If you need a container for moving or storing large quantities of cargo, you should consider a gaylord box. The most common type of gaylord shipping boxes are pallet containers. These feature walls with anywhere from two to as many as six layers of corrugated cardboard. As with all cardboard boxes, the thickness and paper weights which comprise the walls determines the burst or stacking strength for each box. These ratings tell us how much can be safely placed inside a bulk bin or how many corrugated pallet boxes are safe to stack during shipping or storage.

Where Does the Term “Gaylord Box” Originate?

This specific style of box derives its name from the Gaylord Container Corporation, which was based in St. Louis, Missouri, during the first half of the 20th century. This company filed patents for several unique designs. Even though its packaging design innovations left a lasting impression, gaylord boxes are the only containers that still carry the name of this defunct brand.
Businesses and farmers came to rely on gaylord boxes for transporting products and fresh produce. This style, which fits on a pallet and usually includes a lid, is still used for these purposes today. The cartons are also referred to by generic terms, including bulk boxes or bulk bins, as well as pallet, skid or tote boxes.

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What Are the Specifications of Gaylord Boxes?

Gaylord bins don’t have specific specifications. They can be made from single-wall cardboard clear up to six-wall cardboard. The most common types of bulk bins are built from double-wall and triple-wall corrugated boards and are roughly the size of a standard pallet (though exceptions can be made).
The weight capacity and of corrugated pallet boxes can range from 1,000 to 5,000 pounds depending on the thickness of the walls. It is difficult to safely transport or stack boxes that do not have sufficiently thick walls. All of these factors – from the type of material, size and shape, thickness of walls and the number – can significantly impact the cost of a shipping strategy.
Most gaylord bins meet general standards that make it possible to maneuver these bulk containers with manual or mechanical stocking equipment. You should still ensure that each box is not over packed or so heavy that it exceeds the safe weight rating.

Why Should You Use These Boxes?

Gaylord containers are ideal for commercial use. Produce and packaged foods are often stored inside of these cartons. Depending on the composition and design of the container, you can fill one with granular substances, powders and even liquid contents. They are also often used for bulk displays in grocery or department stores.
The bulk containers are perfect for containing large amounts of manufacturing materials such as plastic pellets for molding. These bulk boxes can also be an ideal solution for transporting or storing large quantities of electrical or mechanical components. Some types are manufactured to rigorous specifications to allow for the transportation of hazardous waste materials or recycled electronics.

How Do You Choose the Right One?

To order the proper gaylord box for your needs, we need to know what you are shipping. Plastic pellets behave more like a fluid in shipping whereas watermelons are more static. We need to calculate how much cargo you want to be able to fit into each gaylord container in both weights and volumes. These measurements and calculations will determine the required cardboard grade and if the units will be stackable.
Finally, we need to determine which style best suits your needs. You can order a gaylord box with a wide range of internal dimensions, and they come in both a rectangular or octagonal shape and with a complete or partial bottom. These factors will impact the number of bulk bins that you’ll need in any given year.
Our experienced packing experts can help you make sure that the specifications of the boxes you choose will stand up to the demands of your cargo. These experts can also offer guidance on the best shipping solutions or strategies. Welch Packaging is a full-service corrugated converter capable of manufacturing a variety of containers made from corrugated cardboard, fiberboard or plastic. We make it easy to obtain any type of container, including a gaylord box, designed to meet your needs.