Gaylord Boxes: Everything You Need to Know

What Is a Gaylord Box?

A gaylord is a large corrugated container that sits on a pallet and holds bulk material. The name comes from the Gaylord Container Corporation and is now a generic term for corrugated bulk bins. The most common size is 48 x 40 x 36 inches, which matches the standard 48 x 40 inch North American pallet.

Constructions and Styles

Most gaylords are double wall, with triple wall used for heavier and denser loads. Common styles include:

• Regular slotted: four equal flaps that meet in the center. The most common style.
• Full bottom: an overlapping bottom with no center gap, for small parts or granular material.
• Half slotted: bottom flaps only, used open or with a separate lid.
• Octagonal: eight sides that resist bulging, common in recycling and food processing.

Common Sizes

Beyond 48 x 40 x 36, common variants include half-height bins around 24 inches tall for dense parts, taller bins around 48 inches for light bulky material, and wider footprints for oversized products. Match the footprint to your pallets and racking.

Stacking and Storage

• Keep gaylords on pallets, not the floor.
• Align corners when stacking; corners carry most of the load.
• Use a corrugated cap sheet between stacked containers.
• Spread contents evenly to avoid bulging.
• Keep them dry; moisture is the main cause of failure.

New or Used?

A used gaylord in good condition can often be reused several times before it is recycled, and it avoids making a new container. For direct food contact or strict cleanliness requirements, new gaylords are usually the choice. Check any used gaylord before loading it; see our inspection checklist.