Mailing supplies are an excellent way to ship artwork, maps, blueprints, posters, and any other large documents that you do not want to fold. There are many options when purchasing mailing and shipping tubes. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials.
Mailing and Shipping Tube Sizes and Shapes
A mailing and shipping tubes can come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Most manufacturers stock them from 6″ in diameter to 48″ in length. They also offer custom sizes to meet your needs. The most common shaped tubes are round, square, rectangle, and triangle, but custom tubes are also available.
Paper Tubes
Paper tubes are the most common and most economical available. They are lightweight, rigid and resist crushing and bending and come in three main varieties: open-end, snap seal, and telescopic.
- Open-Ended – Open-ended tubes are usually made of heavy 3-ply, spiral-wound paperboard. Tight fitting plastic caps seal the end of the shipping tube and help provide strength. These caps may or may not be included depending on which supplier you choose.
- Snap Seal – Snap seal tubes do not use any external end caps. Instead, the ends fold in to seal the tube. They are quick, easy, and economical, and they do not require tape to keep them closed.
- Telescopic – Telescopic tubes expand and contract to hold different size documents. They are strong and virtually crush proof. They generally have metal end caps.