Shipping & Packing Tape

Tape Logic Acrylic Packing Tape, 3" x 55 yds., Clear, 6/Carton (T9052916PK)~#|#~9AE71481-D74B-40FE-84B67C7BB63FFF80_sc7
Item: 256404
Model: T9052916PK
No reviews yet
Price is $64.09
Unit of measure 6/Carton
Free delivery by Mon, Mar 23
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Over 30
Tape Logic Sealing Packing Tape, 3" x 55 yds., Clear, 6/Carton (T9053506PK)~#|#~C56F31B5-87D7-4209-A6E089444AD116B8_sc7
Item: 256407
Model: T9053506PK
Price is $64.69
Unit of measure 6/Carton
Free delivery by Mon, Mar 23
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Over 30
Tape Logic Sealing Packing Tape, 2" x 55 yds., Clear, 6/Carton (T9012916PK)~#|#~B8C3942D-4DA4-47A5-ACA29FD7123A6590_sc7
Item: 256402
Model: T9012916PK
Price is $52.59
Unit of measure 6/Carton
Free delivery by Mon, Mar 23
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Over 30
Tape Logic Colored Carton Sealing Heavy Duty Packing Tape, 2" x 110 yds., Yellow, 6/Carton (T90222Y6PK)~#|#~sp102933665_sc7Tape Logic Colored Carton Sealing Heavy Duty Packing Tape, 2" x 110 yds., Yellow, 6/Carton (T90222Y6PK)~#|#~BF14CA6A-47CD-4AD6-95926B3AFF985677_sc7
Item: 256310
Model: T90222Y6PK
No reviews yet
Price is $70.69
Unit of measure 6/Carton
Free delivery by Mon, Mar 23
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Over 30
Tape Logic #310CC Heavy Duty Packing Tape, 2" x 55 yds., Clear, 12/Carton (T901310CC12P)~#|#~4607036A-2F07-4B9C-A04A042BEBF7156F_sc7
Item: 190835
Model: T901310CC12P
No reviews yet
Price is $77.49
Unit of measure 12/Carton
Free delivery by Mon, Mar 23
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Over 30
Tape Logic Acrylic Packing Tape, 2" x 55 yds., Clear, 36/Carton (T901170)~#|#~s0791058_sc7Tape Logic Acrylic Packing Tape, 2" x 55 yds., Clear, 36/Carton (T901170)~#|#~m000085602_sc7
Item: 897903
Model: T901170
Price is $93.79
Unit of measure 36/Carton
Free delivery by Mon, Mar 23
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Over 30
Tape Logic Acrylic Packing Tape, 3" x 110 yds., Clear, 24/Carton (T905400)~#|#~B4F76767-BF56-4871-995D0C1D32DF0990_sc7
Item: 897891
Model: T905400
Price is $167.79
Unit of measure 24/Carton
Free delivery by Mon, Mar 23
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Over 30
Tape Logic #220 Packing Tape, 3" x 110 yds., Clear, 24/Carton (T905220)~#|#~E2431325-D910-4DAE-961DA93B13AC4F38_sc7
Item: 256389
Model: T905220
Price is $217.39
Unit of measure 24/Carton
Free delivery by Mon, Mar 23
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Over 30
Scotch Heavy Duty Packing Tape with Dispenser, 1.88" x 38.2 yds., Clear (3850S-RD)~#|#~BA95C646-C627-4C0C-A6915B44806DAA3C_sc7Scotch Heavy Duty Packing Tape with Dispenser, 1.88" x 38.2 yds., Clear (3850S-RD)~#|#~5A5782CF-3174-4E40-81AB32A695CC9DF6_sc7
Scotch Heavy Duty Packing Tape with Dispenser, 1.88" x 38.2 yds., Clear (3850S-RD) is In-store only
Item: 448230
Model: 3850S-RD
Price is $8.79
Unit of measure Roll
See alternate delivery items
30-min pickup
Scotch 371 Packing Tape, 2" x 110 yds., Tan, 6/Carton (T902371T6PK)~#|#~C2134D27-B83A-4D56-BD4A05F06733BE6C_sc7
Item: 2301826
