PAPER MAILING TUBES (BOWN KRAFT)

Paper Mailing Tubes are the only packaging choice for items that absolutely must arrive completely flat and unbent. Anchor Box Company’s brown kraft tubes feature sturdy corrugated cardboard construction that resists crushing, bending, and creasing throughout the shipping journey. Available in two diameters (2″ and 3″) with five convenient lengths (12.5″, 18″, 24″, 36″, and 48″), these tubes accommodate everything from small rolled documents to oversized artwork.

The rigid construction maintains structural integrity through rough warehouse handling, stacking, and carrier transport. Unlike flexible mailers that allow items to fold or crease, these tubes provide unyielding protection that keeps contents absolutely flat. The cylindrical design distributes pressure evenly, minimizing dents and preventing the corner damage that flat packaging can cause.

The 2″ diameter tubes work best for smaller artwork, standard-sized documents, photographs, and rolled materials up to 2″ in diameter. The 3″ diameter accommodates larger rolls, posters up to 36″ wide, architectural drawings, maps, blueprints, fabric samples, and oversized documents. Select length based on the rolled item’s dimension—12.5″ for compact documents, 18″ for standard letter-sized documents rolled, 24″ for medium posters, 36″ for large artwork, and 48″ for the largest architectural drawings and oversized documents.

Brown kraft exterior presents a professional, natural appearance suitable for premium products and business communications. The recyclable cardboard aligns with environmental sustainability commitments. End caps (typically included or available separately) seal tubes securely, protecting contents from moisture, dirt, and environmental contaminants that could damage or obscure delicate items.

Applications span countless creative and professional uses: shipping rolled artwork and fine art prints, protecting architectural drawings and blueprints, transporting maps and technical documents, mailing rolled posters and promotional materials, shipping fabric samples and textile designs, protecting historical documents and important papers, storing engineering drawings and construction plans, and packaging photography and digital art prints.

The investment in proper mailing tubes prevents damage to irreplaceable items. A single damaged artwork or important document often exceeds the cost of protective mailing tubes. Professional artists, photographers, architects, and anyone shipping valuable rolled items understand that tubes aren’t an expense—they’re essential protection for content worth far more than packaging costs.

Pair mailing tubes with appropriate interior padding (bubble wrap, kraft paper, tissue) for additional protection. The rigid tube structure minimizes need for internal cushioning compared to flexible mailers. The snug fit of properly-sized tubes keeps contents from shifting inside.

Anchor Box delivers local Houston pickup with no minimum order quantities. Wholesale bulk pricing rewards larger purchases. Custom sizes and printed branding are available for specialized applications or high-volume operations. Contact our sales team for volume quotes and rush orders.

FAQs

Q: What’s the difference between 2″ and 3″ diameter tubes, and which should I use?
A: 2″ diameter tubes accommodate rolled items up to 2″ in diameter—suitable for standard documents, small posters, photographs, and compact artwork. 3″ diameter tubes hold larger rolls and oversized items like blueprints and large posters. Measure your item’s rolled diameter and choose the next size up to allow for protective padding inside.

Q: How do I protect artwork inside the mailing tube?
A: Wrap artwork in kraft paper or tissue first, then add bubble wrap or foam padding around the roll before inserting into the tube. The protective layers prevent the artwork from touching cardboard and getting creased. Leave slight space inside the tube so the padded roll doesn’t press against the tube interior.

Q: Are these tubes waterproof?
A: The kraft cardboard is water-resistant, not waterproof. It protects against light moisture, humidity, and brief water exposure. For complete waterproofing, wrap the tube in plastic before shipping or place the tube inside a plastic bag. This is critical for valuable items or shipments where water damage would be catastrophic.

Q: What length tube should I choose for my item?
A: The tube length should be slightly longer than your rolled item to prevent end damage and allow for protective padding. A 24″ poster rolled fits comfortably in a 24″ or 36″ tube (36″ provides extra padding space). Always choose a length at least equal to or slightly longer than your rolled item’s length.

Q: Can I reuse mailing tubes for multiple shipments?
A: Yes, mailing tubes are reusable if they remain structurally sound after first use. Inspect for damage, dents, or crushing before reusing. The rigid cardboard withstands multiple uses for repeated shipping needs. Reusability increases long-term value and supports sustainability goals.

Q: How should I address and label a mailing tube?
A: Print or write address directly on the kraft exterior. Mark prominently with “Do Not Fold,” “Do Not Bend,” and “Fragile” warnings to encourage careful handling. Use permanent markers or printed labels to ensure markings don’t fade or wash off during shipping. Add handling instructions for carriers to take extra precautions.

Q: Do end caps come included with the tubes?
A: End caps are typically available separately (plastic push-fit or plastic screw-on options). Some orders include caps, but confirm with our sales team. Caps seal tubes securely and protect contents from dust and moisture. They’re highly recommended but not always standard inclusions.

Q: Can tubes be shipped internationally without special packaging?
A: Yes, mailing tubes are accepted for international shipping without additional packaging requirements. However, declare contents accurately, include customs documentation if required, and ensure proper addressing with destination country postal codes. Insurance is recommended for valuable contents shipped internationally.