Sustainable Shipping Starts with the Right Supplies

Whether you’re running an e-commerce store, managing warehouse logistics, or sending out products from a small business, shipping supplies play a critical role in ensuring your items arrive safely and professionally. The right supplies not only protect your goods during transit—they also improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common types of shipping supplies, why they matter, and how to choose the right materials for your shipping operation.

Why Shipping Supplies Matter

• Product Protection: Prevents damage during transit, reducing returns and refunds.

• Customer Experience: First impressions matter—clean, professional packaging builds trust.

• Cost Control: Right-sized packaging and efficient supplies reduce shipping and material costs.

• Branding Opportunity: Customized packaging adds a personal, branded touch.

Common Shipping Supplies (and When to Use Them)

1. Boxes

   • Available in various sizes and strengths (single-wall, double-wall).

   • Choose right-sized boxes to reduce movement and shipping charges.

   • Corrugated boxes are ideal for most retail and wholesale items.

2. Padded Mailers and Envelopes

   • Best for soft goods, apparel, books, or items with built-in protection.

   • Lightweight and often cheaper to ship than boxes.

3. Packing Tape

   • Use heavy-duty, pressure-sensitive tape for secure sealing.

   • Options include acrylic, hot melt, and water-activated tapes.

4. Labels and Shipping Tags

   • Pre-printed or blank labels for addresses, barcodes, and tracking info.

   • Waterproof or weather-resistant labels available for outdoor exposure.

5. Void Fill and Cushioning Materials

   • Bubble wrap, air pillows, packing peanuts, kraft paper, or foam.

   • Protects items from shock, vibration, and impact.

6. Stretch Film and Shrink Wrap

   • Secures products on pallets or bundles smaller items together.

   • Helps prevent shifting during transport.

7. Strapping and Banding

   • For heavy shipments or pallets—keeps loads stable and secure.

8. Shipping Scales and Tape Dispensers

   • Essential for accurate postage and efficient packing.

9. Custom Packaging

   • Branded boxes, tissue paper, or stickers enhance unboxing experience.

   • Great for e-commerce and subscription services.

Tips for Choosing the Right Shipping Supplies

• Know Your Product: Size, weight, fragility, and value determine what supplies are needed.

• Consider Shipping Method: Air, ground, and international shipments may have different packaging requirements.

• Avoid Overpacking: Extra material can increase dimensional weight charges.

• Buy in Bulk: Save costs on frequently used items by purchasing wholesale or in kits.

• Be Sustainable: Recyclable or biodegradable materials reduce waste and appeal to eco-conscious customers.

Eco-Friendly Shipping Supplies

Sustainability matters more than ever. Consider:

• Recycled cardboard boxes

• Compostable mailers

• Water-activated paper tape

• Reusable packaging options

• Paper-based void fill instead of plastic

These not only reduce environmental impact but also strengthen your brand’s values in the eyes of customers.

Conclusion

Shipping supplies are more than just materials—they’re part of your product’s journey and your customer’s experience. Whether you’re sending a single parcel a week or managing hundreds of orders daily, investing in the right supplies ensures safer deliveries, lower costs, and happier customers. Evaluate your packaging needs regularly and stay stocked with the essentials to keep your shipping process smooth and professional.