Types of Boxes: 12 Kinds of Shipping and Packaging Boxes
Most shipping boxes are corrugated: a fluted layer of paper glued between flat liners. The types differ in how the board is cut and folded, how many layers it has and what the box is built to carry. A regular slotted carton handles most shipments, and the other types solve a specific problem such as weight, length, presentation or temperature.
Types of boxes at a glance
| Box | Known for | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Regular slotted cartons | RSC | General shipping, Ecommerce orders, Storage |
| Cube boxes | Equal sides | Mugs and candles, Bulky items, Items with cushioning |
| Long boxes | Narrow and long | Tools, Lamps and fixtures, Long parts |
| Double wall boxes | Heavy duty | Heavy products, Stacking, Repeat use |
| White corrugated boxes | Clean look | Retail brands, Subscription orders, Printed labels |
| Telescoping boxes | Adjustable | Rods and tubing, Posters and art, Odd lengths |
| Mailer boxes | Self locking | Ecommerce, Subscription boxes, Small products |
| Literature mailers | Flat items | Books, Catalogs, Flat products |
| Folding cartons | Retail packaging | Retail shelves, Small parts, Gift packaging |
| Gaylord boxes | Bulk containers | Bulk parts, Pallet loads, Recycling collection |
| Insulated boxes | Temperature control | Food, Pharmaceuticals, Cold chain orders |
| Moving boxes | Household moves | Books and dishes, Clothes and linens, Storage |
Quick picks: what are you shipping?
The 12 types of boxes
Regular slotted cartons
This is the standard shipping box: one scored and slotted sheet of corrugated with four flaps on top and four on the bottom. All the flaps are the same length, and the outer flaps meet in the middle when closed.
Cube boxes
Cube boxes have equal length, width and height. They leave even room for cushioning on every side, which helps with round or fragile products.
Long boxes
Long boxes are built around one long dimension and a narrow cross section. The closer fit means less void fill and often a lower dimensional weight than a large square box.
Double wall boxes
Double wall board has two fluted layers between three liners, so it handles more weight and stacking pressure than single wall. Compare grades in the box weight capacity chart.
White corrugated boxes
White boxes are corrugated with a white outer liner. They ship the same way as kraft boxes and give a brighter first impression when the package arrives.
Telescoping boxes
Telescoping boxes come as an inner and an outer piece that slide together, so one set covers a range of lengths. Sizes are in the telescoping box size chart.
Mailer boxes
Mailer boxes are one-piece corrugated boxes with a hinged lid and locking tabs, and many have a self-seal strip. Their shallow shape suits small products and a neat opening.
Literature mailers
Literature mailers fold around flat items such as books and catalogs, and many adjust to the height of what is inside. They protect corners and edges better than an envelope.
Folding cartons
Folding cartons are made from paperboard, the single-layer stock used for cereal and cosmetic boxes. They present a product well, but they are not made to ship alone, so pack them inside a corrugated box.
Gaylord boxes
Gaylords are pallet-sized corrugated containers for bulk goods, often with several walls of board. They ship and store loose product on a standard pallet.
Insulated boxes
Insulated shippers pair a corrugated outer box with an EPS foam container or a liner. Add cold packs and test your transit time, since the box slows temperature change and does not stop it.
Moving boxes
Moving boxes are standard corrugated cartons sold in sizes that suit household goods. Use small boxes for heavy items and large boxes for light ones. The moving box size chart lists common sizes.
Corrugated vs cardboard vs paperboard
People use cardboard for almost any box, but the trade separates two materials. Corrugated board has a fluted middle layer and is what shipping boxes are made of. Paperboard is a single thick layer used for retail cartons. The corrugated cardboard guide explains flutes, wall types and how box strength is rated.
How to choose a box
Start with the size of the product plus cushioning, then pick the strength for its weight. A box that fits closely uses less void fill and can reduce dimensional weight charges. Use the box size chart for standard dimensions and the box size finder to match a product to a box.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main types of boxes?
The main types are regular slotted cartons, cube boxes, long boxes, double wall boxes, white corrugated boxes, telescoping boxes, mailer boxes, literature mailers, folding cartons, gaylords, insulated boxes and moving boxes.
What is the most common type of shipping box?
The regular slotted carton, or RSC. It is cut from one sheet of corrugated, and all of its flaps are the same length.
What is the difference between a mailer box and a shipping box?
A mailer box is a one-piece box with a hinged lid and locking tabs, usually shallow. A standard shipping box has four flaps top and bottom and closes with tape.
What is a gaylord box?
A gaylord is a large corrugated container sized to sit on a pallet and hold bulk goods.