The Ultimate Guide to Shipping Tubes
Shipping tubes, also known as mailing tubes, are cylindrical containers that are designed to protect and transport rolled documents, posters, artwork, and other items that cannot be folded. These tubes are typically made of materials such as paperboard, plastic, or metal and come in various sizes and shapes to meet different shipping needs.
The primary function of shipping tubes is to provide a secure and protective package for rolled items during shipping and mailing. Rolled items such as artwork, blueprints, engineering plans and posters are often too large or too fragile to be folded or placed in traditional flat packaging, making shipping tubes the ideal choice for their safe transport.
Shipping Tube Material Options
There are several material options available for shipping tubes, including paperboard, plastic, and metal. Each material offers different levels of durability, protection and environmental impact.
- Paperboard tubes: are often referred to as cardboard tubes, are the most common material for shipping tubes. They are made from recycled paper and are lightweight, affordable, and environmentally friendly. These tubes come in different thicknesses, depending on the level of durability required. Thinner tubes are less expensive and are ideal for shipping lightweight items such as posters, charts, and maps. Thicker tubes are more durable and can be used for shipping heavier items such as textiles and artwork.
- Plastic tubes: are made from polyethylene or polypropylene and are more durable and water-resistant than paperboard tubes. They come in different colors, thicknesses, and shapes and can be transparent or opaque. Plastic tubes are ideal for shipping items that require more protection, such as textiles, artwork, and fragile items. They are also more expensive than paperboard tubes and have a greater environmental impact.
- Metal tubes: are the most durable and secure shipping option. They are made from steel or aluminum and are resistant to water, fire, and other hazards. Metal tubes are ideal for shipping heavy and valuable items such as blueprints, architectural drawings, and engineering plans. They are also more expensive than paperboard or plastic tubes and have a greater environmental impact.
When choosing a material for shipping tubes, it is important to consider the level of protection required, the weight and fragility of the items being shipped, and the environmental impact of the material. Paperboard tubes are an eco-friendly and affordable option for shipping lightweight items, while plastic and metal tubes offer greater durability and protection for heavier or more fragile items.
Mailing Tube Styles
Mailing tubes are an essential packaging solution for safely transporting rolled or delicate items. They come in a variety of styles to suit different needs, from open-end tubes for flat items to telescopic tubes for adjustable lengths. Understanding these different styles can help you choose the best mailing tube for your shipping needs, ensuring your items arrive safely and securely at their destination.
- Open End Tube: This style of mailing tube has a flush cut at one end and a removable plastic end cap at the other end, making it easy to insert and remove contents. Open-end tubes are popular for shipping artwork, posters, and other flat items.
- Crimped End Tube: Crimped end tubes have one end crimped and the other end open. The crimped end provides a secure closure for the tube and protects the contents from moisture and dirt. These tubes are commonly used for mailing documents, blueprints, and other rolled items.
- Telescopic Tube: Telescopic tubes have a nested design, with one tube fitting inside another. This allows for adjustable lengths, making them versatile for a variety of items. They typically have plastic end caps to secure the contents.
- Triangle Tube: Made from sturdy paperboard, triangle tubes have a triangular cross-section, making them ideal for shipping items that require extra protection, such as posters or blueprints. They are often closed with plastic end caps and can be stacked for easy storage.
Mailing Tube Customization Options
Shipping tubes can be customized to meet specific shipping needs. The following are some common customization options:
- Size: Shipping tubes come in different sizes to accommodate various items. Custom sizes can also be ordered to fit unique items.
- Thickness: Shipping tubes come in different thicknesses to provide different levels of protection. Thicker tubes are more durable and offer more protection than thinner ones.
- Closure: Shipping tubes can be sealed with a variety of closures, including plastic and metal endcaps, and snap-on lids. End caps are the most common closure and are made from the same material as the tube, plastic or metal.
- Labeling: Shipping tubes can be labeled with a company logo, product information, and shipping instructions. Labels can be printed directly on the tube or on a separate label that is affixed to the tube.
- Color: Shipping tubes can be manufactured in a variety of colors, making it easy to differentiate between different items or shipments.
- Print design: Shipping tubes can be printed with custom designs, patterns, or images to add branding or personalization to the packaging. It can be flexographic random print with single or multiple colors, or laminated with litho-label.
Customization options can vary depending on the material of the tube. For example, paperboard tubes can be printed with custom designs using a flexo or offset printing process. Plastic tubes can be produced in different colors, thicknesses, and shapes, and can be labeled with a printed sticker or a direct print. Metal tubes can be customized with a printed label or etching on the surface of the tube.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Shipping Tubes
Shipping tubes offer several advantages and disadvantages for shipping and mailing items:
Advantages
- Protection: Mailing tubes provide a protective barrier for rolled items during shipping and mailing. They help to prevent damage from moisture, dirt, and other hazards.
- Versatility: Shipping tubes are versatile and can be used to ship a wide range of items, including posters, artwork, and blueprints.
- Customization: Customized to meet specific shipping needs, including size, thickness, closure, labeling, color, and print design.
- Affordability: Affordable shipping option, especially for lightweight items that can be shipped via standard mail.
Disadvantages
- Limited capacity: Limited in size and may not be suitable for larger items or items that cannot be rolled.
- Environmental impact: Mailing tubes made from plastic or metal have a greater environmental impact than those made from paperboard, as they are more difficult to recycle or biodegrade.
- Shipping restrictions: Some shipping carriers may have restrictions on shipping certain items in tubes, such as liquids or hazardous materials.
Mailing Tube Applications
Shipping tubes are used in a variety of applications to ship and store rolled items that cannot be folded or placed in traditional flat packaging. Here are some common applications:
- Artwork and photography: Ship and store framed artwork, photography, and prints. The protective barrier of the tube helps prevent damage to the artwork during transit.
- Blueprints and engineering plans: Mailing tubes are commonly used to ship blueprints, engineering plans, and other large documents. The tubes protect the rolled documents from damage and can be customized to fit the specific size of the rolled item.
- Posters and banners: Often used to ship posters, banners, and signs. The tubes protect the rolled items from creasing or tearing during transit.
- Textiles: Shipping tubes are used to ship textiles, fabrics, and apparel. The tubes provide protection and prevent items from becoming wrinkled or damaged during transit.
- Sporting goods: Mailing tubes are also used to ship sporting goods such as fishing rods, golf clubs, and bats. The tubes provide a protective barrier and prevent items from becoming bent or damaged during shipping.
- Maps and charts: Used to ship and store maps and charts. The tubes protect the rolled items from damage and can be customized to fit the specific size of the map or chart.
Summary: Are Shipping Mailers for You?
If you need to ship or store rolled items such as artwork, blueprints, posters, or textiles that cannot be folded, then a mailing tube may be a great option for you. Shipping tubes provide a protective barrier and can be customized to meet specific shipping needs, including size, thickness, closure, labeling, color, and print design. However, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of different material options and customization features to ensure that the shipping tube meets the specific needs of the item being shipped.
If you are interested in stock or custom mailing tubes, then contact Brown Packaging today to get started.
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