Shipping costs can quickly add up when parcels are larger than they need to be. Oversized cartons may take up unnecessary space during transport, while extra room inside a package can also increase the amount of protective material required. Choosing packaging that better matches the dimensions of each product can make the overall packing process more economical. In this blog post from Abbe, we’ll look at how right-sized shipping packaging can help businesses control freight expenses. We also consider practical ways to choose suitable boxes without compromising the protection products need while they’re being transported.
Why Packaging Size Can Affect Shipping Costs
Freight charges can be influenced by the physical size of a parcel as well as its weight. This means a lightweight product placed inside an unnecessarily large carton may cost more to send than expected. Right-sizing your shipping packaging helps make better use of the available parcel space without squeezing products into boxes that are too small. It may also reduce the need for large amounts of void fill because there’s less empty room surrounding the item. For businesses sending orders regularly, these small improvements can be valuable as shipment volumes grow.
Match Your Boxes to the Products You Send
Choosing suitable cartons is easier when you have a clear picture of the products moving through your packing area. A box should comfortably accommodate the packed item without leaving large areas of unused space around it. If your business regularly handles orders of different sizes, maintaining a practical range of wholesale shipping boxes can be more useful than trying to make the same large carton work for almost every shipment. Packers can then select a size that more closely reflects what’s being sent.
Useful considerations when reviewing box sizes include:
- Measure products after protective wrapping has been added
- Compare the internal dimensions of available cartons
- Keep suitable sizes for frequently shipped orders
- Review parcels that regularly contain excess empty space
- Reassess box requirements when your product range changes
Reduce Unnecessary Space Inside Each Parcel
When reviewing carton sizes, it’s worth looking at how much unused room remains once the product is packed. Some space may be needed for protective materials, especially when an item could shift during delivery. Large areas of empty space, however, can result in more void fill being used simply to stabilise the contents. Selecting appropriately proportioned delivery boxes can help reduce this problem without sacrificing the protection needed during transport. Rather than automatically choosing the smallest carton available, focus on finding a size that accommodates the packed product comfortably while avoiding unnecessary volume around it.
Choose Packaging Around Your eCommerce Orders
For an eCommerce business, packaging requirements often depend on the types of orders customers actually place. Some parcels may contain only one item, while other orders need a larger carton to accommodate multiple products safely. Looking at your typical order sizes can help determine which cartons deserve a regular place in your packing area. When choosing packaging for eCommerce, allow for any protective wrapping that forms part of the finished parcel rather than basing box dimensions only on the bare product. A practical range of sizes makes it easier to select packaging according to the order instead of defaulting to a carton with far more space than necessary.
Review Your Packaging Choices as Your Business Changes
Packaging requirements can change as a business develops, so it makes sense to revisit carton sizes from time to time. New products may require different dimensions, while changes in customer orders can alter which box sizes are used most frequently. If your current packaging range was selected some time ago, reviewing a sample of recent shipments can show whether those cartons still suit the way you operate. Boxes that repeatedly contain large amounts of unused space may be worth reconsidering. Adjusting your range to suit current shipping needs can help prevent inefficient packaging habits from becoming part of the everyday fulfilment process.
Talk to Abbe About Your Packaging Requirements
At Abbe, we can help you explore packaging options that suit the products your business sends and the way your orders are packed. If you’re reviewing your current packaging range or looking for boxes better suited to your everyday orders, speak with our team about the options available.
