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Using Your Own Shipping Boxes with DCL

If you want to ship using your own boxes that are not provided by DCL here are the steps to check the compatibility with our systems

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Written by Rocky Eng
Updated this week

At DCL we aim to provide our customers with flexible and efficient shipping solutions. While we supply various shipping materials and charge based on the box size used, we understand that some customers prefer to use their own shipping boxes or shipping mailers. This could be for branding purposes or to meet specific size requirements that we may not currently offer.

Steps Needed for Customer Provided Shipping Boxes or Mailers

We are happy to accommodate a request for customer provided packaging if you would like to use your boxes or mailers for shipping. However, to ensure compatibility with our automated systems and maintain the efficiency of our operations, we ask you to follow these steps:

  1. Share Box Attributes

    • Share the following attributes with your account team: box type, dimensions, weight of empty box, flute corrugate.

  2. Send Us Samples

    • Before using your own boxes, please send us sample boxes.

    • Our team will perform many tests of your boxes to check compatibility:

      • With our automated systems, including verify scanning, labeling, and sortation.

      • Determine if box is compatible with case erector (automated box folder)

        • Not all case erectors are the same and will vary from site to site

        • All auto-bottom boxes are not compatible with any case erector

      • Perform a mock verification, scanning the box and items at the pick and pack station.

  3. Work with Your Account Manager to Determine Best Solution

    • Based on the results of tests listed above, your account manager will send the following failure rates to help determine if your boxes are compatible. Your account manager will make expert recommendations based on their findings.

Examples of Packaging That May Not Work with our Systems

  1. Reflective or glossy finishes

  2. Transparent or clear packaging

  3. Textured or curved surfaces

  4. Extra small poly mailers or boxes

Additional Fee Considerations

  1. Custom Box Fee

    • All customer-owned boxes always incur an additional fee

    • Pizza-style boxes have a different additional cost

  2. Box Folding Fee

    • If boxes require folding before they can be used for shipping, please note that a folding fee will apply.

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