Edge Protectors for Shipping

Shipping products or materials in bulk can be a challenging endeavor because of the risk of damaging your goods in transit. Even minor dings and dents can result in defective products and hurt a business's bottom line. It is important to ensure that each package is shipped using the appropriate protective measures. Staples has a wide selection of shipping, packing and mailing supplies to ensure that any package gets to its destination in one piece. Edge protectors, for instance, are a great tool to ensure that fragile goods and bulk shipments are secured. Read on to learn more about how edge protectors can protect any package during transit.

What Is an Edge Protector?

Edge protectors, or edge guards, are placed on packages to help stabilize and protect fragile items in transit. They are crafted from sturdy materials, often thick layers of recycled cardboard and help eliminate the shifting of loads during transport. Edge guards are formed in a 90-degree angle, making them a perfect fit for any pallet regardless of its contents. They also provide additional support for multiple stacked pallets that have a tendency to lean in one direction or get crushed under additional weight. Edge protectors are typically held in place using heavy-duty steel strapping or a plastic stretch wrap.

What Kinds of Edge Protectors Are There?

While many edge protectors are made from sturdy layers of recycled cardboard, Staples also carries protectors crafted from foam and plastic. Learn more about the different types of edge protection Staples has to offer below.

Recycled Cardboard Edge Protectors

Cardboard edge guards are the most common type of edge protection and come in different grades. If what you are shipping is lightweight, you may opt for light-duty cardboard edge protectors. Medium and heavy-duty edge guards are suitable for denser packages. These edge protectors are commonly used on the outside of pallets during shipment. This ensures that pallets stacked on top of each other do not get crushed.

Foam Edge Protectors

Foam edge protectors are molded from expanded polystyrene and offer protection against scratches and other damage caused by vibrations. Foam edge guards protect the corners of heavy or fragile products during shipment. Many foam edge protectors are molded to fit the corners of packages and can go inside larger boxes, making them a perfect option for smaller products that are sensitive to shock or have many moving parts.

Plastic Strap Guards

Plastic strap guards are a type of edge protector that prevents damage caused by tight strapping. These often come in different colors and feature a ribbed channel design that stops steel or poly strapping from moving. Since these durable edge covers are made out of plastic and easy to spot, they can be removed and reused for multiple shipments.