Model: T902371T6PK
Price is $98.49
Unit of measure 6/Carton
Free delivery by Mon, Mar 23
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Over 30
Tape Logic Colored Carton Sealing Heavy Duty Packing Tape, 2" x 110 yds., White, 18/Carton (T90222W18PK)~#|#~sp102933656_sc7Tape Logic Colored Carton Sealing Heavy Duty Packing Tape, 2" x 110 yds., White, 18/Carton (T90222W18PK)~#|#~sp118093462_sc7
Item: 2301518
Model: T90222W18PK
No reviews yet
Price is $141.49
Unit of measure 18/Carton
Free delivery by Mon, Mar 23
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Over 30
Tape Logic Acrylic Heavy Duty Packing Tape, 3" x 55 yds., Tan, 24/Carton (T905350T)~#|#~71E20F9C-E985-4DE1-9ED67E041AF53691_sc7
Item: 191479
Model: T905350T
No reviews yet
Price is $193.59
Unit of measure 24/Carton
Free delivery by Mon, Mar 23
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Over 30
Tape Logic 400 Packing Tape, 2" x 110 yds., Clear, 36/Carton (T902400)~#|#~sp42719087_sc7
Item: 897893
Model: T902400
No reviews yet
Price is $204.29
Unit of measure 36/Carton
Free delivery by Mon, Mar 23
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Over 30
Scotch Tough Grip Moving Packaging Tape, 1.88 in. x 22.2 yd., Clear (150)~#|#~D3879B09-292C-4C28-BD28561A1BC4286D_sc7Scotch Tough Grip Moving Packaging Tape, 1.88 in. x 22.2 yd., Clear (150)~#|#~536A69DE-A164-4A14-AD8555CA5C054A3C_sc7
Scotch Tough Grip Moving Packaging Tape, 1.88 in. x 22.2 yd., Clear (150) is In-store only
Item: 2465792
Model: 150
Price is $3.59
See alternate delivery items
30-min pickup
Staples® 1.88" x 43.7 yards, Heavy Duty Shipping Tape, Clear, 3 Rolls (ST-HM-40-3)~#|#~s1117409_sc7Staples® 1.88" x 43.7 yards, Heavy Duty Shipping Tape, Clear, 3 Rolls (ST-HM-40-3)~#|#~s1117408_sc7
Item: 899458
Model: 52197
Price is $17.99
Unit of measure 3/Pack
Delivery by Wed, Mar 25
30-min pickup
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Over 30
Staples® Heavy Duty Packing Tape with Dispenser, 1.88" x 38.2 yds., Clear (52194)~#|#~s1124418_sc7
Staples® Heavy Duty Packing Tape with Dispenser, 1.88" x 38.2 yds., Clear (52194) is In-store only
Item: 609139
Model: 52194
Price is $5.99
Unit of measure Roll
See alternate delivery items
30-min pickup
Scotch Heavy Duty Shipping Packaging Tape, 1.88 in x 27.7 yd, Clear (142L)~#|#~557E72BF-05D1-4F03-B556A3D85A570222_sc7Scotch Heavy Duty Shipping Packaging Tape, 1.88 in x 27.7 yd, Clear (142L)~#|#~234483F3-65E9-42DE-92E53DE2937C1A07_sc7
Scotch Heavy Duty Shipping Packaging Tape, 1.88 in x 27.7 yd, Clear (142L) is In-store only
Item: 492180
Model: 142L
Price is $5.29
See alternate delivery items
30-min pickup
Scotch Heavy Duty Heavy Duty Packing Tape with Dispenser, 1.88" x 58.2 yds., Clear (3850S-21RD-3GC)~#|#~C4C3B81A-B382-49BA-BE7E113A27BF251D_sc7Scotch Heavy Duty Heavy Duty Packing Tape with Dispenser, 1.88" x 58.2 yds., Clear (3850S-21RD-3GC)~#|#~79214D12-29F2-46BE-B834EBDC90B12FF6_sc7
Item: 558402
Model: 3850S-21RD-3GC
Price is $15.99
Price per unit $8.00/Roll
Delivery by Thu, Mar 19
30-min pickup
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Over 30
