Shipping boxes

Shipping boxes are mentioned randomly in a few threads, but I thought a thread specifically about them might be helpful.



I'll start off with a question:

What are the dimensions of some boxes that you have successfully loaded 60-70lbs of ewaste into? If they are rescued from a cardboard baler, what was their original purpose?

Ive loaded 60LBs in a 36x18x18 and was still sturdy. I grab these from my old boss free of charge so they work for me.

My recent quest for boxes took me to nearly every store in town. The hardware store, no luck, nor at the furniture store, the feed store or anywhere else I went. At the Walmart I found a glimmer of hope, but the ones available turned out to be bottomless.
Finally I asked at Orshlyn's farm store and was told their boxes all go into a dumpster out back, and I was welcome to check, which I did.
There was a good assortment, mostly lightweight(single layer) but I did manage to dig one double layer box out, that I believe had a stove in it before.
I've been by twice since, the second time no luck at all, a heavy air compressor box but the side was ripped off, and the last trip the guy was picking it up, and already had a tarp tied over it.
I'm thinking after Christmas they'll be even harder to come by

I get um at staples since I turn in the ink there I use 22*18*22

Bars and restaurants have a good supply of boxes usually, and they are pretty sturdy. Wine and liquor boxes are nice, and are made to hold a lot of weight. I use them for storage mostly, and some for shipping. If there is too much writing or graphics over them, I just cover with brown kraft paper.

I buy boxes at lowest hardware. 18x18x18 moving boxes.

Ask moving companies if they have any used ones for sale, I work for one so I get all mine for free. Also, try craigslist, people seem to be giving away cartons on there, after they've moved.

I've stuffed 3 130+ pounds in double wall dishpack cartons-18x18x28 guy at the ups store wasn't happy. You should be able to fit and handle 60-70 lbs in a 3.0 cube carton they're 18x18x16. Any larger cartons aren't manageable- they'll usually collapse under their own weight, unless they're double or triple walled.

Flaps on the bottom have to meet in the middle both ways. Threaded packing tape around both directions. If it originally held something heavy (books, metal, liquids, etc.) it will serve the same purpose. Pack the outside walls and bottoms with large flat items with good surface area and fill the middle in with other stuff. Good luck!

Originally Posted by parrothead

If you get some boxes that are too big, don't sweat it. fill it until you hit 60 or so pounds, then cut the sides and fold them down. Tape well and ship.

I have found several dell computer boxes they are about 24x24x12 they work good if not I do like above. They actually sell boxes that are pre-creased so you can cut them and fold the tabs over but why would you pay extra for that. All you need is a good blade in a utility knife.

check out harbour freight, each week all stores receive a truck, some of those boxes are perfect for scrap storage or shipping, free just ask when there truck day is and they have no problem with any one takin boxes.

Olddude your a genius

If I'm out curb shopping I'll pick up a decent box if I see one. Usually I don't have a problem because where I live everyone is too lazy to break down boxes. I always use a used box to ship ewaste. If I was in a crunch, Walmart does have good prices on heavy duty moving boxes. An 18x18x24 box is 2.00.

I agree with old dude, I wouldn't drive from place to place to try to get free boxes. With gas at 3+ a gallon it will cost you more in gas than to just buy them.