Every ton of recycled cardboard saves 17 treesReusing one box saves 3.5 kWh of energyCardboard can be recycled up to 7 timesWe have diverted over 2 million boxes from landfillsUsed boxes reduce carbon emissions by up to 60%One tree produces approximately 100 boxesPortland Boxes: 100% committed to zero-waste operationsChoosing used boxes saves up to 70% compared to newEvery ton of recycled cardboard saves 17 treesReusing one box saves 3.5 kWh of energyCardboard can be recycled up to 7 timesWe have diverted over 2 million boxes from landfillsUsed boxes reduce carbon emissions by up to 60%One tree produces approximately 100 boxesPortland Boxes: 100% committed to zero-waste operationsChoosing used boxes saves up to 70% compared to new
Portland Boxes
Custom

Custom Box Solutions Built for You

Standard sizes don't fit everything. We design and source custom corrugated solutions tailored to your exact specifications.

Get a Free QuoteWe respond within 24h

Free, no obligation
01

Custom Sizing

Need a box that is 13.5 x 9.25 x 7 inches? We can source or cut-to-size boxes for your exact product dimensions, reducing material waste and shipping costs.

02

Kitting Services

We assemble multi-item kits with boxes, inserts, dividers, and packaging materials. Perfect for subscription boxes, product bundles, and assembly operations.

03

Volume Programs

Set up recurring delivery schedules for consistent box supply. We manage your inventory so you never run out, with volume pricing that improves over time.

04

Branded Options

Add your logo, handling instructions, or brand colors to boxes. Available on both new and select used boxes for a professional presentation.

How Custom Solutions Work

1

Tell Us What You Need

Share your product dimensions, quantities, and any special requirements through our contact form or email.

2

We Design Your Solution

Our team creates a custom packaging plan optimized for protection, cost, and sustainability.

3

Review & Approve

We present the solution with samples when possible. You approve before we proceed.

4

Production & Delivery

We source or produce your custom boxes and deliver them on your schedule.

Case Studies

Custom Solutions in Action

See how Portland businesses have used our custom packaging solutions to solve unique challenges, reduce costs, and improve their operations.

E-Commerce / Retail

Artisan Candle Company

Challenge

A Portland-based artisan candle maker was shipping 2,000+ orders per month in standard boxes with excessive void fill. Breakage rates were 4.8%, and packaging costs were eating into thin margins. The generic brown boxes did not reflect the premium brand image.

Solution

Portland Boxes designed a custom-sized box (6.25 x 6.25 x 4.5") that fits the candle jars with minimal clearance, eliminating the need for void fill. We added a corrugated partition insert for multi-candle orders and printed the brand logo in one-color flexo on the box exterior. All materials were sourced from recycled and FSC-certified stock.

Results

  • Breakage rate dropped from 4.8% to 0.3%
  • Packaging cost per order reduced by 34%
  • Customer unboxing satisfaction scores increased 22%
  • Annual savings of $11,400 on packaging materials and void fill
Technology / Distribution

Regional Electronics Distributor

Challenge

A regional electronics distributor needed to ship 47 different product SKUs from a single warehouse. Standard box sizes resulted in dimensional weight surcharges from carriers because most products did not fill their containers. The team was spending 20+ minutes per shift selecting and assembling boxes.

Solution

We analyzed the entire product catalog and designed 8 custom box sizes that efficiently covered all 47 SKUs with less than 15% void space in any configuration. Custom die-cut inserts protect products without bubble wrap. Color-coded size labels speed box selection on the packing line.

Results

  • Dimensional weight surcharges eliminated (saving $67,000/year)
  • Packing time reduced by 45%
  • Void fill material eliminated entirely
  • From 47 SKUs to 8 box sizes simplified inventory management
Food & Agriculture

Farm-to-Table Meal Kit Service

Challenge

A Portland farm-to-table meal kit company was using new, food-grade boxes in a single size for all deliveries. Smaller kits (2-person) had wasted space and required ice packs to compensate for poor insulation. Larger kits (6-person) barely fit and often burst during delivery.

Solution

Portland Boxes created 3 custom meal kit sizes (Small, Medium, Large) with double-wall construction for insulation and strength. We added a corrugated insulation liner system that reduces ice pack requirements by 40%. All boxes are printed with the company brand and compostable ink. Boxes are delivered weekly on a recurring schedule.

Results

  • Ice pack usage reduced by 40% (saving $23,000/year)
  • Delivery damage dropped from 6.1% to 0.8%
  • Three optimized sizes reduced box spend by 28%
  • Branded packaging improved customer brand recognition scores
Sizing

Custom Sizing Options

We can create boxes in virtually any dimension. Here are some of the most commonly requested custom sizes and their typical applications.

