Why the Right Box Matters in Shipping

When preparing a shipment, you might think any box will do—but that’s far from the truth. There’s a big difference between a box used for storage and one rated for transportation. Using the wrong box could lead to damaged goods, unhappy customers, and extra shipping costs.

One simple way to ensure you’re using the right box? Check the box manufacturer’s stamp on the bottom. This stamp tells you the box’s strength and whether it’s meant for storage or shipping.

Understanding the Box Manufacturer’s Stamp

Every corrugated box features a manufacturer’s stamp, typically found on the bottom flaps. This stamp includes key details about the box’s construction, including its Edge Crush Test (ECT) rating or Burst Test (Mullen Test) rating.

Here’s what you need to know:

Storage Boxes (Less than 32 ECT or under 200# Mullen Rating)


– Designed for holding items on a shelf

– Ideal for lightweight products like wine bottles or office supplies

– Not strong enough to withstand shipping pressure

box stamp
Shipping Boxes (32+ ECT or 200# Mullen Rating and Higher)

– Built to endure the stress of transportation

– Protects items from crushing, stacking, and rough handling

– Essential for eCommerce, fulfillment centers, and long-distance shipments

box damage

What Happens When You Use the Wrong Box?

Using a storage box for shipping can lead to:

Box Collapse: Weak boxes can buckle under pressure during transit.

Product Damage: Insufficient protection means higher chances of breakage.

Extra Costs: Returns, replacements, and customer complaints can hurt your bottom line.

To avoid these risks, always check the manufacturer’s stamp before packing your shipments!

Learn More About Packaging Tips

Ship Smarter with the Right Packaging

Choosing the correct shipping box isn’t just about durability—it’s about customer satisfaction and cost savings. By selecting ECT 32+ boxes, you’ll ensure that your shipments arrive safely and professionally, reinforcing trust in your business.

Need to ship with confidence? ShipTime makes it easy with discounted rates from top couriers, shipping insurance, integrated tracking, and free logistics tools.

Get A Quote

About ShipTime:

Ship Smarter – with ShipTime, we are a true partner beyond just discounted rates. We provide a best in class platform packed with features and backed by our legendary Heroic Support™ team.

 

You can sleep easy with ShipTime’s best-in-class customer care. Our bilingual team is available by phone, live chat, or email Monday – Friday from 8:30AM to 8PM EST.