Packaging & Shipping Resource Center

Practical packaging guides, calculators and troubleshooting resources for choosing materials, protecting products, controlling shipping costs and building more consistent warehouse and fulfillment operations.

Start with the problem you are trying to solve, or browse by packaging topic. These resources are built to help you understand the decision before you compare products.

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Built for purchasing teams, warehouse managers, fulfillment operations, manufacturers and businesses responsible for getting products packed and shipped.

Packaging and shipping resources for warehouse and fulfillment operations

New to Packaging?

Start With the Basics

You do not need to know the packaging terminology before you can make a good decision. These three resources are useful starting points when you are still narrowing down the problem.

Packaging Terms & Glossary Understand ECT, Mullen, mil, DIM weight, void fill, cushioning, containment force, PCR and other common packaging terms.

Packaging Materials Guide Compare major packaging material families by product needs, protective function, workflow and shipping application.

Packaging Damage Troubleshooting Guide Start with the symptom—movement, breakage, crushing, punctures, tape failure or pallet shifting—and work back toward the cause.

Start With Your Packaging Challenge

Choose the result you need and go directly to the guidance built around that problem.

Troubleshoot Shipping Damage Diagnose movement, breakage, carton crushing, punctures, scratches, tape failures and unstable pallet loads.

Stop Products From Moving or Breaking Separate void fill, cushioning, surface protection and blocking so each material has a clear job.

Choose a Shipping Mailer Compare poly, padded, cushioned, flat, corrugated and tube formats by product fit and protection.

Choose a Poly Bag Compare bag style, size, mil thickness, closure and specialty requirements around the product being packed.

Choose Better Shipping Box Sizes Compare carton dimensions, product fit and sizing considerations before standardizing a box.

Reduce Dimensional Weight Identify oversized packaging and understand how package dimensions can affect parcel shipping charges.

Choose Carton-Sealing Tape Compare adhesive families using the carton, environment, equipment, closure method and packing volume.

Improve Pick, Pack & Ship Workflows Build a more efficient material system around the work performed at each packing station.

Reduce Pallet Shifting & Freight Damage Review the pallet, stacking pattern, load distribution, edge protection and containment system.

Choose the Right Strapping Compare polypropylene, polyester, steel and cord by load behavior, strength, joint and application method.

Browse Packaging Resource Topics

Each topic connects broad decision guides with the operational resources that support them.

Foundation

Packaging Fundamentals

Understand the terminology, compare packaging material families and diagnose problems before jumping to a specific product.

Packaging Terms & Glossary Packaging Materials Guide

Packaging Damage Troubleshooting Guide Types of Protective Packaging

Package & Material Selection

Choose the package format and protective materials around the product, packing process and shipping requirements.

Mailer Selection Guide Poly Bag Selection Guide Void Fill & Cushioning Selection Guide Packaging Tape Selector

Packing & Fulfillment Operations

Build repeatable packing processes and improve how materials are stocked, selected and used across the operation.

Fulfillment Packaging Supplies Warehouse Packaging Operations

Boxes & Parcel Shipping

Match carton dimensions to the packed product while controlling empty space, material use and dimensional weight.

Shipping Box Sizes Guide How to Reduce Dimensional Weight

Palletizing & Load Securement

Build stable unit loads using the pallet, stacking pattern, stretch film, strapping, edge protection and other securement methods as one system.

Palletizing & Load Securement Supplies Palletizing Best Practices Stretch Film Guide Strapping Selection Guide

Packaging Tools & Calculators

Use guided questions or your own dimensions, weights, prices and operating volume to compare packaging decisions.

Dimensional Weight Calculator

Estimate dimensional and billable weight, compare carton sizes and see how outside dimensions affect parcel shipping.

Use the DIM Calculator

Stretch Film Savings Calculator

Compare film cost per pound, measured film use per pallet and potential monthly or annual savings.

Use the Film Calculator

Packaging Tape Selector

Answer guided questions about the carton, environment, equipment, closure, packing volume and printing requirements.

Use the Tape Selector

Tools and calculators are educational starting points. Packaging performance, product specifications, carrier rules, equipment settings, labor and damage history should also be considered before changing materials or pack-out standards.

Looking for a More Specific Packaging Question?

The Resource Center contains our broader decision guides. Packaging Insights goes deeper into specific comparisons, applications, common mistakes and individual packaging questions.

Browse Packaging Insights

Build the Packaging Decision From the Product Out

Packaging decisions work better when they are made in order. Start with the product and the problem the package has to solve before choosing a material or SKU.

Understand the Product Consider size, shape, weight, fragility, surfaces, edges and any specialized protection requirements.

Identify the Packaging Job Containment, cushioning, surface protection, closure, shipping efficiency and load securement are different functions.

Compare Practical Options Look at materials, package format, equipment, labor, storage, shipping dimensions and total operating cost.

Test & Standardize Validate the complete pack-out, then create a repeatable process your team can use consistently.

Packaging Is a System, Not a Single Supply

The carton, mailer, bag, protective material, tape, stretch film or strap is only one part of the finished package. Product protection, packing labor, material usage, shipping dimensions, load stability, storage space and replenishment can all affect the final result.

Use the Resource Center to understand the decision, test changes with your own products and operating conditions, and build packaging standards your team can repeat.

Need help narrowing down a packaging decision? Tell us what you are packing, how it moves through your operation and what you are trying to improve. Packaging HERO can help you compare stock materials, custom solutions and packaging systems around the actual application.

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Packaging & Shipping Resource Center

Start With the Basics

Start With Your Packaging Challenge