Should You Use Plastic Storage Bins to Ship?

Virginia Miller

Packaging of products is one of the biggest, if not the most troublesome concern for merchants. Packaging is not only important for safeguarding the products but also offers a wide range of other business benefits. Recently, the issues about shipping plastic containers have become notable concerns for sellers in the ecommerce industry. Starting from product safety to the issues in shipping time, plastic bins can be more of a problem than a solution. How can you find whether plastic bins are a suitable choice for shipping? The following post helps you find some answers to your doubts about using plastic bins or containers for shipping.

What Is the Use of Plastic Bins in Shipping?

In the present times, plastic shipping containers might seem like one of the ideal choices for packaging, especially considering their specific benefits for different types of goods. For example, plastic is a reliable choice of packaging for food products and transporting them over long distances. However, plastic containers do not qualify as the choice of packaging by shipping carriers

Why Is Packaging Important?

The obvious question you should ask before “Can you ship plastic bins” must focus on the importance of packaging. While plastic containers are suitable for packaging over shorter distances, you can have many issues with long-distance shipping. For example, transfer shocks can damage the plastic containers and they could break easily. If you don’t want your products damaged in transit, you might want to stay away from plastic bins for shipping. Keeping that in mind, you are open to use USPS mail tubs for shipping products according to your preference. On the other hand, you must be careful about the setbacks of shipping in plastic boxes. 

Related: What Is UPS SurePost? How Businesses Can Benefit From It

Tips for Shipping in Plastic Containers

If you want to use plastic shipping bins for transporting your goods, then you must take care of their safety. Here are some pointers you must follow while packaging your goods in plastic bins for shipping.

  • Anyone using a plastic bin for shipping must ensure that it is a tightly enclosed poly plastic case without voids. 

  • If are using something like the USPS bin, then you must use cardboard box for filling in the voids and offer the necessary cushioning. 

  • Try to go for plastic bins with comparatively lesser weight as it would account for additional delivery charges. 

Related : What is FedEx Ground Economy (FedEx Smartpost) For Businesses?

Conclusion 

The simple notion of using plastic bins for shipping can seem quite interesting from the top. However, plastic containers are vulnerable to transfer shocks in long-distance shipping. At the same time, you have to take on many other challenges in using plastic bins for shipping. Finally, it is completely up to you whether you choose plastic bins or the usual packaging methods for delivering your goods safely. 

Recommended: Where To Get Shipping Boxes

Commonly Asked Questions