Did you know nearly one in four damaged small shipments involve poor packaging choices for flat items? That stat still bugs me. I’ve watched gorgeous prints take a corner ding because someone grabbed the wrong box. Not judging—I’ve done it too. Years back, I rushed a drop to a gallery and used a box that was just a hair too deep. It rattled, got scuffed, and… yeah, I learned. Since then, I’ve leaned into purpose-built formats and right-sizing so things arrive clean and crisp.
At The Boxery, we guide you to the best fit fast. We listen to how your pieces move, sit, and arrive—then recommend formats like side-loading, ship-flat, clamshell, and archival short-lid so handling is secure and straightforward. If you’re shipping prints or canvases, these are the workhorses. For art especially, choosing the right profile matters—our go-to for makers and galleries is flat shipping boxes for art that keep edges from getting bullied in transit.
Market sizes range from compact 6 × 6 × 2 up to 36 × 24 × 8, and common constructions start at 32 ECT with stronger options for heavier loads. Our approach balances strength, interior fit, and cost—so you reduce void fill, avoid paying for air, and protect corners and edges.
Key Takeaways
- Choose the right format: side-loading and clamshells speed packing and protect flat goods.
- Match strength to weight: start with 32 ECT and step up when needed.
- Size precisely: interior dimensions, cut void fill, and shift during transit.
- Save on supply costs: 25-per-bundle and bulk packs lower per-unit spend.
- Better packing = fewer returns: the right box improves unboxing and reduces damage.
Meet The Boxery’s Flat Box lineup: built for safe, efficient shipping and storage in the United States
You’ll find reliable formats designed for safe transit and easy handling across the U.S. We organize options by format so you can choose what fits your product and workflow. If you prefer something shallow and snug, a sturdy flat cardboard box keeps items from sliding around and softens the impact of courier bumps.
Practical choices matter: Corrugated drop-front (ship-flat) styles, clamshells with matching folders, newspaper storage (standard and extra-deep), oversize flats, and archival short-lid storage. Many items ship in 25-per-bundle counts for predictable stocking.
Strength where you need it: Most runs start at 32 ECT. When weight, stacking, or courier handling demand more, we offer higher ECT and 200# burst strength to protect your pieces.
- Side-loading for quick slide-in packing and neat presentation.
- Ship-flat (drop-front) for easy access without bending.
- Clamshell and archival short-lid options for preservation-grade storage.
Because these units ship and store slim, you’ll see fewer aisle trips and less shelf sprawl—think flattened cardboard boxes that make inventory days a little less chaotic.
| Format | Bundle Count | Typical Strength |
| Ship-flat / Drop-front | 25 | 32 ECT |
| Clamshell / Short-lid | 25 | 32–200# |
| Newspaper / Oversized | 25 | 32–200# |
We pair interior footprint and depth so your items stay still. That reduces damage, speeds pack-out, and keeps costs steady across busy seasons.
Flat Box sizes, strengths, and formats to fit your shipment
Choose sizes and strengths that match your product so every shipment arrives as intended. Representative sizes: compact options start at 6 × 6 × 2 and step through 8 × 6 × 2, 10 × 8 × 2, 12 × 12 × 2, 14 × 14 × 2, 18 × 12 × 2, and 20 × 20 × 2. Larger footprints go up to 36 × 24 × 8 for posters and mounted pieces.
Strength and format choices
- Common strengths: 32 ECT covers everyday shipping. Upgrade to 44–48 ECT or 200# burst when weight, stacking, or long routes demand more protection.
- Packing styles: side-loading and ship-flat (drop-front) designs speed loading and protect edges. Clamshell and short-lid formats add repeatable presentation and archival-friendly separation when paired with folders.
- Depths 2?–8?: limit void fill and control DIM weight.
- Bundle counts: many SKUs ship in 25-per-bundle to lower cost-per-box and simplify inventory.
Right-sizing reduces rattling and claims—saving money and protecting your brand. For thin prints or rigid boards, a concise flat box profile is often the simplest way to achieve clean edges and a calmer unboxing.
| Use | Sizes | Strength |
| Small prints & accessories | 6–12 in. spans | 32 ECT |
| Medium art & catalogs | 14–20 in. spans | 32–48 ECT |
| Large posters & boards | Up to 36 × 24 × 8 | 44–200# |
Use cases: protect art, documents, and oversized items with the right box
A tailored approach to packaging keeps your art, documents, and signage safe from pickup to delivery. We help you pick formats that limit movement and protect edges so every piece arrives as intended.
Artwork and prints
Slim depths reduce internal shift and corner scuffing. Pair low-profile cartons with corner guards and a rigid backing for crisp edges and steady presentation.
Paper archives and newspapers
Archival short-lid and clamshell options keep collections horizontal and easy to retrieve. Use format-matched folders to stiffen stacks and separate issues for museums and libraries.
Large, flat merchandise
Oversized cartons protect posters, signage, apparel panels, and mounted pieces. For framed work or glass, choose higher ECT or 200# plus buffer layers—this combo absorbs vibration and cuts corner impact.
