Cut Packaging Costs 15–30% Without Sacrificing Performance
Overspec’d packaging could be costing you more than you think.
Cut Packaging Costs 15–30% Without Sacrificing Performance
Overspec’d packaging could be costing you more than you think.
Hi there,
You’re officially part of the L&M Packaging Insider — and we’re glad you’re here. We created this newsletter to share practical, real‑world packaging insights.
🦺Safety Tip🚨
Practical safety reminders to help keep your team safe and operations running smoothly
Cold Weather Safety Check: Heating Systems & Alarms
As cold temperatures continue across the Midwest, this is a good time to ensure that fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and heating systems are functioning properly. Extended cold weather can affect battery life and equipment performance, and undetected issues may lead to health risks, emergency interruptions, or operational downtime. Conducting a quick safety check can help support a safe work environment and uninterrupted operations during the remainder of the operating season.
Featured
Do You Know What a Box Manufacturer’s Certificate (BMC) is?
Understand why reading and adhering to a Box Manufacturer’s Certificate is important to you as a shipper!
Both FedEx and UPS increased shipping rates for 2026, each implementing a 5.9% general rate increase, though most shippers will ultimately face 7–12% higher costs when new surcharges and dimensional rules are factored in. FedEx introduced new cubic‑volume thresholds for Additional Handling and Oversize fees (10,368 in³ and 17,280 in³), along with an oversize weight trigger at 110 lbs. UPS made similar dimensional updates, adding cubic‑volume triggers for handling and large‑package surcharges and adjusting measurements by rounding fractional inches up, increasing dimensional weight for many shipments. Both carriers also raised residential, delivery‑area, and handling surcharges by 6–10% or more, pushing overall shipping expenses higher in 2026 compared to 2025.
Common Packaging Mistakes We’ve Seen
Over-Engineeering
Over-Spec’ing Board Grade
Wanting to use a stronger board grade to add protection isn’t always the best option. Using a heavier board grade than necessary can add cost without improving performance.
When we understand what you’re shipping and the conditions your boxes face, we can recommend the right board grade for your situation. Our goal is simple: give you the protection you need without paying for material you don’t.
Have a packaging question you’d like us to cover in a future issue? Send it our way and we’ll feature packaging questions and practical answers here.
📅 Planning Ahead:
Production & Lead Time Notes
As you plan upcoming orders, keep in mind that holidays and seasonal demand can affect production schedules. Early communication and forecasting help avoid last-minute rushes and expedited costs.
If you have key dates coming up, it’s always a good idea to share those early with your rep so we can plan accordingly to help you.
Coming Next Issue
In our next issue, we’ll cover:
Additional tips to fix Over-Engineering Packaging Mistakes. Including benefits of Right-Sizing your packaging to fit your product and reduce costs.
Thanks again for being part of the L&M Packaging Insider. We’re excited to share our insights and help make packaging a little easier, smarter, and more efficient.
