Preparing Your Boxes for Shipping

How We Prepare and Ship Your Boxes

With Bolt Boxes, you can create the perfect custom shipping boxes for your brand. Since we perform all our customization, printing and production services in-house, we’re able to provide fast, reliable shipping every time. Whether you order 10 boxes or 10,000 boxes, we go to great lengths to make sure your order arrives correct, on time and without damage. 

The team at Bolt Boxes takes great care in protecting your order during shipment, so your boxes get to you without damage whether you order 10 or 10,000. We have successfully shipped thousands of orders to our customers, and we continue to take steps to improve the transportation service for our products. 

You may be wondering how your custom boxes will ship to you, so we’ve compiled answers to some of our most frequently asked shipment questions. 

 

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How We Ship Your Boxes

When you order with us, we’ll decide on the shipping method that would work the best, so you can avoid feeling unsure about how the size of your order would affect its shipping or whether you should make any special requests for less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping. Here are our options for preparing boxes for shipment:

Orders Shipping via Parcel

If your box order falls within the size and weight limitations of parcel services such as UPS Ground, we generally create a custom-sized shipper box (or boxes, depending on the size and quantity of your shipment). Then, we place your boxes in the shipper for maximum protection. These custom boxes minimize potential damage by using a secure, snug fit and reduce shipping costs by avoiding oversized packaging.

Less-Than-Truckload Shipping

For larger-sized boxes or higher quantity orders, LTL freight carriers are the best method for shipment. These carriers are accustomed to handling a high-weight capacity and serve as a reliable method of transportation for bulk orders. The reason they’re called less-than-truckload shipping is because your order will take up an estimated portion of the freight rather than the entire truck, making our products budget-friendly to transport even for a large order.

Smaller trucks are typically used for LTL shipments. These trucks are sometimes called “pup” trailers and suit the size of a large order that’s still limited enough to fit into a compact space. The transportation truck’s size will vary as required, and the packaging materials used allow for quick loading and delivery.

Orders Shipping via Full Truckload

On the other hand, orders that include larger-sized boxes or higher quantities may ship via full truckload. For these orders, we palletize the boxes as we would for LTL shipping and utilize packaging materials as necessary, such as protective stretch wrap. We may also use custom-sized pallets for packaging and shipping boxes to best fit your order.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Fast Do Orders Ship?

A sense of urgency is part of everything we do, and we prioritize getting you your order as fast as possible. We pride ourselves on our unmatched turnaround time. Our lead time is usually within seven days or less, so you can make quick use of your new custom boxes. You’ll see a faster return on your investment and get your products to your customers quickly. Our on-time product delivery rate is over 99%. You can rely on us to get you your custom boxes without delay.

Where Does My Order Ship From?

All shipments come from within the United States. We make and ship all our products under one roof, which allows for our reliably fast product shipment. We do all services in-house at our location in Minneapolis, Minnesota, including:

  • Digital, flexo and litho printing
  • Pre-press services
  • Structural design
  • Box manufacturing
  • Shipment
How Much Does a Shipping Box Weigh?

Your shipping box dimensions and box weight will vary depending on your unique needs. When choosing the dimensions for your products’ boxes, it’s important to ensure you have enough usable interior space while avoiding wasted space. Three of the most common dimension sizes include:

  • 8″ by 8″ by 4″
  • 10″ by 6″ by 4″
  • 9″ by 6″ by 3″

The shipping box’s weight will depend on the dimension sizes, material and box style you prefer.

For instance, a double-walled box will weigh more than a standard one-sided or two-sided box. End-loading boxes with overlapping flaps also weigh more, as they’re designed to provide support for heavier objects. One of the lighter options is a regular slotted carton, which is a standard shipping box. Your shipping costs will depend on the box dimensions you choose, including their weights.

How to Estimate the Cost of Shipping?

You can estimate the cost of shipping before placing your order. We’re always transparent about our prices. If you’d like to get an estimate of how much your order will cost, you can use our immediate pricing tool. All you have to do is select your box style, dimensions, quantity, material and whether or not you’ll need printing. We’ll generate a price estimate for you. Then, choose your shipping location for an estimated shipping cost. For large boxes, you may be asked to contact one of our box experts to calculate shipping offline.

Will All Items Ship Together?

In most cases, all items will ship together. The only instance in which an item will ship separately is if you would like a specific portion of your order expedited. In that case, we’ll ship the expedited items first to meet your request. With or without expedited shipping, we offer convenient, timely delivery.

Can I Use My Own Shipping or Freight Company?

We allow you to use your own shipping or freight company if you’d prefer. If you know of a company you’d like to use, let us know and we’ll walk you through the process. Utilizing your own third-party shipping or freight company might help you save money or foster your company’s relationships.

How Will Custom Boxes Ship to Me Securely?

We work hard to ensure your order is secure and protected during shipping. We understand a one-size-fits-all approach does not always work, so we make every effort to ensure each box arrives in an undamaged condition. The measures we take depend on the size and weight of your order. We offer both parcel shipments and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments:

Parcel Shipments

If your order falls within parcel service weight and size limits, we’ll create custom-sized shippers specific to your order. This helps protect your purchase and saves you money. Custom shippers create a snug fit, minimizing damage. They also help reduce shipping costs by avoiding oversized packages.

LTL Shipments

Larger-sized boxes and high-quantity orders may require LTL freight carriers. LTL is useful when less than a full trailer is necessary, but order weight and size exceed parcel service limits. In other words, LTL is the most secure, economic choice for mid-size product orders. It helps minimize costs because you need only pay for the part of the trailer your order takes up, not the whole thing.

LTL is also a secure option — one complete pallet offers increased stability. We use packaging materials like stretch wrap to protect your order. When appropriate, we’ll also use custom-sized pallets to best fit your boxes.

Whether your order requires parcel shipment or LTL shipment, we’ll make it easy for you to track your order and contact us with any questions about shipment.

Do You Ship Internationally?

We design and manufacture all our products in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We only ship within the United States and do not offer international shipping. As long as you’re located somewhere within the United States, we can offer prompt delivery.

Can I Split My Order Into Two Destinations?

Yes, you can split your order between two different destinations. We understand this is necessary for businesses with multiple locations throughout the United States. If you’d like to split your order shipment destinations, you’ll have to place your order offline with our service team. Just give us a call and let us know where you’d like your order shipped.

Can I Combine Multiple Orders in One Shipment?

We allow for multiple orders in one shipment. You can order different sizes and types of boxes for various products and receive them at the same time. All you have to do is place the orders at the same time and they’ll arrive together. That way, you can ship your various products using uniform quality and design boxes.

Place Your Bolt Boxes Order Today

At Bolt Boxes, we stand alone among box manufacturers with our print capabilities, pre-press expertise, structural design experience and unmatched lead times. Because we perform every step of the process in-house, we can ensure careful quality control and faster production.

If you’re looking for custom boxes for your brand, consider Bolt Boxes. For almost 60 years, we’ve been helping enhance brands, build product awareness and protect merchandise in shipment. Build your custom box today and get an immediate price estimate.

Design Quick Custom Boxes Today

At Bolt Boxes, we understand that every customer’s packaging needs are different, and our entire team is completely committed to delivering quick turnaround packaging solutions for your business. Get your products shipped faster with quick custom packaging and high-quality customer service from the fastest box manufacturer in the world.