Custom shipping boxes are corrugated boxes built to protect your product through the mail and freight while carrying your brand. At The Best Price Boxes we make them to your exact size, in the board strength your product needs, with full color printing, and with no minimum order, free design, free samples, and free shipping. This guide walks you through styles, board strength, sizes, and cost, then gives you a fast way to price your exact box.
Custom shipping box styles
The right style depends on weight, how the box is packed, and whether branding matters. These are the most common choices.
- Regular slotted carton (RSC). The classic shipping box. Flaps meet in the middle and are taped. Efficient, strong, and economical for most products.
- Mailer box. One piece corrugated box with self locking flaps that folds without tape. Best for ecommerce and a branded unboxing experience on lighter to medium products.
- Full overlap box. Flaps fully overlap for extra stacking strength and edge protection, good for heavier or fragile items.
- Telescoping box. A separate lid and base for very heavy products or when you need extra depth control.
- Die cut shipper. A custom cut structure with built in protection or inserts for a precise fit.
Board strength: choosing the right flute
Corrugated board has a fluted inner layer that gives strength and cushioning. The flute profile and the board grade decide how much weight the box can protect and stack. Use this as a starting guide, and our team confirms the right board for your exact product and shipping method at no cost.
| Flute | Thickness | Typical use | Relative strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| E flute | About 1/16 inch | Small, light retail and product boxes with fine printing | Light |
| B flute | About 1/8 inch | Mailers and lighter shipping boxes, good puncture resistance | Medium |
| C flute | About 3/16 inch | The most common shipping box board, strong stacking | Strong |
| Double wall (BC or EB) | About 1/4 inch or more | Heavy, fragile, or long transit and freight | Very strong |
Common shipping box sizes
Any custom size is free, so the box fits the product rather than the product rattling in a box that is too big. A right sized box protects better and often lowers dimensional shipping cost. These common sizes are a helpful starting point.
| Size range | Good for |
|---|---|
| 6x4x3 to 9x6x4 inches | Small, light products, accessories, single items |
| 10x8x6 to 12x12x8 inches | Medium products, apparel, multi item ecommerce orders |
| 14x12x8 to 18x14x10 inches | Larger or bundled products |
| 18x18x16 inches and up, or double wall | Heavy, bulky, or fragile items and freight |
Mailer box or shipping box, which do you need?
| Factor | Mailer box | Shipping box (RSC) |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | One piece, self locking flaps, no tape | Flaps meet and are taped closed |
| Best for | Ecommerce, lighter to medium products, branded unboxing | Heavier, bulk, stacking, longer transit |
| Branding | Strong printed unboxing moment | Full color printable, more functional |
| Assembly | Folds together in seconds | Tape required |
| Ships on its own | Yes | Yes |
What affects the cost of custom shipping boxes
Shipping box price depends on the size, the board strength, the printing and finishes, and the quantity, and unit price falls as volume rises. There are no hidden plate or die charges surprises, we quote your real specification. For a fast relative estimate, use our free cost estimator, then request a free quote for the exact number. New customers also get 25 percent off the first order and we price match comparable custom orders.
Custom shipping boxes FAQ
Do you have a minimum order for custom shipping boxes?
No. There is no minimum order. You can order the exact quantity you need, from a small first run to full production, and unit price falls as the quantity rises.
How do I choose the right size shipping box?
Measure your product and add a little clearance for any protection, or use our free box size finder. A right sized box protects better and often lowers dimensional shipping cost. We confirm the exact size with a free sample and 3D mockup.
Which board strength do I need?
E and B flute suit lighter products, C flute is the standard for most shipping boxes, and double wall is for heavy, fragile, or long transit. Tell us the weight and how it ships and we will recommend the right board free of charge.
Can shipping boxes be printed in full color?
Yes. Custom shipping boxes print in full color inside and out, so you get protection and branding together.
Can I get free samples before I order?
Yes. Free samples and a free 3D mockup let you feel the board and see your artwork on the real box before you approve production.
How long does production take?
Typically about 10 to 14 business days after you approve the artwork, and we can advise on rush timelines. Tell us your deadline and we will confirm.
Do you help with the design and dieline?
Yes. Design is free. Our team prepares the correct dieline and a print ready file so your artwork lines up with the finished box.
How do I get an exact price?
Send us the size, board, printing, and quantity for a free quote on your exact specification, or start with our free cost estimator for a quick relative guide. We also price match comparable custom orders.
Related packaging
Explore related options: record and album mailers, bubble mailers, custom retail packaging, and our guide to choosing the right packaging. Not sure where to start? Read why brands trust us.
Get your custom shipping boxes
Tell us your product, size, and how it ships, and our US team will recommend the right box and price it on your exact specification. No minimum order, free design, free samples, and 25 percent off your first order. Request your free quote.