7 Essential Shipping Materials Every Small Business Should Have

Cardboard for the packaging of different thickness
Consumers have higher standards than ever for the products they buy and for how fast they want them delivered. To keep up, small businesses have to examine every angle to find the right balance of cost and performance.  One key way for small businesses to stay competitive and cut costs is to know which kind of packaging is the most efficient and most cost-effective. Air Sea Containers is a packaging partner for small businesses around the world because we excel at helping our customers find those just-right solutions. By identifying the packaging that’s just right for your products and using it effectively, your business can develop packaging solutions that meet both your needs and your customers’ needs. These seven shipping materials from Air Sea Containers are great essentials to start with. 

1. Custom Shipping Boxes

If the word “custom” makes you think “pricey,” think again. With Air Sea Containers’ easy custom corrugated shipping boxes, you can find exactly the size and weight you need, helping you to maximize shipping space and trim fuel costs. They’re available in a wide variety of designs, with options for custom printing, and are a particularly good option for small business eCommerce shipping. Both hazmat and non-hazmat models are available. 

2. Biodegradable Air Pillows

A customer favorite from our extensive line of eco-friendly packaging materials, these biodegradable air pillows are a smarter and greener way to cushion and protect your products. This advanced air pillow system proves that you can have sustainability, cost-effectiveness and high performance all at once. They’re reusable, recyclable and biodegradable–and they don’t leave residue behind after breaking down, making them some of the only truly “green” air pillows on the market. 

3. Vermiculite

Vermiculite is a natural mineral and void fill packaging material that protects against a variety of common transit hazards. Its absorbent properties make it great for both moisture control and shock absorption, and its naturally inert composition makes it a great option for hazmat shipping. We offer two high-performance vermiculite grades for general shipping purposes, as well as all-in-one hazmat shipping kits with vermiculite included. 

4. Dunnage Air Bags

Preventing cargo from shifting in transit is key to ensuring that it gets to its destination safely. That’s why Air Sea’s dunnage air bags are an ideal tool for reducing breakage and improving cargo safety. These durable, reusable and recyclable transparent polymer airbags are perfect for packing between cargo and are the easiest and safest way to keep your cargo immobilized during transit. For maximum convenience, try our Truck Dunnage Courier Packs, with up to 100 dunnage bags—great for small businesses to test out our bags before committing to a larger order.  Air Sea Dunnage Air Bags

Air Sea Dunnage Air Bags 

5. Refrigerant Gel Packs

Shipping temperature-controlled cargo can be a big challenge for a small business, but dry ice can be difficult to work with and even dangerous if not handled properly. Plus, some freight carriers won’t even ship it or will charge more. That’s why it’s great to have Air Sea’s refrigerant gel packs on hand to keep cargo at the proper temperature. Their non-toxic, solid-freeze formula offers performance comparable to dry ice, but with improved safety and ease of handling. Plus, they’re reusable and recyclable, for a solution that’s both sustainable and cost-effective. 

6. Hazmat Shipping Labels

For any business that ships hazardous materials, it’s critical to have the right labels and placards to ensure safe handling and regulatory compliance. We have labeling materials for all nine UN hazmat classifications, including fade-resistant peel-and-stick labels and heavy-duty vinyl hazmat placards, both designed specifically according to the U.S. and international hazmat shipping standards. Keeping these on hand will help ensure you’re never caught without the right labels for your hazardous goods. 

7. Packaging Tape

No matter what kinds of goods you’re shipping, you’ll probably need durable packaging tape to secure your shipping boxes. Our heavy-duty adhesive tapes are always up to the job and available in a variety of strengths. Our pressure-sensitive clear plastic adhesive tape is perfect for everyday shipping and packaging, while our water-activated reinforced adhesive tape is strengthened with fiberglass thread for truly powerful performance.  Brown Water Activated Heavy Duty Reinforced Adhesive Tape

Air Sea Water Activated Heavy Duty Reinforced Adhesive Tape

With small businesses everywhere feeling the shipping and packaging squeeze, it can be tough to decide which kind of packaging solution fits you best. Fortunately, Air Sea has the selection and expertise to help. Our packaging experts can help you find the ideal solution for your business. Just call us at (866) 596-9448 to learn more or contact us online for free quotes and information. 

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