Freight box options, packing, tips, and more
Freight box options, packing, tips, and more
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Here's what you'll
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Simplify your shipment with freight box options from FedEx
If you’re ready to try freight box shipping, consider one of our FedEx freight boxes. Choose from LTL or express options. Both provide flexibility, security, and 360-degree protection to help shipments arrive safely, on time.
FedEx Freight® box for LTL shipments*
This flat-rate packaging option is an easy way for businesses to ship and return LTL freight.
No classification required
With the FedEx flat-rate freight box for LTL shipments, you don’t have to classify your freight, and it eliminates reclass and reweight fees. Prices are determined by delivery zone, so pricing is predictable. And the cost of shipping materials is included in the flat fee.
FedEx Freight box sizes for LTL shipments
- Standard: 48" x 40" x 38"
- Smaller: 48" x 40" x 28"
Get quick quotes
Get fast, accurate end-to-end rate quotes for the FedEx Freight box for LTL shipments by providing some simple information about your shipment. You’ll see prices for both FedEx Freight® Priority and FedEx Freight® Economy shipping. Compare rates and transit times for your destination zone to make an informed decision about your freight.
Please note that the FedEx Freight box for LTL shipments requires a separate account and is priced differently. For help signing up, contact your FedEx account rep. You can order boxes through them once you’ve signed up for freight box rates.
Get set up and start shipping
Ready to use an LTL freight box to ship? Follow these steps to get started.
1. Contact your FedEx account rep to:
- Set up a freight box account
- Apply freight box pricing
- Order freight box supplies
If you don’t have a FedEx account, a sales rep will be happy to help.
2. After you receive your freight box supplies, create a freight label online or use LTL Select.
3. Once you’ve created the shipment and your items are packed, place the shipping label on the freight box.
4. If you didn’t select “schedule a pickup” when you created your shipment, you can request a freight pickup online.
More resources on the LTL FedEx flat-rate freight box
Access our printable reference guide
Use our LTL FedEx Freight box reference guide to get pricing, see pictures of the two size options, and read even more.
See it in action
Learn the benefits of the FedEx flat-rate freight box for LTL shipments and find out how to sign up, order supplies, get quotes and transit times, and schedule shipments.
Learn to assemble it in minutes
Get step-by-step video instructions on assembling both sizes of the FedEx Freight box for LTL shipments or download printable FedEx Freight box instructions.
FedEx Express® freight box
This freight box is available for U.S. and international freight shippers. The box is complimentary to qualifying U.S.-based FedEx Express customers, and can be reused up to five times.
FedEx Express freight box sizes
- Short: 48" x 40" x 20"
- Medium: 48" x 40" x 28"
- Tall: 48" x 40" x 38"
- Jumbo: 48" x 40" x 64"
Available services
You can use the FedEx Express freight box with all FedEx Express freight services, both in the U.S. and internationally.
U.S. services
FedEx First Overnight® Freight
FedEx 1Day® Freight
FedEx 2Day® Freight
U.S. services
- FedEx First Overnight® Freight
- FedEx 1Day® Freight
- FedEx 2Day® Freight
International services
FedEx International Priority® Freight
FedEx International Economy® Freight
International services
- FedEx International Priority® Freight
- FedEx International Economy® Freight
Get a quote
Calculate your rate for a FedEx Express freight box shipment. Just enter your origin and destination to get started. Under the Packaging dropdown, select “Your Packaging.” Then enter the rest of your shipment information to see a quote. Questions? Talk with your account representative or call FedEx Express freight Customer Service at 1.800.332.0807.
Freight box basics
A freight box, also called a bulk bin, is a durable container that encloses and protects products during shipment. Also called shipping cartons or pallet boxes, freight boxes are a popular choice for shipping large items.
Freight box benefits
Freight box benefits
- Secure, unitized shipping (small packages shipped together)
Secure, unitized shipping (small packages shipped together)
- Predictable, straightforward pricing
Predictable, straightforward pricing
- Available in multiple sizes for use with standard shipping pallets
Available in multiple sizes for use with standard shipping pallets
Pros and cons of common freight box materials
Pros
- Available in multiple sizes and thicknesses, including single-, double-, and triple-wall
- Economical
- Often come with removable lids or panels
Cons
- Lowest level of protection
- Susceptible to damage, especially from moisture
Pros
- More durable than cardboard for more protection
- Available in multiple sizes, thicknesses, and types of plastic
- Usually stackable and often collapsible for easy storage
- Usually reusable
Cons
- More expensive than cardboard options
- Slicker surface can risk damage from shifting during shipping
- Often requires cleaning before reuse
- Heavier than cardboard; higher shipping cost
Pros
- Sturdy and protective
- Usually stackable
- Usually reusable
Cons
- Heavier than corrugated cardboard or plastic
- Requires a larger storage area
Pros
- Very sturdy, durable, and protective
- Reusable
- Stackable
Cons
- Heavy; can cost more to ship
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Plastic |
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Wood |
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Steel |
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Freight boxes vs. crates vs. pallets
The right shipping methods and materials vary based on what you’re shipping and where it’s going. While the freight boxes described above might be the right choice, you might need other materials like shipping crates or pallets.
Shipping crate
A shipping crate is a heavy-duty shipping container with built-in bracing. Crates are usually made of wood, but can also be metal or plastic. Get information about using shipping crates for shipments.
Pallet
A pallet is a platform for stacking items, cartons, or boxes and banding them into a unitized load for increased security and stability. Get information about using pallets for shipments.
Items commonly shipped in freight boxes
Because freight boxes come in a variety of sizes and materials, you can use them to ship a lot of different types of items. A few of the most common are:
- Small appliances and ready-to-assemble furniture, like tables and chairs
- Retail goods and clothing
- Automotive and motorcycle parts
- Art and antiques
Small appliances and ready-to-assemble furniture, like tables and chairs
Retail goods and clothing
Automotive and motorcycle parts
Art and antiques
Before shipping large items, be sure to read the labeling and handling requirements for the items in your shipment. Items like batteries, electronics, and dangerous goods have restrictions and special labeling requirements. We have a library of the most common labels that you can easily download and print. Access the label library or read more about how to ship dangerous goods.
More freight shipping resources
*Flat rates based on zone pricing. Find rates and zone information. Rates are subject to the General Rate Increase (GRI), and all accessorial charges in the FedEx Freight 100 Rules Tariff will apply. Exception: Item 404 (absolute minimum charge) will not apply as the FedEx Freight box is not discountable. Pricing is subject to the standard FedEx Freight 100 fuel surcharge. Use of the FedEx Freight box will supersede any negotiated pricing. Maximum liability is $7.50 per lb. Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico are not covered by FedEx Freight box rates. Hazardous materials are prohibited. Maximum weight allowed for each freight box is 1,200 lbs.