Packaging & Shipping
Shipping and Packing Workstations
Boost Efficiency and Comfort with Ergonomic Workstations
Speed up Your Packaging & Shipping Process
Packaging, shipping, receiving, and return activities can be performed faster and safer utilizing a properly designed shipping station.
Reaching, bending and twisting associated with fulfillment tasks can be reduced by creating a packing station that fits the needs of the specific operator and the task at hand. The following are some things to consider when selecting the right components for your shipping station. For more tips, go to Plan Your Workstation.
Key benefits :
- Improve efficiency with quick and easy access to products and supplies
- Reduce repetitive stress injuries by fitting the workstation to the worker
- Cut workers’ compensation cost
- Enhance employee satisfaction and morale
- Adapt to varying needs in an order fulfillment workflow with modular workstation design
- Experience virtually maintenance-free operation
concert with proper accessories to
provide users with optimal ergonomic reach access.
of items within the reach zones.
in place.
raises or lowers height at the push
of a button.
workstation on uneven surfaces.
for organization and storage.
access to ports, drives, and cables.
Surface highly durable with
impact resistant edges.
sorted and within reach.
provides optimum flexibility to
move monitor into position.
multiple sizes of corrugate
boxes.
power within reach for easy end
of day shutdown of tools and lights.
scanners of various
sizes and styles.
concert with proper accessories to
provide users with optimal ergonomic reach access.
of items within the reach zones.
in place.
raises or lowers height at the push
of a button.
workstation on uneven surfaces.
for organization and storage.
access to ports, drives, and cables.
Surface highly durable with
impact resistant edges.
sorted and within reach.
Monitor Arm provides optimum flexibility
to move monitor into position.
multiple sizes of corrugate
boxes.
power within reach for easy end
of day shutdown of tools and lights.
scanners of various
sizes and styles.
Preconfigured Fulfillment Workstations
Pick a starting point. Edit in the configurator or request a quote as-is.
Don't see the right fit?
Our team can design a custom workstation around your specific workflow, tools, and space requirements.
5 Simple Steps to Build Your Shipping And Packing Station
- STEP 1 - Enter The 3D Workstation Builder
- STEP 2 - Select Workstation Base Frame
- STEP 3 - Select Feet or Caster Type
- STEP 4 - Select Work Surface Type
- STEP 5 - Select Accessories
Click here to enter our 3D workstation configurator. Once inside you can configure a custom workbench to your specific needs!
Select Workstation Base Frame
Some important considerations for choosing the right workstation frame for a fulfillment application:
- The size of the frame is dependent on the size of the work surface. Decide how much surface is necessary to perform the fulfillment tasks – and how much space is available in the work area where the station will be placed. Assign each item to the appropriate ergonomic zone based on where and how it is going to be used. The space should be large enough to perform the fulfillment tasks but compact to limit reaching and stretching.
- Determine the maximum capacity required, including shelving, equipment, products – and whether the weight is distributed evenly. Excessive weight in one area of a workstation could require a higher capacity frame.
- Ask these two questions when you are choosing between manual and electric adjustable height workbenches. Will there be multiple users of the workstation? Will the operator transition between sitting and standing? A good rule-of-thumb: electric adjustability is suggested if the height needs to be adjusted more than four times per year.
Select Feet or Caster Type
Some important considerations for choosing the feet or casters for Shipping and Packaging Workstations:
- Determine how often the workstation will be moved within the work area. Leveler feet are used for mostly stationary units. Casters are recommended for stations that will be occasionally or frequently moved or repositioned. For safety BOSTONtec offers workstations with at least two locking casters; all four locking casters are available for additional security.
- Evaluate the distribution of the load on the station and any force that could affect the stability of the unit. Lag plates could be attached to standard leveler feet allowing the workstation to be bolted to the floor.
Select Work Surface Type
Some important considerations for choosing the correct work surface for an assembly application:
- Decide how much surface is necessary to perform the fulfillment tasks – and how much space is available in the work area. Apply the ergonomic reach zones to each item or function. The space should be large enough to perform the fulfillment tasks but compact to limit reaching and stretching.
- Consider whether the user will perform most functions from a sitting or standing position. A rolled front edge is more ergonomic for operators who rest their forearms on the front edge of the work surface when performing a task.
