Pallet labels, shipping labels and carton sealing tape
We supply pallet labels, 4x6 thermal shipping labels and carton sealing tape in bulk, matched to your printers and tape guns, delivered to your dock on one invoice.
Delivered pricing. Quotes back within two business days.
Direct thermal vs thermal transfer labels
| Direct thermal | Thermal transfer | |
|---|---|---|
| How it prints | Heat darkens coated label stock. No ribbon. | A ribbon melts ink onto the label. |
| How long it lasts | Short. Fades with heat, sunlight and some chemicals. | Long. Resists rubbing, chemicals and sunlight, depending on ribbon and stock. |
| Fits | Shipping labels, pick tickets and returns | Pallet labels in long storage, outdoor loads, asset and rack labels |
| Cost | Lower, with no ribbon to buy | Ribbons add cost |
A label that fades before it gets scanned can lead to compliance problems and chargebacks. Match the label to how long it has to last.
Thermal labels 4x6
The 4 x 6 inch label is the standard shipping label for most carrier and warehouse systems. We supply 4x6 direct thermal labels on rolls or fanfold, sized to your printer's core and roll width. Tell us the printer model and how many labels you print a week.
Pallet labels
Pallet labels identify the load, what is on it and where it goes. Many retail customers require a GS1 logistics label, which carries the pallet's SSCC number in a GS1-128 barcode. There is no single required size, so follow your customer's routing guide; 4 x 6 inch and larger labels are both common. For pallets that sit in storage or ride outdoors, thermal transfer labels last longer.
We also supply preprinted pallet warning labels, such as Do Not Stack, Top Load Only, Fragile and This Side Up, on rolls for fast application.
Carton sealing tape: hot melt vs acrylic
| Hot melt | Acrylic | |
|---|---|---|
| Working temperature | About 45 to 120 degrees F | About 32 to 140 degrees F |
| Grip | Generally stronger, with a fast initial grab | Fine for light and medium cartons |
| Aging | Not made for long sun exposure | Resists yellowing and sunlight |
| Fits | Heavy or overfilled cartons, high-recycled board, machine taping | Cold or refrigerated storage, long-term storage, lighter cartons |
Common widths are 2 and 3 inches. Hand rolls run 55 or 110 yards, and machine rolls about 1,000 yards. Most carton tape is roughly 1.7 to 3 mil thick.
Packing tape in bulk
Buying packing tape wholesale by the case lowers the cost per roll. Before you order, check:
- Tape gun or case sealer width, 2 or 3 inch
- Hot melt or acrylic, clear or tan
- Thickness in mil, with heavier tape for heavy or overstuffed cartons
- Rolls per case and cases a month
What to send for a labels or tape quote
- Label size and type (direct thermal or thermal transfer), or a photo of the label box
- Printer make and model, core size, roll width and labels per roll
- Tape type, width, length, thickness and color, or a photo of the case label
- How much you use a month and the delivery address
Labels and tape on separate invoices?
Put labels, tape, film and boxes on one delivered invoice. Send a recent invoice and we will show you each line side by side.
Start a free cost reviewCommon questions
Do direct thermal labels fade?
Yes, with heat, sunlight and some chemicals. They work for shipping labels that get scanned within days, not for long storage.
What size are pallet labels?
There is no single required size. Follow your customer's routing guide; 4 x 6 inch and larger labels are both common.
Should we buy hot melt or acrylic tape?
Hot melt grabs fast and holds heavy cartons. Acrylic works in colder temperatures and resists yellowing, so it suits cold rooms and long-term storage.
Can you match the labels our printer uses?
Yes. Send the printer model, label size, core size and roll width, or a photo of the label box.
Get a delivered price
Pricing comes back within two business days, with freight in the price.
Buying several things? Send one invoice for a free cost review.