UPS guidelines suggest using boxes judiciously and encourage reusing boxes in good condition, which can enhance sustainability by reducing the demand for new materials. The recommendation to use biodegradable packaging materials while avoiding excessive warmth or humidity to prevent breakdown supports environmental sustainability. They also suggest using the right size boxes to minimize waste from packing materials, further encouraging efficiency and material conservation in shipping practices .

The choice and arrangement of packing materials inside a corrugated box can greatly affect both the protection of the contents and shipping costs. Proper cushioning, with at least two inches of protection on all six sides, prevents movement and potential damage during transit. Additionally, using the right amount of packing materials avoids empty spaces that could lead to content shifting, which might compromise box integrity and add to weight and cost inefficiencies in shipping .

The recommended best practice for sealing a shipping box is the 'six-strip method,' which involves applying pressure-sensitive, water-activated, or heavy-duty nylon tape to the cross seam and both side seams, both on the top and bottom of the box. This technique is necessary to ensure that the box remains closed and the contents secured throughout the shipping process, preventing the box from opening accidentally and thereby avoiding damage to the contents .