Staples® Heavy-Duty Shipping Tape, 1.88" x 43.7 Yds, Clear, 6/Rolls (ST-HM-40-6)~#|#~s1121731_sc7Staples® Heavy-Duty Shipping Tape, 1.88" x 43.7 Yds, Clear, 6/Rolls (ST-HM-40-6)~#|#~s1121730_sc7
Item: 899460
Model: 52198
Price is $25.99
Unit of measure 6/Pack
Delivery by Wed, Mar 25
30-min pickup
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Over 30
Staples Heavy-Duty Packing Tape, 1.88"W x 21.8 Yards, Clear (52195)~#|#~s1123108_sc7Staples Heavy-Duty Packing Tape, 1.88"W x 21.8 Yards, Clear (52195)~#|#~s1123109_sc7
Staples Heavy-Duty Packing Tape, 1.88"W x 21.8 Yards, Clear (52195) is In-store only
Item: 626736
Model: 52195
Price is $3.79
See alternate delivery items
30-min pickup
Scotch Shipping Packaging Tape, 1.88 in x 38.2 yds., 6 Pack (3950S-6)~#|#~BDEFF6CA-C5B1-491F-A76BB00BFF44C576_sc7Scotch Shipping Packaging Tape, 1.88 in x 38.2 yds., 6 Pack (3950S-6)~#|#~F5B52E15-B424-4AF3-B48F4782B0CB0FE0_sc7
Item: 24471500
Model: 3950S-6
Price is $38.99
Free delivery by Thu, Mar 19
30-min pickup
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Over 30
Scotch Box Lock Shipping Heavy Duty Packing Tape, 1.88" x 38.2 yds., Clear (3950S-3)~#|#~73EB1E3A-485C-436D-BD75BCDDBC0A4112_sc7Scotch Box Lock Shipping Heavy Duty Packing Tape, 1.88" x 38.2 yds., Clear (3950S-3)~#|#~8C7A92AB-5BC8-46C3-AE67E6BFFE26B1A4_sc7
Item: 24471499
Model: 3950S-3
Price is $23.99
Delivery by Thu, Mar 19
30-min pickup
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Over 30
Scotch 373 Carton Sealing Heavy Duty Packing Tape, 2" x 110 yds., Clear, 6/Carton (T9023736PK)~#|#~E007142C-7C9F-4F92-BBD8B47D37E40876_sc7
Item: 256477
Model: T9023736PK
No reviews yet
Price is $388.69
Unit of measure 6/Carton
Free delivery by Mon, Mar 23
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Over 30
Scotch Heavy Duty Shipping Packing Tape with Dispenser, 1.88" x 22 yds., Clear, 6/Pack (142-6)~#|#~79ED35E1-6343-40CB-A2FA33A8A0E3FCC5_sc7Scotch Heavy Duty Shipping Packing Tape with Dispenser, 1.88" x 22 yds., Clear, 6/Pack (142-6)~#|#~CE45B8B6-B7B6-4DD5-92BC6E620497A4B5_sc7
Scotch Heavy Duty Shipping Packing Tape with Dispenser, 1.88" x 22 yds., Clear, 6/Pack (142-6) is In-store only
Item: 24462717
Model: 142-6R
Price is $18.99
Unit of measure 6/Pack
See alternate delivery items
30-min pickup
Scotch Sure Start Packing Tape, 1.88" x 43.7 yds., Clear, 3/Pack (3450-40-3)~#|#~72C8532F-54C2-4817-85220AA4B7CB5C82_sc7Scotch Sure Start Packing Tape, 1.88" x 43.7 yds., Clear, 3/Pack (3450-40-3)~#|#~CC656D21-2E81-43B7-B115A15B2D793061_sc7
Scotch Sure Start Packing Tape, 1.88" x 43.7 yds., Clear, 3/Pack (3450-40-3) is In-store only
Item: 897516
Model: 3450-40-3
Price is $18.99
Unit of measure 3/Pack
See alternate delivery items
30-min pickup
Scotch Heavy Duty Heavy Duty Packing Tape with Dispenser, 1.88" x 54.6 yds., Clear (3850-ST)~#|#~B9F7D159-12C9-4EEC-8046B7BCFB2DF90F_sc7Scotch Heavy Duty Heavy Duty Packing Tape with Dispenser, 1.88" x 54.6 yds., Clear (3850-ST)~#|#~FBCBEF04-6AF4-4519-8C5269BB1F0AB340_sc7
Scotch Heavy Duty Heavy Duty Packing Tape with Dispenser, 1.88" x 54.6 yds., Clear (3850-ST) is In-store only
Item: 483920
Model: 3850-ST
Price is $19.49
