Choosing Between Double and Triple Wall Shipping Boxes

Corrugated shipping boxes are the preference for many goods that are shipped long distances. Their heavy-duty options come in a choice of double or triple walled shipping boxes that offer extra protection for contents.

Triple wall shipping boxes have an extra layer of fluting when compared to double wall shipping boxes. Flutes are the arch-shaped sheets of paper that fill up the space between two other sheets of Kraft paper. It is this construction that gives corrugated boxes their strength and water resistance.

These two heavy-duty types of shipping boxes differ on several points that often influence the decision to order one type over the other.

Strength

With an extra layer of fluting and sheeting, triple walled shipping boxes are certainly stronger than the double wall option. This added strength has made such boxes a good choice for heavier high-end products like electronics. The construction is so well suited to heavy-duty use, it directly competes with timber and plywood containers.

The added layers and provide an additional barrier that helps keep the contents dry in the event of exposure to moisture. It remains lightweight but resilient enough to hold its shape when being stacked. This is why you often see electronics piled high in storage without fear that the ones above will damage the boxes below.

Reuse and storage

The strong nature of triple walled shipping boxes makes them ideal for reuse once the contents have been unboxed. Many people tend to use them for long term storage as box holds up well even with lengthy use. Its rigidity means you can rely on it to not buckle under even if stacked in the basement or a storage unit for long. At the end of their life, both types of boxes can easily be recycled, with the triple wall option offering more material with which to renew.

Cost

Triple wall shipping boxes are more expensive to manufacture than the double wall variation. Most businesses make use of double wall shipping boxes that are more affordable and because they have thinner walls, offer more storage space within. They are certainly stronger than single wall options and can also be well stacked. And not all box manufacturers do construct triple walled options. You may need to do a little research to find a manufacturer capable of making triple wall boxes to your specifications.

Generally, unless you are shipping a particularly heavy and delicate product, double wall boxes should be sufficient. If you, however, feel that triple wall is what you need, you can consult the manufacturer to figure out what deals you can obtain that will keep the cost down.