Roll, Pack, Ship: Smarter Boxes & Mailing Tubes for Every Delivery

If you're sending everything from posters to blueprints or archiving rolled artwork, selecting the right combination of boxes and packaging and reliable mailing tubes is essential. This guide walks you through the types of boxes, mailing tubes, closures, and practical tips for shipping rolled items. We’ll also explore sustainability, cost efficiency, and include direct links to trusted packaging supplies for your convenience.

Smart Packaging Starts with the Right Box

Boxes remain a staple for protecting and shipping items of all shapes and sizes. From standard corrugated cartons to specialty rigid boxes, your choice depends on what you’re shipping, how far it’s going, and how delicate the contents are. Reinforced cardboard options are best for heavier goods, while padded and folding cartons offer flexibility for smaller or retail-ready items.

Why Mailing Tubes Are Essential for Rolled Goods

Mailing tubes are specifically designed to protect rolled materials such as posters, maps, drawings, banners, and architectural plans. Unlike flat boxes, they provide excellent rigidity and crush resistance—making them ideal for long-distance shipping or archival storage.

Mailing Tube Types & Examples

1. Spiral‑Wound Round Tubes

Spiral-wound tubes are crafted by wrapping layers of kraft paper into a tight cylinder. They’re lightweight yet strong and can be sealed with end caps or plugs. Common applications include art prints, blueprints, and display banners.

• 60×1.5×1030 mm mailing tube – Ideal for compact posters and rolled documents.
• 90×1.8×850 mm mailing tube – Perfect for wider prints, maps, or delicate artwork requiring more room.

2. Telescoping Tubes

These adjustable-length tubes are excellent for accommodating different item sizes using an inner and outer shell. Ideal for multi-size inventory without ordering multiple SKUs.

3. Snap-Seal and Friction-Fit Tubes

Snap-seal ends eliminate the need for tape or plugs, offering quick closure. Friction-fit tubes have crimped edges that hold tight naturally, perfect for small posters or tubes handled frequently.

4. Triangular and Square Tubes

These tubes don’t roll, making them easier to stack and store. They also provide excellent edge protection during shipping.

5. Heavy-Duty Corrugated or Plastic Tubes

Used for industrial applications where added durability is required—like engineering drawings or samples that need extra protection in transit.

Don’t Forget the End Caps

End caps seal the contents inside your tubes and protect against dust, dirt, and damage. They're available in both plastic and metal and sized to match your tube diameter. Two reliable options include:

• 60 mm end caps – Perfect fit for 60 mm diameter tubes.
• 90 mm end caps – Designed to secure larger 90 mm tubes.

Material Strength & Durability

Mailing tubes come in different thicknesses and strengths. Double-wall corrugated cardboard provides the best protection for high-value or heavy items. If your packages are being palletised or stacked, opt for crush-resistant tubes with reinforced walls.

Box vs Tube: Which Should You Choose?

Use boxes when shipping flat, stacked, or irregularly shaped items. Choose tubes when sending rolled products that must stay crease-free. For fragile items like large photos or plans, tubes provide better compression resistance and space efficiency.

Eco-Friendly Shipping Practices

Opt for mailing tubes made from recycled content and boxes with FSC certification. Many kraft-based tubes are fully recyclable. Encourage end users to reuse tubes where possible and avoid plastic wrap when taping ends.

Shipping Efficiency Tips

• Buy tubes and caps in bulk to save on costs.
• Measure your rolled content before choosing tube length and diameter—leave at least 10–15 mm of clearance on all sides.
• Label the side of tubes—not the cap—to avoid peeling during transit.
• Use friction-fit caps for ease, or secure plastic end caps with tape for added security.

Quick Takeaways

• Mailing tubes are ideal for shipping rolled items like posters, maps, and plans.
• Spiral-wound and telescoping tubes are common choices depending on your length needs.
• Use matching end caps to protect your contents during transit.
• Eco-friendly kraft tubes reduce waste and improve your green credentials.
• Boxes are best for flat or irregular goods; tubes offer better protection for rolled items.

Conclusion

Whether you're posting one artwork or sending hundreds of promotional banners, understanding your packaging options helps you ship smarter. Choose the right box or mailing tube, reinforce with proper end caps, and consider sustainability along the way. Big Red Packaging offers a wide selection of mailing tubes and accessories to suit businesses of every size. Protect your contents, streamline your logistics, and deliver a better experience from pack to post.

FAQs

1. Are mailing tubes recyclable?

Yes, most kraft mailing tubes and end caps are recyclable—just remove plastic or metal caps before recycling.

2. What tube size is best for posters?

It depends on the width. For standard posters, the 60 mm diameter tube is perfect. Larger prints may need the 90 mm version.

3. Can I reuse mailing tubes?

Absolutely. Mailing tubes—especially those with snap-seal or friction-fit caps—can be reused multiple times before disposal.

4. How should I label my mailing tubes?

Place shipping labels on the body of the tube, not the end caps. This prevents peeling or damage during handling.

5. Do mailing tubes cost more to ship than boxes?

Not necessarily. Tubes are often more compact and lightweight, which can reduce volumetric shipping costs for rolled content.