Freight box options, packing, tips, and more
Here's what you'll find on this page:
Here's what you'll
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Freight box basics
A freight box, also called a bulk bin, is a durable container that encloses and protects products during shipment. Also called shipping cartons or pallet boxes, freight boxes are a popular choice for shipping large items.
Freight box benefits
Freight box benefits
- Secure, unitized shipping (small packages shipped together)
Secure, unitized shipping (small packages shipped together)
- Predictable, straightforward pricing
Predictable, straightforward pricing
- Available in multiple sizes for use with standard shipping pallets
Available in multiple sizes for use with standard shipping pallets
Pros and cons of common freight box materials
Pros
- Available in multiple sizes and thicknesses, including single-, double-, and triple-wall
- Economical
- Often come with removable lids or panels
Cons
- Lowest level of protection
- Susceptible to damage, especially from moisture
Pros
- More durable than cardboard for more protection
- Available in multiple sizes, thicknesses, and types of plastic
- Usually stackable and often collapsible for easy storage
- Usually reusable
Cons
- More expensive than cardboard options
- Slicker surface can risk damage from shifting during shipping
- Often requires cleaning before reuse
- Heavier than cardboard; higher shipping cost
Pros
- Sturdy and protective
- Usually stackable
- Usually reusable
Cons
- Heavier than corrugated cardboard or plastic
- Requires a larger storage area
Pros
- Very sturdy, durable, and protective
- Reusable
- Stackable
Cons
- Heavy; can cost more to ship
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Corrugated fiberboard |
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Plastic |
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Wood |
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Steel |
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Freight boxes vs. crates vs. pallets
The right shipping methods and materials vary based on what you’re shipping and where it’s going. While the freight boxes described above might be the right choice, you might need other materials like shipping crates or pallets.
Shipping crate
A shipping crate is a heavy-duty shipping container with built-in bracing. Crates are usually made of wood, but can also be metal or plastic. Get information about using shipping crates for shipments.
Pallet
A pallet is a platform for stacking items, cartons, or boxes and banding them into a unitized load for increased security and stability. Get information about using pallets for shipments.
Items commonly shipped in freight boxes
Because freight boxes come in a variety of sizes and materials, you can use them to ship a lot of different types of items. A few of the most common are:
- Small appliances and ready-to-assemble furniture, like tables and chairs
- Retail goods and clothing
- Automotive and motorcycle parts
- Art and antiques
Small appliances and ready-to-assemble furniture, like tables and chairs
Retail goods and clothing
Automotive and motorcycle parts
Art and antiques
Before shipping large items, be sure to read the labeling and handling requirements for the items in your shipment. Items like batteries, electronics, and dangerous goods have restrictions and special labeling requirements. We have a library of the most common labels that you can easily download and print. Access the label library or read more about how to ship dangerous goods.
Simplify your shipment with a FedEx air freight box
If you're ready to try freight box shipping, consider our air freight box option. It provides flexibility, security, and 360-degree protection to help shipments arrive safely, on time.
FedEx air freight box
This freight box is available for U.S. and international freight shippers. The box is complimentary to qualifying U.S. based FedEx customers, and can be reused up to five times.
FedEx air freight box sizes
- Short: 48" x 40" x 20"
- Medium: 48" x 40" x 28"
- Tall: 48" x 40" x 38"
- Jumbo: 48" x 40" x 64"
Available services
You can use the FedEx air freight box with all FedEx air freight services, both in the U.S. and internationally.
U.S. services
FedEx First Overnight® Freight
FedEx 1Day® Freight
FedEx 2Day® Freight
U.S. services
- FedEx First Overnight® Freight
- FedEx 1Day® Freight
- FedEx 2Day® Freight
International services
FedEx International Priority® Freight
FedEx International Economy® Freight
International services
- FedEx International Priority® Freight
- FedEx International Economy® Freight
Get a quote
Calculate your rate for a FedEx expedited freight box shipment. Just enter your origin and destination to get started. Under the Packaging dropdown, select “Your Packaging.” Then enter the rest of your shipment information to see a quote. Questions? Talk with your account representative or call FedEx expedited freight Customer Service at 1.800.332.0807.
