White Mailing Tubes | Cardboard Shipping & Storage Tubes
- Material: 3-Ply Spiral Wound Paperboard (0.060 to 0.125 Wall Thickness).
- Dimensions: 1.5" to 4" Diameter; 9" to 42" Length.
- Quantity: Case Packs of 15, 24, 34, or 50 Units.
- Closures: Friction-Fit Plastic End Caps Included.
$61.98
$75.96
(You Save 18%)$59.96
$79.96
(You Save 25%)$99.98
$120.96
(You Save 17%)$39.95
$59.96
(You Save 33%)$51.98
$71.96
(You Save 28%)| Product Name | Diameter | Length | Quantity per Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Tubes 1 1/2" x 9" | 1.5" | 9" | 50 |
| White Tubes 1 1/2" x 12" | 1.5" | 12" | 50 |
| White Tubes 1 1/2" x 15" | 1.5" | 15" | 50 |
| White Tubes 1 1/2" x 18" | 1.5" | 18" | 50 |
| White Tubes 1 1/2" x 24" | 1.5" | 24" | 50 |
| White Tubes 2" x 12" | 2" | 12" | 50 |
| White Tubes 2" x 15" | 2" | 15" | 50 |
| White Tubes 2" x 18" | 2" | 18" | 50 |
| White Tubes 2" x 20" | 2" | 20" | 50 |
| White Tubes 2" x 24" | 2" | 24" | 50 |
| White Tubes 2" x 26" | 2" | 26" | 50 |
| White Tubes 2" x 30" | 2" | 30" | 50 |
| White Tubes 2" x 36" | 2" | 36" | 50 |
| White Tubes 2 1/2" x 12" | 2.5" | 12" | 34 |
| White Tubes 2 1/2" x 18" | 2.5" | 18" | 34 |
| White Tubes 2 1/2" x 24" | 2.5" | 24" | 34 |
| White Tubes 2 1/2" x 30" | 2.5" | 30" | 34 |
| White Tubes 2 1/2" x 36" | 2.5" | 36" | 34 |
| White Tubes 3" x 18" | 3" | 18" | 24 |
| White Tubes 3" x 24" | 3" | 24" | 24 |
| White Tubes 3" x 30" | 3" | 30" | 24 |
| White Tubes 3" x 36" | 3" | 36" | 24 |
| White Tubes 3" x 42" | 3" | 42" | 24 |
| White Tubes 4" x 24" | 4" | 24" | 15 |
| White Tubes 4" x 36" | 4" | 36" | 15 |
| White Tubes 4" x 42" | 4" | 42" | 15 |
Structural Design and Closure Mechanics White mailing tubes are engineered with a spiral-wound architecture, where multiple layers of paperboard are bonded together to form a rigid cylinder. This design is specifically intended to resist bending and side-impact compression, which are common risks in parcel sorting facilities. The primary closure system consists of white plastic end caps. These caps utilize a friction-fit mechanism, where the cap diameter is slightly larger than the internal diameter of the tube, creating a secure seal upon insertion. For high-security or heavy-weight shipping, end caps are often further secured with industrial tape or staples to ensure they do not dislodge during turbulent handling.
Substrate Properties and External Coatings The core of these tubes is manufactured from recycled paperboard, typically organized into 3-ply construction. The wall thickness (gauge) increases proportionally with the diameter of the tube to maintain a consistent strength-to-weight ratio. The white exterior layer is a bleached or coated paper wrap that serves two technical purposes: enhanced aesthetics for retail-facing shipments and improved surface adhesion for thermal labels and pressure-sensitive adhesives. This material is non-reactive and provides a pH-neutral environment for the short-term storage of printed materials, reducing the risk of chemical degradation to the contents.
Shipping and Postal Compliance Mailing tubes are classified as "Irregularly Shaped Pieces" (ISP) or "Non-machinable" items by various postal authorities including the USPS and commercial carriers like FedEx and UPS. While they do not fall under UN hazardous material ratings, they must meet specific burst strength requirements for domestic shipping. The cylindrical shape is advantageous for logistics as it prevents the "box-crushing" effect when stacked under heavier rectangular parcels. These tubes adhere to standard dimensional regulations, ensuring they can be processed through automated sorting systems when paired with appropriate flat-surface labeling.
Cross-Sector Utility In the architectural and engineering sectors, white mailing tubes are the standard for transporting blueprints, CAD drawings, and site plans. In the marketing and retail industries, they are utilized for promotional banners, retail signage, and high-resolution posters that cannot be folded. Manufacturers of industrial films, textiles, and specialized papers also use these tubes for storing roll-goods that require protection from edge damage. The professional white finish makes them suitable for business-to-business (B2B) document transfers where presentation is a factor in corporate communication.
Technical Specification Factors When selecting a mailing tube, the primary consideration must be the internal diameter versus the roll memory of the contents. Materials that are tightly rolled may experience "curl set," making a larger 3" or 4" diameter tube preferable for delicate or heavy-weight paper stocks. Length selection must account for the space occupied by the end caps; typically, 1/2" to 1" of usable internal space is lost at each end to accommodate the cap depth. Furthermore, the wall thickness must be evaluated based on the weight of the contents and the expected shipping distance, as longer tubes are more susceptible to torque-related bending if the paperboard gauge is insufficient.