Clamshell and drop-front styles speed loading and preserve flat orientation. Standardizing a few proven sizes improves pack speed and lowers DIM weight surprises.
From originals to bulk kits, we tailor protection so that what you send is what your customers receive.
How to choose the best Flat Box for your shipping needs
Smart selection starts with measuring your item and thinking about transit stress. Measure length × width × depth, include sleeves, corner guards, or backing. Match those numbers to interior dimensions so the fit is snug without squeezing edges. When in doubt, go shallower before wider, so the cardboard box flat holds the piece steady instead of letting it swim around.
Match item dimensions to interior size tiers
Choose the smallest safe depth. Tighter depths cut void fill and keep DIM weight lower with U.S. carriers. Test one size up and one down before standardizing. You want a friction-fit that resists jostling but won’t warp corners.
Select board strength (ECT) by weight and handling
Start with 32 ECT for everyday shipments. Move to 44–48 ECT for heavier pieces or when stacking is common. Choose 200# burst for high-impact or long-term compression needs.
Side-loading and drop-front styles reduce bending for delicate or mounted pieces. Clamshells keep multi-part kits organized and speed pack-out. Buying in 25-per-bundle lots stabilizes the cost-per-unit and eases peak-season supply constraints.
| Decision | Typical Option | Why it matters |
| Size match | Interior = item + thin protection | Reduces void fill and DIM charges |
| Depth | 2?–8? tiers | A tighter profile lowers movement and cost |
| Strength | 32, 44, 48, 90 ECT; 200# | Protects against stacking and impacts |
| Format | Side-loading, drop-front, clamshell | Simplifies packing and preserves presentation |
The Boxery empowers you with clear steps so your choice is quick and right for the job. Keep a simple matrix of top items, preferred sizes, and strengths—new team members get confident fast.
Conclusion
We pair practical know-how with hands-on care so each shipment reaches its destination intact. Choose precision in size, the right strength, and a loading style that fits how your product moves. That formula cuts damage, limits void fill, and keeps costs steady. From compact to oversize footprints, typical 25-per-bundle efficiencies, and ECT to 200# upgrades, our options match handling and storage needs across U.S. deliveries.
If you’re building a standard kit list, consider a shallow shipper and a mid-depth model—two SKUs often cover most art, docs, and signage needs, mainly when you stick with proven flat box families.
FAQ
What sizes do the flat shipping boxes come in, and which fits my artwork?
The lineup includes compact options like 6 × 6 × 2 up to large 36 × 24 × 8 formats. Measure your piece (length × width × depth), allow a small buffer for protective layers, and pick the interior dimensions closest to that size to minimize movement and reduce void fill.
How do I choose the right board strength for heavy or fragile items?
Match board strength—commonly 32 ECT—to the item’s weight and handling risk. For heavier or frequently handled shipments, choose higher ECT or 200# options to improve crush resistance and protect corners during transit.
Are there styles that make packing flat artwork and documents easier?
Yes. Side-loading and ship-flat styles allow you to slide items in gently, reducing stress on corners and edges. Short-lid and clamshell designs also help with quick packing and secure closure for fragile prints and framed pieces.
Can these boxes be used for archival storage or long-term paper preservation?
Specific oversize and archival-friendly formats are designed for safe paper storage. Pair archival sleeves or buffered interleaving with the appropriate box size to protect newspapers, maps, and essential documents from abrasion and light exposure.
Which packs count, and which bundle options are available for cost savings?
Boxes are offered in bundle sizes like 25-per-bundle and larger bulk packs. Buying in bulk lowers cost-per-box and streamlines inventory if you ship frequently or handle large projects.
How can I reduce dimensional (DIM) weight charges when shipping flat items?
Choose the closest interior size tier to your item to avoid excess air space. Trim protective materials where safe, and use low-profile fillers like kraft paper or foam sheets that protect without increasing package volume.
Are these boxes suitable for framed art and mounted boards?
Yes—large, flat merchandise formats accommodate frames, signage, and board-mounted pieces. For extra protection, add corner protectors, rigid backing, and edge guards to prevent impact damage during transit.
Do carriers accept these side-loading and clamshell styles without special handling?
Standard carriers accept properly sealed packages regardless of style. Ensure boxes are securely closed and taped, labeled clearly, and follow any carrier size or weight limits. For oversized shipments, check carrier-specific guidelines beforehand.
What materials should I add inside the box to protect art and prints?
Use acid-free tissue, foam sheets, corrugated inserts, or cardboard stiffeners. For framed pieces, add corner supports and a rigid backing board. Choose protective layers that prevent movement but keep overall thickness low to control DIM weight.
Can I use these boxes for retail returns or subscription kit fulfillment?
Absolutely. Ship-flat and side-load options are efficient for subscription kits, returns, and replenishment. Their slim profiles cut storage and freight costs while keeping items secure—ideal for retail and recurring shipments. And when you need a snug profile for kits or merch samples, a clean cardboard box flat layout helps keep everything tidy.
