Shipping boxes - a question

I'm not going to post this as a poll, but I would appreciate feedback from any who are willing to provide it.

I, for a variety of my own reasons, have chosen not to utilize the white pre-labeled boxes with precut styrofoam inserts. Instead, I use 3 basic box sizes, PERISHABLE and THIS SIDE UP labels, and cut my own inserts from good quality insulation board (either 1/2" or 1", depending on the season & the contents).

I have noted a number of times that people have spoken (and/or typed) negatively about shippers using brown boxes, and hand cut styro...the statement, or implication, being that this is unprofessional packaging. I will grant you that cutting one's own styrofoam can be a bit messier, with the panels shedding those styro beads that you just can't seem to get rid of (which is a big part of the reason I no longer use plain ol' styrofoam)...but if the panels are fit properly, is that really just cause to label them unprofessional?
Is it the general assumption that the white boxes with red lettering get better treatment?
Perhaps there is some conception that the white boxes mean the shipper cares more? Or that the packaging is superior in more than just name (pun intended)?

I don't see what someone would have to complain about. If the animal is properly packaged, it shouldn't matter the color of box and if the insulation was hand cut. Only thing I can think of for someone to complain is if the packaging was insufficient in of itself. Or a box that wasn't in good enough condition to ship in the first place.

Originally Posted by hhmoore

I have noted a number of times that people have spoken (and/or typed) negatively about shippers using brown boxes, and hand cut styro...the statement, or implication, being that this is unprofessional packaging. I will grant you that cutting one's own styrofoam can be a bit messier, with the panels shedding those styro beads that you just can't seem to get rid of (which is a big part of the reason I no longer use plain ol' styrofoam)...but if the panels are fit properly, is that really just cause to label them unprofessional?
Is it the general assumption that the white boxes with red lettering get better treatment?
Perhaps there is some conception that the white boxes mean the shipper cares more? Or that the packaging is superior in more than just name (pun intended)?

I use both. At times I have not had large enough boxes from Superior to ship a particular animal and got the items to make a box up.
I don't see anything wrong with it.
However, no matter how you pack, nothing can prepare you for the shipping company doing this.
A hole thru the box AND the 1 inch insulation.

My unlearned opinion is that there should be nothing at all wrong with properly fitted hand cut styrofoam. My guess on the white box preference of some people would be that possibly some people may feel that a warehouse or delivery guy handling several hundred brown packages each day might take a 2nd look at a white box and read the labels.

There are brown boxes that are even sturdier than the regular printed ones. For extreme weather I have used those styro coolers used in shipping medical supplies and perishable items. I wouldn't trade them for any of the lighter ones. The question is if FedEx will allow you to use that box when shipping live animals.

Regards,

I'd have no problem with receiving a reptile shipped in a brown box with hand cut liner.
I see that as a wise money saving measure not something unprofessional.
You would get far more complaints were you to start tacking on the cost of Superior Boxes etc to the price of shipping.
Just don't start shipping in used cricket boxes with no lining. LOL

The other thing is that if you factor in the time you put into cutting the styro pieces + the costs of the materials I'm not sure if it's not cheaper to buy them ready made. As for preparing the styro pieces themselves y used to cut them with a sharp saw-like knife and then smootihng the edges rubbing them agaisnt rough concrete.

Regards.

True - cutting the insulation board can be tedious...but I think it is a better product for cold weather shipping, and the fit tends to be tighter when I cut it myself.

Tedious and messy! When I used to smooth out the surface against the concrete the little "crumbles" will be blowing all over the place.

When I ran out of styro panels, I switched to actual insulation board - the 4x8 sheets used in construction. I've been pretty happy with it overall, though I haven't done a serious cost analysis. If I start shipping in greater volume, I may have to re-evaluate that decision.