Shipping rigid boxes internationally

Rigid boxes are made to feel solid, which also makes them bulky to ship. If you are importing boxes from a factory abroad, a little planning keeps freight costs and delays down.

Air or sea?

• Air freight is fast. It is charged on actual or volumetric weight, whichever is higher, which matters for large, light rigid boxes. Best for launches and urgent stock.
• Sea freight is slower and much cheaper per box at volume. It is charged on volume, with a minimum, and usually delivered to a port, then by road to your warehouse.

Many brands split the order: a small air shipment for launch, the rest by sea.

Volume is the real cost

Fixed rigid boxes ship assembled, so a carton is mostly air. That is why freight for rigid boxes can be surprising.

Packing for the journey

• Strong export cartons sized to the boxes.
• Corner protection and dividers so lids do not scuff.
• Cartons labelled with SKU and count so your warehouse can check them in.
• Palletised for sea freight when needed.

Documents and duties

Every export shipment travels with a commercial invoice and a packing list; a certificate of origin can be added on request. Import duty and taxes are set by your country and are usually paid by the importer. For sea freight you will normally need a customs broker at the destination.

This is general guidance, not customs advice. Rules vary by product and country, so confirm the details with your broker.

Plan the timeline backwards

Count back from your launch date: transit time, then production, then proof approval, then design. Air can save weeks at the end, but only if everything before it is on time.

See our shipping page and country guides such as shipping to the USA and shipping to the UK, or get a quote that includes freight options.

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