See alternate delivery items
30-min pickup
Scotch Shipping Packing Tape, 1.88" x 109 yds., Clear, 6 Pack (3350L-6)~#|#~BA07005C-1227-43AE-9B9D92A078D78366_sc7Scotch Shipping Packing Tape, 1.88" x 109 yds., Clear, 6 Pack (3350L-6)~#|#~77F5934C-5C3A-437C-9AEFCD0A32177C30_sc7
Scotch Shipping Packing Tape, 1.88" x 109 yds., Clear, 6 Pack (3350L-6) is In-store only
Item: 2138954
Model: 3350L-6
Price is $39.99
See alternate delivery items
30-min pickup
Scotch Heavy Duty Packing Tape, 1.88" x 43.7 yds., Clear, 4 Pack (3850-40LR4-4GC)~#|#~8280788E-A234-4E2F-A145C1F23F267A88_sc7Scotch Heavy Duty Packing Tape, 1.88" x 43.7 yds., Clear, 4 Pack (3850-40LR4-4GC)~#|#~7018C544-6042-4E97-B6898D7F1682E30C_sc7
Scotch Heavy Duty Packing Tape, 1.88" x 43.7 yds., Clear, 4 Pack (3850-40LR4-4GC) is In-store only
Item: 24520391
Model: 3850-40LR4-4GC
Price is $28.99
See alternate delivery items
30-min pickup
Scotch Heavy Duty Shipping Packaging Tape with Dispenser, 1.88" x 22.2 yds., Tan (143)~#|#~FA2B4B95-A84E-4452-9500AEAA86667338_sc7Scotch Heavy Duty Shipping Packaging Tape with Dispenser, 1.88" x 22.2 yds., Tan (143)~#|#~03DC692A-971D-40A6-A723DC624CD1E661_sc7
Scotch Heavy Duty Shipping Packaging Tape with Dispenser, 1.88" x 22.2 yds., Tan (143) is In-store only
Item: 824235
Model: 143
Price is $2.29
Unit of measure Roll
Tape Logic Colored Carton Sealing Heavy Duty Packing Tape, 2" x 55 yds., Yellow, 36/Carton (T90122Y)~#|#~sp102933564_sc7Tape Logic Colored Carton Sealing Heavy Duty Packing Tape, 2" x 55 yds., Yellow, 36/Carton (T90122Y)~#|#~05B5E7E1-927E-4014-878786AA849096E3_sc7
Tape Logic Colored Carton Sealing Heavy Duty Packing Tape, 2" x 55 yds., Yellow, 36/Carton (T90122Y) is Out of stock
Item: 897929
Model: T90122Y
No reviews yet
Price is $162.99
Unit of measure 36/Carton
Scotch® Sure Start Shipping Tape, 1.88" x 25 yds., 2 Refill Rolls for DP-1000 Dispenser/Pack (DP-1000-RR-2)~#|#~s0391156_sc7Scotch® Sure Start Shipping Tape, 1.88" x 25 yds., 2 Refill Rolls for DP-1000 Dispenser/Pack (DP-1000-RR-2)~#|#~s1130480_sc7
Scotch® Sure Start Shipping Tape, 1.88" x 25 yds., 2 Refill Rolls for DP-1000 Dispenser/Pack (DP-1000-RR-2) is Out of stock
Item: 741084
Model: DP1000-RR-2
Price is $4.19
Unit of measure Pack
Tape Logic Colored Carton Sealing Heavy Duty Packing Tape, 3" x 55 yds., Green, 24/Carton (T90522G)~#|#~sp102933635_sc7Tape Logic Colored Carton Sealing Heavy Duty Packing Tape, 3" x 55 yds., Green, 24/Carton (T90522G)~#|#~sp118093447_sc7
Tape Logic Colored Carton Sealing Heavy Duty Packing Tape, 3" x 55 yds., Green, 24/Carton (T90522G) is Out of stock
Item: 191390
Model: T90522G
No reviews yet
Price is $99.79
Unit of measure 24/Carton
Tape Logic Colored Carton Sealing Heavy Duty Packing Tape, 2" x 55 yds., Red, 18/Carton (T90122R18PK)~#|#~sp102933649_sc7Tape Logic Colored Carton Sealing Heavy Duty Packing Tape, 2" x 55 yds., Red, 18/Carton (T90122R18PK)~#|#~4EEB07FA-AF74-4AAC-A6E5640B2B6F8BA1_sc7
Tape Logic Colored Carton Sealing Heavy Duty Packing Tape, 2" x 55 yds., Red, 18/Carton (T90122R18PK) is Out of stock
Item: 2301524
Model: T90122R18PK
Price is $81.49
Unit of measure 18/Carton
