If your palletized freight is worth shipping — it’s worth protecting.
Edge protectors (also called corner boards or corner guards) are used whenever there’s a risk of:
- Crushing
- Tearing
- Tipping
- Shifting
- Or strap/wrap damage
Call or Text us at 832.400.1394 — we’ll help you decide when edge protection makes sense for your freight.
1. When Stretch Wrapping Soft Freight
If your product is:
- Bagged
- Boxed
- Binned
- Or anything with crushable corners
You need edge protectors.
Why?
Stretch wrap — especially at high tension — pulls inward on corners.
That crushes cartons and bows bins.
Edge protectors take the pressure, not your product.
2. When Using Strap or Banding
Steel and poly strapping can slice into:
- Boxes
- Bags
- Foam bins
- Corrugated cartons
Edge protectors distribute strap pressure and prevent deep cuts or creasing.
They also stop the strap from slipping or twisting — making your banding more secure.
🧠 Pro Tip: Use notched or grooved edge guards for extra strap control.
3. When Double Stacking Pallets
Stacking = pressure.
And that pressure goes to the corners first.
Edge protectors create rigid vertical supports that:
- Increase load stability
- Prevent bottom-layer collapse
- Allow straighter, taller stacks
Most DCs and warehouses that double stack loads require edge protection on inbound freight.
4. When Shipping LTL or Long Distance
The more your load gets touched…
The more it needs protection.
LTL, 3PL, or export freight goes through:
- More hands
- More equipment
- More transfers
- And more vibration
Edge protectors prevent shifting, tipping, and forklift scuffs during these chaotic moves.
5. When Complying with Retail Specs
Many big-box chains have pallet guidelines that include:
- Minimum edge board thickness
- Wrap tension specs
- Height requirements
- Branding or printed edge guards
Fail to meet them?
Your shipment gets rejected.
Get ahead of the spec. Use the boards that guarantee delivery.
6. When Branding or Presenting Product
Custom-printed edge protectors = cheap marketing.
They:
- Reinforce brand identity
- Add professionalism to unit loads
- Impress buyers at receiving
- Reduce confusion in shared warehouses
Plus, they show that your team takes pride in protecting the freight.
7. When Reusing Gaylords or Bulk Bins
If you’re shipping in:
- Used gaylords
- Bulk bins
- Super sacks
- Pallet boxes
Those corners take a beating.
Edge protectors help preserve the structural integrity of reusable packaging — extending its life and reducing rework.
So… When Should You Use Edge Protectors?
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
| Situation | Use Edge Protectors? |
|---|---|
| Wrapping fragile or soft goods | ✅ Yes |
| Strapping heavy bags or boxes | ✅ Yes |
| Stacking pallets two high | ✅ Yes |
| Shipping full truckload locally | Optional |
| LTL, 3PL, or export shipments | ✅ Yes |
| Meeting retail pallet specs | ✅ Yes |
| Tight wrap with high film tension | ✅ Yes |
| Light, solid cases, no wrap | ❌ Not needed |
Final Word: If You’re Asking, You Probably Need Them
Edge protectors aren’t expensive.
But they save you:
- Time
- Product
- Headaches
- And rejected shipments
Call or Text us at 832.400.1394 — or hit the quote form above.
We’ll help you decide when and where they make the biggest impact, and match the right size and spec to your operation.