Common Types of Custom Boxes

common types of custom boxes

Brands and companies use boxes for different purposes in many styles and designs. At Bolt Boxes, we offer several different types of corrugated boxes for services such as businesses, manufacturers, e-commerce, subscription box companies and ad agencies, as we strive to produce the best quality product for our customers.

We can create a custom box perfect for your business that protects your products better than standard stock-sized boxes with our manufacturing design and technology. Learn how many types of corrugated boxes there are and which is best for your operations below.

Different Types of Boxes for Businesses

A company’s shipping needs require stronger, more bulk-friendly box options than those for residential shipping or packing. Most product or shipment companies deal with one or more of the following box types:

  • Corrugated: Corrugated boxes look similar to standard cardboard boxes but are densely layered with materials varying in thickness. This makes them a spacious, durable option for shipping that’s also recyclable. Corrugated boxes are available in multiple styles, like easy-fold or custom printed designs, and are one of the most cost-effective shipping methods available. When disassembled and laid flat, you can easily store and organize them.
  • Rigid: Rigid boxes provide a more lavish experience for the end-user than other box types because of their sleek, durable design, which lends itself to presentation. Recipients open a box — like a shoebox or a box housing a new smartphone — and the focus is on the product. They are a popular choice for fragile and expensive items and, because they’re also customizable, they’re perfect for branding.
  • Folding: Folding boxes or cartons are thinner, lighter boxes without the layers corrugated boxes offer, but with just as much versatility. You’re familiar with folding boxes if you’ve ever purchased a tube of lipstick or a box of frozen food from the grocery store. Some boxes, like packaging boxes, are product-specific, like the branded boxes you get with takeout fried rice. These boxes are easily customizable and brandable, available in multiple shapes and sizes. Their minimal weight makes them easy to store and ship.
  • Mailers: Mailers refer to two types of containers in the shipping industry — mailer envelopes and mailer boxes. Mailer envelopes are thick, padded shipping envelopes for moving lightweight or fragile paper items. Mailer boxes, specifically C-series mailer boxes, have a self-locking fold design that opens like a pizza box.

What makes Bolt Boxes unique is your ability to customize any piece of a box and even include your business logo. Our custom-sized boxes come with a variety of options, including RSC shipping boxes, C-series mailers and end loading boxes.

1. RSC Shipping Boxes

Regular slotted container boxes, called RSC shipping boxes, typically refer to standard corrugated cardboard boxes with foldable flaps you can close with shipping tape, staples or similar adhesives. They are a common choice for product shipping, especially in larger quantities, and can be customized to fit various weights or space restrictions. When you think of traditional shipping methods, you’re probably imagining RSC shipping boxes.

Although suitable for shipping, you may want to avoid stacking these boxes when assembled, as they may not withstand the weight of each other without toppling or bending at the corners or near the flaps. When unfolded, these boxes usually lay flat for easier storage and organization around your warehouse or store. Bolt Boxes offers RSC boxes in the widths, lengths and custom designs your company needs.

2. C-Series Mailers

C-series mailer

If you are an e-commerce business, C-Series mailer boxes are perfect. These boxes are common choices for clothing and subscription box companies because of their tapeless design. C-series boxes self-lock for safe, secure packing. These containers, made from durable corrugated cardboard, are extremely versatile. C-series mailer boxes are typically more costly than other box types because of their premium design and appearance.

At Bolt Boxes, we engineer C-series mailer boxes to withstand your high-volume shipping needs, and you can design the box to showcase your brand and provide a better unboxing process for your end-user. Check out this video to learn how C-Series Mailer boxes are folded to be shipping-ready.

3. End loading boxes

End loading boxes are great for larger and heavy products as they have overlapping flaps on both ends of the box to ensure extra protection when transporting products. These boxes are trending due to the push for sustainability and user experiences.

End loading boxes are often the best choice for the environment and eco-conscious companies because they are one of several box types made from durable corrugated materials, often sourced from other recycled boxes and packaging. Cardboard side load boxes protect your items and maintain your company’s reputation for sustainability and quality service. They require minimal packing material and are still very durable.

These boxes are highly adaptable, and you can use them to ship many different items, including:

  • Paintings and other artwork
  • Important documents or files
  • Attachable floor or wall panels
  • Mirrors
  • Picture frames
  • Decor pieces
  • Manufacturing supplies

End loading boxes can be an ideal solution for stability, durability and protection for the right products. If you’re looking for a box that can hold up against the stress of transport or want to minimize the need for an abundance of filler and packing material, the added strength of end loading boxes could be just the solution you’ve been looking for.

Learn about custom box options at Bolt Boxes

Learn More About Custom Box Options at Bolt Boxes

The right shipping boxes can make or break your company’s reputation and mean the difference between a product that arrives safely to its recipient or gets damaged in transit. Durable boxes are essential, and they should be sized to fit your custom specifications and weight requirements for optimal cost savings and efficiency. You also want your company’s branding showcased so your customers know who you are and will remember your name when they’re ready to reorder a product.

At Bolt Boxes, we can help you determine the best type of box for your company’s shipping needs. Design your own custom boxes and get immediate pricing, or reach out to a Bolt Box representative today to learn more about our shipping and print services.