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Picking a Shipping Tube for Posters, Blueprints, and Documents
When it comes to shipping large-format paper items like posters, blueprints, maps, or architectural drawings, protection and presentation matter. A bent corner or a torn edge can ruin a customer experience or compromise an important document. That’s why choosing the right shipping tube is more than a packaging decision, it’s a strategic move for quality control, brand reputation, and cost efficiency.
Know the Item You’re Shipping
Before selecting a tube, consider the dimensions, weight, and sensitivity of the item:
- Posters and art prints often require rigid tubes with clean interiors to prevent smudging or creasing.
- Blueprints and technical drawings may be longer and printed on heavier stock, requiring reinforced ends or thicker walls.
- Documents with presentation value (e.g., diplomas, certificates) benefit from tubes with premium finishes or branded closures.
Knowing your item’s specs helps you avoid over-packaging or under-protecting.
Choose the Right Tube Material
Cardboard Tubes: The most common and cost-effective option. Available in kraft or white finishes, they offer good rigidity and are recyclable. Ideal for standard posters and blueprints.
Plastic Tubes: More durable and moisture-resistant. Great for outdoor applications or long-term storage, but typically more expensive.
Telescoping Tubes: Adjustable-length tubes that accommodate variable document sizes. Useful for operations that ship multiple formats but want to minimize SKUs.
Consider Wall Thickness and Crush Resistance
Wall thickness affects both protection and shipping cost. For fragile or high-value items, opt for:
- Heavy-duty tubes with thicker walls (typically 0.08" or more)
- Double-walled ends or metal/plastic caps to prevent crushing
- Interior liners for added surface protection
Lightweight tubes may save on postage but increase the risk of damage; a tradeoff worth evaluating based on your return rates.
Closure Options Matter
Caps, plugs, and end closures keep contents secure and clean. Common options include:
- Plastic end caps: reusable, secure, and moisture-resistant
- Snap-seal closures: fast and tamper-evident
- Crimped ends: cost-effective but not resealable
For repeat-use or premium shipments, resealable closures add value and reduce waste.
Branding and Presentation
Shipping tubes are protective, but also an extension of your brand. Consider:
- Custom printing for logos, instructions, or messaging
- Color options to match your brand palette
- Labeling space for barcodes or packing slips
A well-designed tube can elevate the unboxing experience and reinforce your company’s attention to detail.
Find the Right Shipping Tube for You
Choosing the right shipping tube for posters, blueprints, and documents means balancing protection, cost, and presentation. Whether you're shipping one-off prints or managing high-volume fulfillment, the right tube keeps your materials safe, your customers happy, and your packaging spend under control.
Need help sourcing the perfect tube for your product line? Contact our team today for samples, spec sheets, or a custom quote tailored to your shipping needs. Let’s protect what matters!
If you’re looking for “GREEN,” look no further than PTS! After all, green is the color of PTS.
