When you ship items from one place to another, you don't just send them as they are, right? You make sure they're placed inside containers that'll protect them and ensure they reach their destination safely. That's why shipping boxes have been created. For more than fifty years, these simple, but useful objects have been very helpful for the shipping industry. Shipping boxes make goods transportation a lot easier and more convenient.

The first time shipping boxes were used were back in April 26, 1956. On this special day, the first successful shipment was made. It consisted of 58 truck bodies, and was a five day trip, starting from New Jersey and arriving in Houston. Ever since then, shipping became an important enterprise. The boxes used came in various sizes and shapes. They now "travel" to different places all over the world.

There are many kinds of shipping boxes. This is because people transport just about anything. Now, we will discuss some of the most popular types.

For fragile items sent in bulk, corrugated shipping boxes are used. This is a pre-cut box, bought as a sheet and then folded. Many people today use this when transporting items such as vases, plates and glasses. Fruits and produce can also be sent in these boxes, without being spoilt. Corrugated shipping boxes are used by many people and can be recycled.

Some packages are very large and very heavy. What you need for these are heavy-duty shipping boxes that will sufficiently handle and support the weight. Shipping boxes like these can carry packages weighing 275 pounds or more. For items like heavy books and dumbbells, these would certainly work.

If you're transporting a particular electronic device, such as a computer, you should get a specialty box. Boxes like these would help provide the items with additional protection, so they will not be damaged even when being shipped. Most of the time, these have suspension inserts within them. These inserts are cut-outs wedged inside the box to perfectly fit the item within. They help prevent the items inside from moving too much.

These are just some of the shipping boxes used today. Other examples include moving boxes, file boxes, and a whole lot more.