Flat Boxes and cardboard boxes are referred to by many generic names. When the height or depth of a box is only 2” to 5” in height, you hear people refer to them as a flat box, which can be confusing because boxes are shipped flattened in bundles. When called flat the reference is usually directed to the narrow height of a box that can be used to package items that are shallow in size. A few examples would be a keyboard, a book or picture frame.

Picture boxes or art shipping boxes are corrugated boxes that are technically called an FOL box in the corrugated industry. FOL stands for Full Overlap, which means the width flaps on a cardboard box span the entire width dimension of the box giving the box double flaps for more cushion. An RSC or Regularly Slotted Container uses flaps that meet in the middle and span half of the width dimension of the box. Usually a strip of box sealing tape is used to finish and close the carton by running the tape down the middle seam. Many art galleries and small artists need small quantities of different size art shipping boxes. Most of these picture boxes need to be custom sized boxes so they will fit and encase the artwork during the shipping process. Shipping artwork can be a challenge especially for higher priced paintings. The inner packaging is extremely important which aids in keeping the art piece free from abrasion and damage during transit. The painting should be fitted inside a poly-bag and suspended in bubble wrap or some other type of foam or air-pillow cushioning. The key to packaging any item that could potentially sustain damage is to make it contiguous to the package itself. Keeping it fixed inside the box and from moving around is packaging 101 and essential for safe transport. Check out our selection of flat boxes for shipping your low profile products.