell packaging at Canada Post locations and online.
Neighbors and Local Businesses
Local retailers, grocery stores, and neighboring businesses often have surplus shipping boxes. As a supportive member of the community, you can get free or low-cost boxes from them. This will strengthen your relationship with your community and also make a good impact on the environment.
Your Own Materials
You can recycle old materials for shipping by repurposing sturdy boxes received from suppliers or customers. Reusing materials not only reduces expenses but also minimizes the environmental impact of packaging waste.
Types of Shipping Boxes
The next question is how do you choose a box to properly ship your products with so many options? Let’s discuss how to find the perfect boxes and containers so your shipments arrive intact.
Corrugated Cardboard Boxes
Corrugated cardboard boxes are versatile shipping components accepted by all courier carriers. These strong cases are perfect for most items, even ones that are easily broken. You can find a cardboard box in many forms, such as square, telescoping tubes, and even triangles, so it will fit any item.
Branded and Customized Boxes
Nothing beats shipping your product in a box with your logo and brand. This gives customers a better unboxing experience and leaves a lasting impression. Personalizing a box with your logo or specific dimensions can go a long way.
Insulated Boxes
Insulated boxes have an inner insulated container of styrofoam or polyurethane and a cardboard outer box. These boxes are designed to ship temperature sensitive items like foods, plants or medical supplies.
Specialized Moving Boxes
Specialized moving boxes ensure the best security for a certain type of item. For example, a box for dishes and glasses might have slotted pieces to make it safer. Boxes for flat-screen TVs and mirrors are made to fit their specific size needs.
Rigid Boxes
Rigid boxes, also known as set-up boxes, offer superior strength and durability compared to standard cardboard boxes. They are made from rigid materials such as paperboard or chipboard and can’t be folded up to save space. Rigid boxes are commonly used for luxury or high-end products like electronics, jewelry, and premium cosmetics.
Collapsible Boxes
Collapsible boxes save space and fold easily. They are versatile and can fit different-sized items. Also, they are cost-effective with their reusable design. These boxes are eco-friendly and customizable for branding, making them perfect for organizations with limited storage.
Poly Boxes
Poly boxes, or plastic shipping boxes, offer superior resistance to moisture and damage compared to cardboard alternatives. They are ideal for shipping perishable or delicate items that need extra protection. The food, pharmaceuticals, and electronics industries use poly boxes to protect products.
Different Shipping Boxes Sizes
A variety of box sizes are available to cater to diverse storage and shipping requirements. Common box sizes and their intended uses include:
- Small Boxes:
Measuring approximately 16″ x 12″ x 12″, these boxes are well-suited for shipping or storing smaller items such as books, electronics, or clothing.
- Medium Boxes:
With dimensions of approximately 18″ x 18″ x 16″, medium boxes offer versatility and can be used for shipping or storing a range of items, including kitchenware, toys, and small appliances.
- Large Boxes:
Measuring around 18″ x 18″ x 24″, large boxes are typically employed for shipping or storing bulkier items such as bedding, pillows, or lampshades.
- Extra-Large Boxes:
With dimensions of approximately 24″ x 18″ x 24″, extra-large boxes are designed to accommodate larger items like artwork, sports equipment, or furniture components.
Specialized boxes are also available for specific purposes:
- Wardrobe Boxes:
Measuring approximately 24″ x 20″ x 48″, these boxes are specifically designed for transporting clothing on hangers. They come equipped with a metal bar for hanging clothes.
- File Boxes:
Measuring around 15″ x 12″ x 10″, file boxes are designed to hold documents, files, or paperwork.
- Dish Pack Boxes:
These boxes are specially designed for packing and shipping fragile items, such as dishes, glasses, and ceramics. They are typically double-walled for added protection and come with dividers to separate and cushion items.
- Picture Boxes:
Picture boxes come in various sizes and are designed to safely transport framed artwork, mirrors, and other delicate items.You can choose the option that best suits your specific needs and desired level of detail. But if you are still confused, contact us for a proper guidance!
How to Choose the Right Shipping Box?
Done about Where to buy shipping boxes and how to get the free ones. Time to explore which type of box is best for safely shipping your products? While looking for the perfect box, consider these factors:
Size and Dimensions
Choose a shipping box that is the right size to fit your items without having extra room. You might need to use more packing materials to fill in empty spaces and keep the box from breaking if it’s too big.
Also, oversized boxes can raise the cost of shipping and have a negative effect on the environment. Carefully measure your items and pick a box that provides a snug fit to minimize movement during transit.
Weight and Strength
Consider the weight and strength requirements of your products when choosing a shipping box. If you are shipping big or fragile items, choose sturdy corrugated cardboard boxes or rigid set-up boxes that protect better against damage. Lightweight objects may fit in lighter cardboard or poly boxes, depending on protection.
Special Features
You may need boxes with special features like insulation, moisture resistance, or tamper-evident seals depending on what you need to ship. Check your items’ needs and choose boxes with the right features for safe transport. For example, insulated boxes are best for sending perishable items.
Branding and Customization:
Branding and customizing shipping boxes helps build your brand and improves the unwrapping experience. You can make your box more unique by using custom printing, branded tape, or stickers. Choose box colors and designs that match your brand and target audience.
Conclusion
Well, here we are, at the end of this blog. So far, we have discussed where to buy shipping boxes, variants of shipping boxes, and how to pick the right one. Hope this will help you ease your task.
Remember, the box you choose acts as an ambassador for your brand. It shows how much you care about quality and care. You can choose well-known stores like Amazon and Staples, support small businesses in your area, or look into eco-friendly choices.
With the packaging industry expected to grow to $230 billion by 2033, there will be many shipping box options to consider. Let the trip of each box show how dedicated, high-quality, and one-of-a-kind your brand is. Happy shipping!
FAQs
Can You Buy Boxes at the Post Office?
Yes, you can purchase a variety of shipping boxes and packaging materials directly from your local post office. You can use cardboard boxes, mailing envelopes, padded bags, and bubble wrap. Post offices sell boxes in normal sizes and boxes that can hold heavier items.
What Boxes Are Good for Shipping?
Corrugated cardboard boxes are the best for shipping most products because they are sturdy yet lightweight. Look for single or double walled boxes with good seam and edge construction. Avoid overly flimsy boxes. Brands look good on custom-printed boxes.
What Is the Cheapest Packaging Material?
For the most budget-friendly packaging materials, try repurposing used boxes, shredded paper, or packing peanuts. New materials like loosefill peanuts and air cushions can cushion and fill boxes cheaply. Plain brown kraft paper can also be an inexpensive protective wrapping.
