Whether you’re moving household goods, sending bulky merchandise to customers, or storing seasonal items, finding reliable sources for large shipping boxes is essential. This guide explores every avenue-from brick-and-mortar retailers and packaging wholesalers to online marketplaces, free options, and do-it-yourself solutions-to help you locate the perfect oversized box for your needs.
Key Considerations When Selecting Large Shipping Boxes
Before diving into the places to purchase large boxes, it’s critical to understand the factors that impact your choice:
- Dimensions and Volume: “Large” can range from 18×18×16 inches to 48×48×48 inches. Measure your items carefully and consider headspace for padding.
- Strength and Durability: Look for double-wall or triple-wall corrugated boxes when shipping heavy or fragile items.
- Weight Capacity: Verify the box’s maximum safe load, often indicated by a Burst Strength or Edge Crush Test (ECT) rating.
- Cost Efficiency: Balance unit cost against bulk discounts, shipping fees, and potential damage claims.
- Environmental Impact: Choose recycled or reusable boxes if sustainability is a priority.
Understanding these parameters ensures you purchase the right box for your project, saving money and preventing damage.
1. Major Packaging Suppliers and Wholesalers
Large packaging distributors offer extensive inventories of standardized and custom-sized boxes in bulk. They are ideal for businesses, regular shippers, and anyone seeking volume discounts.
Uline
Uline is one of North America’s largest distributors of industrial packaging, shipping, and material handling products. They carry an extensive range of large corrugated boxes, including:
- Standard double-wall boxes up to 36×30×36 inches
- Heavy-duty triple-wall boxes for extra protection
- Custom-printed or custom-sized options with minimum order quantities that can start as low as 10–25 units
- Accessory materials such as bubble wrap, packing tape, and corner protectors
Uline’s website provides easy filtering by box dimensions, strength rating, and style. With same-day shipping on many items, it’s a go-to for businesses managing high shipping volumes.
The Packaging Wholesaler and PackagingSupplies.com
These online wholesalers offer competitive pricing on large box assortments and specialize in bulk packaging supplies. They often have no monthly fees or membership requirements, making them accessible for small businesses or occasional large‐format shippers. Their strengths include:
- No-minimum bulk pricing tiers
- Extensive domestic and international shipping options
- Value-added services like drop-shipping directly to your end-customers
Global Industrial
Global Industrial stocks a wide variety of industrial supplies, including an impressive cardboard box inventory. Their offerings feature:
- Multi-pack bundles of large boxes
- Warehouse storage racks and shelving solutions to complement shipping operations
- Fast shipping for commercial accounts
2. Office Supply and Big-Box Retailers
Brick-and-mortar office supply stores and home improvement chains provide convenient, walk-in purchasing without shipping delays-ideal for one-off or emergency needs.
Staples and Office Depot/OfficeMax
These office superstores carry a selection of moving and shipping boxes, including:
- Large wardrobe boxes with hanging rods for garments
- Double-wall 24×18×18-inch book and utility boxes
- Dish barrel kits for glassware and dishes
Though their per-unit pricing can be higher than wholesalers, promotional coupons and in-store pickup can offset costs.
Home Depot and Lowe’s
The home improvement giants stock moving supplies in their stores, with brands like U-Line, OXO, and proprietary lines. Key advantages include:
- Immediate availability of large sizes such as 32×12×12-inch and 18×18×24-inch
- Broad selection of packing accessories: stretch wrap, pallet wrap, and tie-downs
- Rental equipment for pallet jacks and hand trucks, facilitating handling of heavy, large boxes
Walmart and Target
Select supercenter locations stock basic moving kits and large boxes. While inventory varies by store, Walmart’s everyday low prices and Target’s seasonal moving sales can be a budget-friendly option for occasional shippers.
3. Shipping and Courier Service Centers
Shipping carriers provide proprietary boxes designed for their network. These are often free or low-cost, but have limitations in size and shape.
UPS Store and FedEx Office
Both carriers offer free flat-rate boxes in limited large sizes (e.g., FedEx Large and Extra Large Flat Rate), which include all-in shipping pricing. Benefits include:
- No cardboard cost for flat-rate programs
- Guaranteed transit times and integrated tracking
- Drop-off at any authorized center without scheduling pickups
However, the fixed dimensions (e.g., FedEx Large: 12½×12½×11½ inches; UPS: 12×12×12 inches) may not suit every application. For non-flat-rate shipments, they also sell standard corrugated boxes in larger dimensions, typically ranging up to 36×36×21 inches.
USPS
The U.S. Postal Service offers free Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express boxes, including larger cartons up to 12×12×5¾ inches. For larger parcels, USPS sells Regional Rate Boxes and Parcel Select supplies. Turnaround is slower than express carriers, but pricing can be economical for light or bulky, less-time-sensitive shipments.
4. Online Marketplaces and Retailers
E-commerce platforms aggregate sellers of new and used boxes, often at lower price points for smaller quantities.