- Know the substances that will come in contact with the work surface. Laminate work surfaces are durable and economical for most fulfillment applications. Stainless steel and phenolic resin surfaces are chemical resistant.
Select Accessories
Once the basic components of the fulfillment workstation are selected, accessories are added to place items based on frequency and sequence of use, safety and other factors to reduce operator stress and increase productivity. (See Plan Your Workstation for more information)
- Review the ergonomic reach zones and decide what tools and components correspond with which zone. Uprights with shelves, bin rails, and label holders allow the operator to place items where appropriate while keeping the work surface clear for tasks.
- Evaluate the equipment that will be used at the workstation. Large CPU units should be stored out of the way under the work surface. Monitor arms and keyboard trays allow the operator to place equipment at the appropriate height for proper posture and reduced eye strain.
- Consider whether tools requiring power such as electric staplers will be used. Placing a power strip close to the work surface makes access to tools and computer equipment simple and easy. This avoids bending or stretching to reach outlets.
Custom Shipping and Packing Workstations
When is it right for you?
When should you consider a custom workstation for your shipping and packing operations? While modular workstations are versatile and adapt to various workflows, custom workstations can provide the exact features your team needs.
A custom shipping and packing workstation can range from a compact shelf to an expansive multi-station setup. Start with our modular system, then fine-tune each element to boost productivity and support employee retention, ensuring an ideal setup for your shipping and packing needs.
Custom Workstation - Fulfillment
Custom Packing Table
Custom Fulfillment Station
Custom Workbench Cubby Unit
Custom Station With Cart
Custom Fulfillment Workstation
Discover the ROI of Ergonomic Shipping & Packing Workstations
Unlock measurable productivity gains and reduce injury-related costs at your shipping and packing workstations by investing in ergonomic designs.
A study by the Ergonomics Center at North Carolina State University found that ergonomic workstations deliver shorter cycle times, more value-added motions, and fewer opportunities for injury—benefits that translate directly to pick-pack, labeling, scanning, weighing, and sealing tasks.
With our Ergonomics ROI Calculator, you can see exactly how an investment in packing/ship stations pays off for your operation.
Try it now to estimate the savings and efficiency gains from reducing repetitive motions, minimizing injury risks, and optimizing your fulfillment workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What ergonomic accessories should a packing/shipping workstation include?
A high-performing station groups tools by frequency of use and keeps the main surface clear. Example accessories include uprights with shelves/bin rails/label holders, overhead corrugate storage, adjustable monitor arms, and a convenient power bar. Browse popular accessories here.
Should I choose manual or electric height adjustment?
If multiple people use the station, or height needs change more than a few times per year, go electric. That’s ideal for fast, precise adjustments and better compliance. For single-user, rarely adjusted setups, manual can be sufficient.
What’s the right size and capacity for my workstation?
Size the frame to the work surface you actually need, then account for all loads (shelving, equipment, product) and how weight is distributed. We offer Medium Duty (500 lbs) and Heavy Duty (1,200 lbs.)
Leveler feet or casters - what’s better?
Use leveler feet for mostly stationary stations. Choose casters (with locking options) when you need to reposition benches for changing workflows, cleaning, or line balancing.
Which work surface should I pick for fulfillment tasks?
Laminate is a durable, economical go-to for most packing applications. If you handle chemicals/solvents, consider stainless steel or phenolic resin.
What accessories make the biggest productivity difference?
Common options for packing and shipping workstations include uprights, adjustable shelves and dividers, bin rails, label holders, corrugate shelves, under-worksurface drawers and shelves, monitor arms, and power bars. For a strategic approach, view our Plan Your Workstation guide.
How should I lay out reach zones at a packing station?
Assign every item to a zone based on how often and in what sequence it’s used. Read our detailed Ergonomic Reach Zones guide.
Can BOSTONtec integrate scales, printers, and scanners?
Yes. Contact our team for a custom solution to perfectly facilitate printers, scales, and scanners.
How quickly can I design one - and are QuickShip options available?
You can configure in minutes with our 3D Workstation Builder. For custom setups, request a consultation to finalize details. Browse our QuickShip catalog to view models and accessories available for shipping in 5-9 business days.
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