Tape Logic Colored Carton Sealing Heavy Duty Packing Tape, 2" x 55 yds., Green, 18/Carton (T90122G18PK)~#|#~sp102933556_sc7Tape Logic Colored Carton Sealing Heavy Duty Packing Tape, 2" x 55 yds., Green, 18/Carton (T90122G18PK)~#|#~sp118093476_sc7
Tape Logic Colored Carton Sealing Heavy Duty Packing Tape, 2" x 55 yds., Green, 18/Carton (T90122G18PK) is Out of stock
Item: 2301526
Model: T90122G18PK
No reviews yet
Price is $57.79
Unit of measure 18/Carton
Duck Max Strength Heavy Duty Packing Tape, 1.88" x 54.6 yds., Clear, 4/Pack (241511)~#|#~78732D96-F634-45AF-B8B1EDB825355661_sc7Duck Max Strength Heavy Duty Packing Tape, 1.88" x 54.6 yds., Clear, 4/Pack (241511)~#|#~C0E923DF-60C2-49C4-BFA11671D7B47777_sc7
Duck Max Strength Heavy Duty Packing Tape, 1.88" x 54.6 yds., Clear, 4/Pack (241511) is Out of stock
43% off of Duck Max Strength Heavy Duty Packing Tape, 1.88" x 54.6 yds., Clear, 4/Pack (241511)
Item: 24549696
Model: 241511
Price is $12.79, Regular price was $22.59, You save 43%
Unit of measure 4/Pack
Scotch Sure Start Packing Tape, 1.88" x 54.6 yds., Clear (3450)~#|#~sp266320172_sc7Scotch Sure Start Packing Tape, 1.88" x 54.6 yds., Clear (3450)~#|#~sp266320171_sc7
Scotch Sure Start Packing Tape, 1.88" x 54.6 yds., Clear (3450) is Out of stock
60% off of Scotch Sure Start Packing Tape, 1.88" x 54.6 yds., Clear (3450)
Item: 24631634
Model: 3450
Price is $2.09, Regular price was $5.29, You save 60%
Duck HP260 Packing Tape, 1.88" x 60 yds., Beige (299009)~#|#~sp167736298_sc7Duck HP260 Packing Tape, 1.88" x 60 yds., Beige (299009)~#|#~sp167736297_sc7
Duck HP260 Packing Tape, 1.88" x 60 yds., Beige (299009) is Out of stock
Item: 892606
Model: 299009
Price is $12.19
Unit of measure Roll
Gorilla Heavy Duty Packing Tape with Dispenser, 1.88" x 25 yds., Clear, 4/Pack (102680)~#|#~A1E4BA76-E993-436D-B82CA7856F85CD6D_sc7Gorilla Heavy Duty Packing Tape with Dispenser, 1.88" x 25 yds., Clear, 4/Pack (102680)~#|#~B03F52C3-D95C-4657-87074F22390CA5C0_sc7
Gorilla Heavy Duty Packing Tape with Dispenser, 1.88" x 25 yds., Clear, 4/Pack (102680) is Out of stock
Item: 24544707
Model: 102680
Price is $31.59
Unit of measure 4/Pack
Scotch Box Lock Shipping Packing Tape with Refillable Dispensers, 1.88 in x 54.6 yd, Clear, 4/Pack (3950-4RD)~#|#~77753216-B9D1-4A7E-96B0910459FEECC8_sc7Scotch Box Lock Shipping Packing Tape with Refillable Dispensers, 1.88 in x 54.6 yd, Clear, 4/Pack (3950-4RD)~#|#~3BB829A0-0DAE-4DD9-8BEDF780AEBD9972_sc7
Scotch Box Lock Shipping Packing Tape with Refillable Dispensers, 1.88 in x 54.6 yd, Clear, 4/Pack (3950-4RD) is Out of stock
Item: 24461302
Model: 39504RD
Price is $41.59
Unit of measure 4/Pack Price per unit $10.40/Roll
Gorilla Heavy Duty Tough & Wide Packaging Tape with Dispenser, 2.88" x 20 yds., Clear (6020001)~#|#~75D2E658-F852-4A02-866834A7FCCF263D_sc7Gorilla Heavy Duty Tough & Wide Packaging Tape with Dispenser, 2.88" x 20 yds., Clear (6020001)~#|#~72D1BC4F-7CF9-4546-A5D4B92C84C3B619_sc7
Gorilla Heavy Duty Tough & Wide Packaging Tape with Dispenser, 2.88" x 20 yds., Clear (6020001) is Out of stock
Item: 24544708
Model: 6020001
No reviews yet
Price is $4.39

