Originally Posted by UG_Passat
Amazon has an algorithm on how to pack a truck, so the box sizes can be unnecessarily large.
Never heard that before but I wouldn't be surprised. I suspect it applies more to their warehouses that will feed packages to your closer warehouse for final delivery, i.e. an item I order is in stock in Columbus OH and will go by their semi-trailer to my local feeder center. When they load that semi-trailer, they will want to optimize it as much as possible.
On another note, ever notice that Amazon's boxes have 2-digit codes on them ? I was under the impression that their software looks at the items ordered and suggests what box the packer person should use (if that size is available).