Shipping Supplies

Ultimate Guide to Shipping Supplies in the US: Where to Buy Boxes, Mailers, Tape and More

Why choosing the right shipping supplies matters

If you've ever opened a package and found the contents crushed, or paid too much for postage because you used the wrong box, you know that packaging is more than wrapping — it's protection, branding, and cost control all in one. Choosing the right shipping supplies reduces damage, cuts shipping costs, and makes your small business or home projects run smoother. Whether you're sending fragile items or bulky goods, the correct box, mailer, tape, and filler can make a huge difference in how your shipment performs in transit.

Common shipping supplies every home or business should stock

Think of a well-stocked shipping station like a kitchen pantry: when you have the basics on hand, everything goes faster. Essential items include corrugated boxes in a few sizes (like 24 x 16 x 16 inches for bulky items and 14 x 6 x 2 inches for small flat items), poly mailers (26 x 30 inches or 36 x 42 inches for larger soft goods), bubble wrap or foam sheets for fragile pieces, heavy-duty packing tape, and edge protectors for palletized shipments. Add a couple of static-shield bags (5 x 7 inches) if you ship electronics, and you’re set.

Top places to buy shipping supplies in the US

There are many retailers and wholesalers that sell shipping supplies, each with distinct advantages. If you want convenience, national retailers like Walmart or Staples make it easy to buy a starter kit in-store or online. For larger volumes or specialty items, Uline or packaging wholesalers offer bulk pricing and a wider catalog. Online marketplaces like Amazon give fast delivery and customer reviews, while local hardware stores can be great for one-off needs. Let’s look closer at what each type of store offers and when to choose them.

Walmart — Affordable basics and national convenience

Walmart is a go-to for many because it balances price with accessibility. You can find bundles like corrugated mailers in 9 x 6 x 6 inches sold in 50-count packs, flat poly bags in 26 x 30 inches offered in 250-count cases, and even heavy-duty corrugated boxes sized 24 x 16 x 16 inches in packs of 10. Walmart’s private-label Partners products also include edge protectors (2 x 2 x 12 inches), static-shield open-end bags (5 x 7 inches), and larger flat poly bags like 36 x 42 inches in 100-count packs. If you need everyday supplies without hunting for a specialty vendor, Walmart fits the bill.

Uline — The go-to for businesses and volume buyers

If you ship dozens or hundreds of packages a month, Uline is a natural fit. They specialize in corrugated boxes with ECT and burst strength ratings, custom-sized options, and pallet supplies. Need a specific 24 x 16 x 16 inch kraft box with ECT 44 for repeated heavy shipments? Uline carries similar specs and offers quantity discounts. They also stock protective inserts, corner guards, heavy tape, and foam-in-place solutions. The catalog is massive, which is perfect for warehouses, makers, and ecommerce sellers who need reliable, consistent materials.

Staples and Office Depot — Office-friendly choices

For small businesses and home offices, Staples and Office Depot/OfficeMax are solid choices. They offer a curated selection of boxes, bubble mailers, packing tape, and round-the-clock online ordering with business accounts and invoicing. You’ll find standard box sizes, easy-to-use tape dispensers, and branded packing supplies that look tidy on customer orders. If aesthetics and office integration matter — for example, sending branded invoices with neatly packed parcels — these stores are convenient and dependable.

Amazon — Fast delivery and broad selection

Amazon’s advantage is speed and variety. From 3 mil poly bags in many sizes to bubble wrap rolls and specialty tapes, you can often get what you need overnight with a Prime membership. Amazon is also useful when you want to read real buyer feedback on a specific mailer size like a 9 x 6 x 6 inch corrugated mailer or compare different brands of packing tape. For busy sellers who need last-minute restocks, Amazon’s marketplace platform is hard to beat.

Home improvement stores and local suppliers

Don’t forget The Home Depot and Lowe’s for heavy-duty packing and shipping supplies, especially if you’re prepping furniture or appliances. They carry larger boxes, moving kits, and stretch wrap for pallet loads. Local packaging suppliers can often cut custom-sized boxes and offer personalized advice — a great option if you ship oddly-shaped or fragile goods frequently. Combining local and national suppliers gives you flexibility when supply chains tighten.

How to choose the right box and mailer

Choosing the correct container is more science than guesswork. Start by measuring your product’s longest, widest, and deepest points in inches and add at least 1 to 2 inches of padding on each side for cushioning. For soft goods, poly mailers (26 x 30 inches or 36 x 42 inches) save weight and postage, while corrugated boxes protect heavier or fragile items. Pay attention to ECT ratings (edge crush test) for boxes if you stack pallets — an ECT 44 box like some heavy-duty kraft boxes is a good benchmark for stronger loads.

