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Foldwell Packaging

Shipping box · Corrugated

Automotive packaging

Automotive packaging is a corrugated box with a fitted insert that holds an auto part still, printed with your brand and part numbers. We make boxes for brake pads, filters, sensors, trim and accessories, draw the structure for free, and production takes 10–12 days from proof approval.

  • Over 30 years in print and packaging
  • Free structural design
  • From 50 units
  • Plastic-free options
foldwell
Style
Corrugated box with insert
Board
Corrugated
Best for
Auto parts and accessories
Best value starts at
50 units
Typical production window
10–12 days
Quote reply time
12–24 hours
For structural design
$0

Overview

What does an auto parts box need to do?

The catch is weight and rust. Metal parts are heavy and sharp, so the board has to carry the load, and parts that rust need protection we don't supply. Send the part's weight, size and finish and we'll say which board and insert fit.

It has to carry the part's weight without crushing, hold it still so it doesn't scratch or chip, and show what it is: part number, fitment, barcode. That points to a strong corrugated box, a cut-to-fit insert and a clear print panel.

Parts sold on a shelf also need a retail-ready face. Parts shipped in bulk need a plainer, stronger box. They're different boxes, and most brands use both.

  • Outer box. Corrugated, in a flute chosen for the part's weight. See flute types.
  • Insert. Corrugated or paperboard, cut to the part.
  • Print panel. Part number, fitment, barcode and your brand.
  • Optional sleeve. A printed band for retail display.

Specifications

Automotive packaging: specifications

Every box is drawn to your product, so these are the options, not a fixed catalogue. Your specialist confirms the exact spec on the proof.

Automotive packaging: what you can specify
SpecDetail
StyleCorrugated box with a fitted insert, shipping box or retail carton
BoardCorrugated, E-flute or B-flute, heavier flutes on request
PrintOne to full color, with part number and barcode panels
InsertsCorrugated or paperboard, cut to the part
Add-onsHandle cut-outs, label recess, window
SizeDrawn to your part
Ships to youFlat, packed in cartons
RecyclabilityCorrugated and paperboard recycle
Order sizeBest value from 50 units per design, because of logistics and shipping. Smaller orders can be considered
Structural design$0. We draw the dieline around your product
ProofDigital proof on your dieline, checked for bleed, folds and barcodes
Production10–12 days on most orders, from proof approval. Shipping time is on top
Default finishAqueous coating on every box. Water-based, and it recycles with the box
Point of contactOne packaging specialist, from first sketch to delivery

Board and build

Which auto parts box?

Pick by how the part sells and how it ships.

Automotive box choices
PartBoxWhy
Small parts and sensorsFolding carton or small corrugated boxLight and easy to stock
Brake pads, filtersCorrugated box with an insertCarries weight, holds the part still
Large componentsHeavy-duty corrugated shipperStiff walls, stackable
AccessoriesRetail carton or display boxShelf appeal

For stronger boxes, see custom shipping boxes and custom cardboard boxes.

Compare

Retail-ready or bulk?

Many auto brands use both.

Retail-ready compared with bulk automotive packaging
Retail-readyBulk
PrintFull color, brandedPart number and barcode only
BoardLighterHeavier
Cost per boxHigherLower
Best forShelf and counter salesDistribution and warehouse stock

Order both from the same dieline family so sizes match.

Sizing

Sizing an auto parts box

Send the part's length, width, height and weight, plus any protruding points. Heavy parts need a stronger flute, so weight matters as much as size.

See shipping box sizes for carrier limits. We add clearance when we draw the dieline.

Who uses automotive packaging

  • Parts makers and brands. Branded boxes for shelves and catalogs.
  • Distributors. Bulk boxes with part numbers. See wholesale packaging.
  • Accessories sellers. Retail cartons for covers, mats and tools.
  • Aftermarket startups. Short runs for a first launch. See custom packaging for small business.

Finishes

Print for the barcode, not the show.

Parts boxes are about clear labels. Aqueous coating goes on every box by default.

Aqueous coating

Water-based and on every box by default. It recycles with the box.

Spot UV

Gloss on one area of a matte box. Good for a logo, bad for small text.

Quote

Get a quote for automotive packaging

One measurement and a quantity is enough to start. Your specialist replies with a structure, so you can see the box before you commit to anything.

Fill in what you know. We reply in 12–24 hours. A product photo on a ruler is enough to start.

Inside dimensions of your product (length x width x height)

Not sure which side is which? How to measure a box.

Best value starts at 50. Fewer? Enter the number and we'll consider it.

How it works

Four steps, one person.

The specialist who picks up your first email stays with the project until the boxes arrive.

  1. Step 01

    Tell us what you're packing

    Send the product dimensions, how it ships and how many you need. A photo on a ruler is enough to start.

  2. Step 02

    We draw the structure

    Your packaging specialist builds the dieline around your product. Structural design is free.

  3. Step 03

    You approve the proof

    Drop your artwork onto the dieline. We check bleed, folds and barcodes, and send a digital proof.

  4. Step 04

    We make and ship

    Production takes 10–12 days on most orders. Boxes ship flat, packed in cartons, to your door.

FAQ

Automotive packaging: questions.

What is the minimum order for automotive packaging?

Best value starts at 50 units per design, because of logistics and shipping. If you need fewer, tell us: we can consider smaller orders.

How long do automotive packaging take?

10–12 days on most orders, counted from proof approval. Shipping time is on top and depends on where the boxes are going.

Do you charge for structural design?

No. Structural design is $0. We draw the dieline around your product, and you only pay once you order boxes.

Can you make boxes for heavy parts?

Yes. We choose the flute for the weight. Send the weight and size.

Do you make anti-rust or VCI packaging?

No. We make printed corrugated and paperboard boxes. If a part needs rust protection, add a VCI bag or film from a specialist and send us the size.

Can you print part numbers and barcodes?

Yes. Send them with your artwork. We check bleed, folds and barcode placement before the digital proof.

Honest fit

When not to hire us.

You need ESD or rust-proof packaging

Static-sensitive or rust-prone parts need materials we don't supply. Use specialist protective packaging and have us make the outer box around it.

You only need a handful of boxes

Best value starts at 50 units, because of logistics and shipping. For 10 or 20 we can consider it, but the cost per box is higher and a stock box with a printed sticker may cost you less.

You need boxes next week

Production runs 10–12 days before shipping. If your launch is sooner, buy stock boxes now and switch to custom for the next run.

You want plain brown boxes

If nothing gets printed, a stock box supplier is cheaper and faster. We're worth it once the box carries your brand.

What's the part?

Send the part's size and weight, and how many boxes you need.

Start a project

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