Custom Size (L x W x H)Wall TypeMin OrderLead TimeTypical Application
6.25 x 6.25 x 4.5Single1005-7 daysCandle jars, small jars, cosmetics
9 x 7 x 3Single (E-flute)2505-7 daysBook mailers, flat products
11 x 8.5 x 5Single1005-7 daysSubscription boxes, kits
13.5 x 9.25 x 7Single1005-7 daysElectronics, specialty retail
15 x 10 x 8Single / Double507-10 daysSmall appliances, equipment
22 x 16 x 6Double507-10 daysFlat-pack furniture, artwork
28 x 6 x 28Double2510-14 daysMirrors, flat panels, screens
36 x 12 x 12Single / Double507-10 daysLong items, tubes, rolled goods
48 x 8 x 36Double2510-14 daysLarge flat panels, tabletops
Any dimensionAnyVaries5-21 daysFully custom to your specifications
Volume Programs

Volume Program Details

Our volume programs are designed for businesses with recurring packaging needs. The more you commit, the more you save — and the better service you receive.

Basic

500+ boxes/month

10% off list
  • Monthly delivery schedule
  • Dedicated phone support
  • Net 15 payment terms
  • Free delivery (Portland metro)
Learn More

Professional

1,000+ boxes/month

18% off list
  • Weekly delivery schedule
  • Dedicated account manager
  • Net 30 payment terms
  • Free delivery (Oregon wide)
  • Priority stock reservation
  • Quarterly business review
Learn More
Most Popular

Enterprise

5,000+ boxes/month

25% off list
  • Custom delivery schedule
  • Senior account manager
  • Net 45 payment terms
  • Free delivery (PNW region)
  • Guaranteed stock allocation
  • Monthly business review
  • Custom grading specs
  • Buyback program included
Learn More

Strategic Partner

20,000+ boxes/month

Custom pricing
  • Daily/on-demand delivery
  • Executive account team
  • Custom payment terms
  • Free nationwide delivery
  • Dedicated inventory hold
  • Weekly business review
  • Custom specs and branding
  • Full buyback program
  • Sustainability reporting
  • Exclusive priority sourcing
Learn More

Minimum Orders and Lead Times

Transparent information about what to expect when ordering custom packaging from Portland Boxes.

Service TypeMinimum OrderLead TimeSetup Fee
Custom Size (cut from stock)25 boxes2-3 business daysNone
Custom Size (manufactured)100 boxes5-7 business days$0 - $50
Custom Print (1 color)250 boxes7-10 business days$75 plate fee
Custom Print (2-3 color)500 boxes10-14 business days$75/plate
Kitting / Assembly50 kits3-5 business daysNone
Custom Inserts / Dividers100 units5-7 business days$0 - $25
Volume Program Setup500/month commitment1-2 weeks to launchNone

Lead times are estimates for standard orders. Rush orders available for an additional fee. Setup fees are one-time charges that do not apply to reorders.

FAQ

Custom Solutions FAQ

Can you make a custom box from used corrugated material?

Yes. Our most popular custom service is cutting used boxes down to a custom size. We take larger used boxes and trim them to your exact specifications, giving you the cost savings of used material with the fit of custom packaging. This service has a low 25-box minimum and a 2-3 day turnaround. For manufactured custom boxes (new material), the minimum is 100 boxes.

How do I determine the right box size for my product?

We recommend measuring your product at its widest, tallest, and deepest points, then adding 1-2 inches on each dimension for cushioning material. If you send us your product dimensions and weight, our packaging engineers will recommend the optimal box size, wall type, and cushioning solution. We can also work from product samples — ship us a unit and we will design the packaging around it.

Is there a cost difference between used custom and new custom?

Custom-cut used boxes are typically 30-50% less expensive than manufactured new custom boxes of the same size. The tradeoff is appearance — used custom boxes will be clean and structurally sound but may show prior printing or minor wear. For customer-facing applications where appearance matters, we recommend new custom boxes. For internal, storage, or shipping applications, used custom delivers excellent value.

Can I get a sample before committing to a full order?

Absolutely. For custom-cut boxes, we can produce 2-5 samples within 24 hours at no charge. For manufactured custom boxes, we produce die-cut samples that arrive within 5-7 business days. Sample cost is refunded when you place your production order. We strongly recommend testing samples with your actual products before committing to a full run.

What file formats do you accept for custom printing?

We accept Adobe Illustrator (.ai), PDF, and EPS files with all fonts outlined and colors specified in Pantone (PMS) values. For simple logos and text, we can work from high-resolution PNG or JPEG files (300 DPI minimum). Our design team can assist with file preparation at no additional charge for orders over 500 boxes.

Do you offer ongoing inventory management for custom boxes?

Yes. Our volume programs include inventory management where we maintain a rolling stock of your custom boxes in our warehouse. We monitor your usage patterns and automatically produce replenishment batches before you run out. This eliminates the need for you to store large quantities on-site and ensures you never face a stockout. This service is included at no additional cost for Professional tier and above.

Ready to Design Your Custom Solution?

Tell us what you need and our packaging engineers will design a custom solution optimized for your products, budget, and sustainability goals.

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