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Free design proofs, free samples, no minimum order, and we will beat any written quote from a competitor. Any diameter, any length, plastic or metal end caps.
A mailing tube is a spiral-wound kraft cylinder with a cap on each end, built to ship anything rolled or too long to box: posters, blueprints, artwork, calendars, fabric bolts, and anything else that would crease or bend flat. Rolling the item and shipping it round protects it in a way a flat mailer or box cannot, and a tube is lighter than an equivalent box for the same length.
We make tubes to any diameter and any length, in a spiral-wound kraft wall, with your choice of end cap and full-color printing on the outside wall.
Common sizes
| Diameter | Typical length | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 12 to 24 in | Small prints, single posters, documents |
| 3 in | 18 to 36 in | Standard posters, blueprints, art prints |
| 4 in | 24 to 48 in | Large art prints, multiple rolled documents |
| 6 in and up | Custom | Fabric bolts, banners, oversized prints |
Wall thickness and end caps
The kraft wall is built in layers; more layers mean a stiffer tube that resists crushing, and we spec the wall to the weight and length of what is inside. End caps come in two types: recessed plastic push caps, which sit slightly inside the tube for a clean flush look, and metal ends, which are more durable for repeated shipping or heavier contents. Both are sealed to keep moisture and dust out during transit.
Print and finish
The outside wall prints full color end to end, so a tube can carry a brand design, shipping instructions, or artwork the same way a box does. Plain kraft with a printed shipping label is also available for lower-cost runs where branding is not the priority.
In short
What to send us: the rolled diameter and length of what is shipping, how many units, and whether it needs to be waterproof or crush resistant. What you get back: a diameter, wall thickness, and end cap recommendation, a free sample, and a production quote with no minimum order.
Mailing tube questions
What size mailing tube do I need?
Roll the item to its finished diameter and add a small clearance so it slides in without forcing; add an inch or two of length beyond the rolled item so it does not shift and press against the end caps. Send us the rolled dimensions and we will confirm the exact tube size.
Are mailing tubes waterproof?
The kraft wall is not waterproof on its own, but a water-resistant coating and sealed end caps keep out normal handling moisture and light rain. For guaranteed waterproofing in wet conditions, ask about a coated or laminated wall.
What is the difference between a mailing tube and a shipping box?
A tube ships anything rolled: posters, blueprints, prints, and fabric. Rolling and shipping round protects the item from the creases and bends a flat box would cause, and a tube is lighter than a box built to the same length.
Plastic or metal end caps?
Recessed plastic push caps give a clean flush look and work for most orders. Metal ends cost more but hold up better under repeated shipping or heavier contents, so they are worth it for tubes that get reused or ship rough freight.
What is the minimum order for custom mailing tubes?
There is no fixed minimum. Small runs are practical since printing is digital at lower quantities, and pricing improves as the order grows.
A mailing tube is the right shape for anything rolled. For items that ship flat instead, see custom corrugated boxes, and use custom packing tape to seal cartons alongside a tube shipment. For a rolled product that needs internal cushioning, add a paper insert or divider.
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