Packing materials: tape, fillers, bubble wrap, and edge protection

Tape is the unsung hero of secure shipments. Use 2 to 3 inch wide acrylic or hot-melt tape for most carton sealing; they stick reliably and resist splitting. For fragile items, bubble wrap or foam sheets protect against shocks — 1/2 inch to 1 inch bubble wrap works well for most household goods. Edge protectors (2 x 2 x 12 inches, for example) add structural support to strapped pallets and keep corners from collapsing. Void-fill like kraft paper, air pillows, or crumpled poly bags help prevent shifting — and keep in mind that lighter but snug fill often reduces postage costs.

Protecting electronics and sensitive items

When you ship electronics, static-shield bags (5 x 7 inches for small components) and anti-static bubble wrap are crucial. These items protect both from physical shocks and electrostatic discharge. Also, consider poly bags with thicker material (3 mil or higher) to guard against moisture. If you’re shipping laptops or tablets, double-boxing — placing a tube-wrapped device in a small box and then a larger box with 2 to 3 inches of padding — significantly reduces the risk of damage during transit.

Eco-friendly and cost-saving strategies

Green packaging is more than a trend — it can also save money. Use right-sized boxes to avoid paying for wasted space, and consider recycled-content corrugated boxes and biodegradable void-fill made from paper. Reuse undamaged boxes and packing materials when appropriate, and investigate lightweight poly mailers to reduce shipping weight. Buying in bulk — 50, 100 or 250-count bundles — often lowers per-unit cost, whether that’s 50 white corrugated mailers or 250 clear flat poly bags measuring 26 x 30 inches.

Organizing and storing supplies to speed fulfillment

Organization speeds up packing. Store boxes nested by size, tape on dispensers near packing stations, and common mailer sizes in easy-to-reach bins. Label shelves with the size and dimensions in inches so anyone on your team can grab the right item fast. Keep fragile supplies like bubble wrap and edge protectors separated to avoid crushing them. Small investments like a scale and dimensional measuring tape (in inches) help you calculate accurate shipping rates and reduce surprises at the carrier counter.

Tips for small businesses and sellers

If you're running an ecommerce shop or selling on marketplaces, consistency is key. Standardize your packaging to reduce SKUs of boxes and mailers — choose two small box sizes, two medium sizes, and a few mailer sizes to cover most orders. This reduces waste, simplifies ordering, and speeds up fulfillment. Also, consider branded packing tape or printed labels if your brand identity matters; subtle touches can boost perceived value without breaking the bank if you order these supplies in bulk.

When to consider custom packaging

Custom packaging makes sense when you ship premium products, fragile items, or unique shapes. Custom inserts, foam-cut trays, and printed boxes create an unboxing experience that can increase customer loyalty. However, custom solutions are more expensive per unit and usually require minimum order quantities. For most businesses, customizing one element — like branded tape or a sticker — achieves a balance between distinct branding and cost control.

Comparing price vs. performance

Not all packaging is created equal, and the cheapest option isn’t always the best choice. Cheap tape might save a few cents but cost much more if packages come open in transit. Similarly, choosing a box with a low ECT rating might reduce upfront cost but increase the chance of crushing during stacking. Invest in quality for items that are fragile or high value, and economize on low-risk shipments. Testing a few suppliers and running a small comparison over a month will reveal the best balance for your needs.

Quick checklist before sealing that box

Before you tape, run through a mental checklist: Have you measured the item in inches and allowed sufficient padding? Is the box the right ECT or strength rating for the weight in pounds? Did you use edge protection on palletized loads? Is the label secure and visible? This short review reduces mistakes and returns — and saves money over time.

Summary: Build a smart, flexible shipping supplies strategy

Shipping supplies are an operational cornerstone for any business that moves products. Stock a few versatile box sizes (like 14 x 6 x 2 inches and 24 x 16 x 16 inches), reliable mailers (9 x 6 x 6 inches and larger poly mailers), quality tape, and protective fillers. Source convenience items from national retailers for quick restocks, buy in bulk from wholesalers for steady volume, and use local suppliers or custom partners for unique needs. With a thoughtful approach you’ll protect your products, control costs, and build a smoother packing workflow.

Conclusion

Getting the right shipping supplies doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding the measurements in inches, the strength requirements in pounds, and the trade-offs between price and protection, you can make smarter buying decisions. Mix convenience retailers like Walmart and Amazon for everyday needs with specialized suppliers like Uline for bulk or specialty items, and you’ll craft a resilient packaging strategy that supports growth. Pack smart, ship safe, and watch both customer satisfaction and cost-efficiency improve.