Amazon
Amazon stocks an extensive array of heavy-duty, double-wall corrugated boxes in various sizes:
- Pack bundles of uniform sizes like 20×20×20 inches
- Mix-and-match multipacks for heterogeneous item sizes
- Single-unit purchase options with Prime shipping benefits
Customer reviews help gauge box strength and durability. Amazon Business accounts can unlock volume discounts and tax-exempt purchasing.
eBay and Facebook Marketplace
For one-off, low-cost boxes, local sellers often list surplus or used pallets of large boxes. Advantages include:
- Potentially free or deeply discounted prices
- Opportunity to negotiate quantity and pickup details directly
- Reduced environmental footprint by reusing boxes
Disadvantages involve unpredictable quality and availability. Always inspect for water damage or pests before purchase.
Etsy and Niche Packaging Shops
Smaller retailers on platforms like Etsy offer artisanal or uniquely designed shipping boxes, often double-wall corrugated but with custom prints or branding options. Ideal for small businesses desiring a personalized unboxing experience.
5. Free and Low-Cost Sources for Large Shipping Boxes
If budget is a primary concern, or you prefer reusing materials, consider these options:
Grocery and Big-Box Retailers
Supermarkets, department stores, and large-format retailers receive shipments daily. Ask customer service or the stockroom for sturdy leftover boxes. Commonly available in sizes up to 24×24×12 inches. Always check structural integrity before using for shipping.
Liquor and Appliance Stores
Liquor stores typically have tall, narrow boxes for wine and spirits, often in excellent condition. Appliance stores discard heavy-duty boxes used for refrigerators or washers. These can be repurposed for bulky items or as double-boxing for extra protection.
Freecycle, Nextdoor, and Community Boards
Online community networks frequently feature posts offering free moving boxes after local relocations. Arrange pickups directly and secure multiple sizes in a single trip.
Office and University Surplus Sales
Corporate and academic offices occasionally hold surplus auctions or free-item days where boxes, office furniture, and equipment are given away. While less predictable, you can find high-quality large-format boxes suitable for shipping.
6. Custom and Specialty Packaging Solutions
For oversized, uniquely shaped, or high-value items, off-the-shelf boxes may not suffice. Custom packaging companies provide tailored solutions:
Packlane and Packsize
- Packlane focuses on custom-printed boxes in any dimension, with low minimums (as few as 10 units). Their online design tool lets you visualize branding and color schemes, ideal for businesses seeking memorable unboxing experiences.
- Packsize utilizes on-demand box manufacturing machines that cut corrugated board to exact dimensions at your facility, eliminating storage of empty boxes. Best for high throughput operations with space constraints.
Industrial Crate Manufacturers
For extremely large or heavy items-machinery, artwork, or medical devices-custom wooden crates and reinforced corrugated solutions are available. Companies like Craters & Freighters specialize in engineered packaging that meets international shipping and insurance requirements.
7. Tips for Economical and Safe Shipping of Large Boxes
Purchasing the right box is only part of the equation. Follow these best practices to optimize cost and reduce risk:
- Buy in Bulk and Stock Strategically
- Forecast your shipping needs and purchase sufficient quantities to qualify for tiered discounts.
- Store boxes flat in a dry, cool environment to prevent warping or mold.
- Use Proper Cushioning and Void Fill
- Double-wall boxes still require internal protection. Use bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or air pillows to prevent shifting.
- For very large voids, cardboard dividers can offer structural support.
- Reinforce Seams and Corners
- Apply filament tape or heavy-duty packing tape along all seams and edges.
- For pallet shipments, secure boxes to pallets with stretch wrap or banding.
- Labeling and Documentation
- Clearly mark “Fragile,” “This Side Up,” and any hazard labels. Large boxes can easily be mishandled if not labeled prominently.
- Include packing lists or invoices in waterproof, adhesive pouches.
- Optimize for Shipping Carriers
- Check dimensional weight policies: large boxes with low density can incur higher fees. If possible, choose slightly smaller dimensions to reduce dim-weight charges.
- Compare carrier rates for heavy versus oversized surcharges-sometimes regional carriers or freight services offer better pricing than parcel networks.
- Recycle and Reuse When Possible
- Encourage customers to return boxes for reuse, offering small discounts or prepaid return labels.
- Partner with local recycling centers for used corrugated collection once boxes reach end of life.
Conclusion and Recommendations
For most individuals and small businesses, a combination of online wholesalers (e.g., Uline, PackagingSupplies.com) and local retail stores (Home Depot, Staples) provides the optimal balance of availability, cost, and convenience. When budget constraints arise, free sources like grocery stores and community boards can yield quality large boxes at no cost.
Larger enterprises or operations with specialized packaging needs should explore custom solutions from Packlane or Packsize, ensuring tailored dimensions and branding. No matter the source, following proper packing, labeling, and handling best practices will protect your cargo and minimize shipping expenses.
By understanding your specific dimensional, strength, and branding requirements-and by leveraging the diverse avenues outlined above-you’ll always know where to buy, get, or source large shipping boxes efficiently and economically.
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