Whether you’re shipping a package across the country or just storing office supplies most boxes will require tape that adheres properly and offers a secure hold. Staples carries packing tape made from a variety of materials with different adhesives that work well for securing your items. Learn more about shipping and packaging tape below.

What Is Packing Tape?

Packing tape is a strong adhesive used to seal cardboard shipping boxes and other packages for transport. There are a variety of types of packing tape, including:

  • Acrylic Tape - Provides immediate adhesion and strong tear resistance
  • Laminate or Film Tape - Uses friction to adhere and is great for short-term use
  • Cloth Tapes - This style is heat resistant and hard to tear
  • Glass Packing Tape - Use this for boxes exposed to heat up to 300° Fahrenheit
  • Vinyl and PVC Tape - These are strong and durable, making them great for packages that may experience chemical exposure or temperature changes

How Wide Is Packing Tape?

The width of the tape is actually a very important factor when it comes to sealing packages. Wide packaging tape is generally two to three inches and offers a good level of protection for packages that may experience a lot of movement while being shipped. You can likely use thinner shipping or packaging tape if you are working with a small package that has no gap between flaps.

Shipping Tape vs. Packing Tape

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, shipping tape is usually thinner than packing tape, but it still works great for boxes that aren’t super heavy. Packing tape should generally be able to handle long-term storage and varying temperatures and conditions without weakening its seal on the boxes.

Adhesive Types for Packing Tape

Packing tape comes with different types of adhesives that keep them secure on boxes and other materials. Acrylic adhesives provide a strong hold that remains sticky in hot and cold temperatures and during long-term storage. Gummed or water-activated adhesives require specific packaging tape dispensers that apply water during application. This type of tape offers instant sealing and can provide proof of tampering for added security. Tapes with hot-melt adhesives ensure a tight bond with corrugated materials for added protection during the shipping process. Look for adhesives made from rubber or silicone for increased flexibility when working with non-paper packaging or bundling products and materials.

How to Use Packing & Shipping Tape

Packing or shipping tape is easy to use in almost any situation. Simply peel back the beginning of the top layer, pull the tape the length you need and cut it where appropriate. One popular option is to place the tape in a packing tape dispenser to make sealing boxes quicker and easier. Hand-held dispensers are also great for quick applications. For warehouses and shipping facilities, there are convenient desk and table-top tape dispensers.

Why Can’t You Use Duct Tape on Packages Instead of Packing Tape?

Generally, adhesives like duct tape and masking tape will not create a strong enough seal to withstand the process of transport. These materials do not stick well to cardboard and are highly reactive to heat. If you are shipping an item, this could mean that your item will not make it to the destination or will arrive with issues. These tapes can also leave a glue residue on your package that makes it permanently sticky or unsightly.