Used Corrugated Boxes
Premium Used Boxes, 40-60% Less
Every box in our used inventory has been hand-inspected, graded, and sorted by size. You get the same protection as new corrugated — at a fraction of the cost and with a dramatically lower environmental footprint.
What Is Corrugated Board?
Corrugated board is an engineered material consisting of one or more layers of fluted (wave-shaped) paper — called the medium — sandwiched between flat sheets of paper known as liners. The arch structure of each flute acts like a series of tiny columns, giving corrugated board an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.
The flute profile determines how thick the board is and how much cushioning it provides. Common profiles include A-flute (5 mm, excellent cushion), B-flute (3 mm, great printability), C-flute (4 mm, versatile all-rounder), and E-flute (1.5 mm, used for retail-ready packaging).
Because the medium and liners are paper-based, corrugated board is one of the most recyclable and reusable packaging materials on the planet — which is exactly why used corrugated boxes make so much sense.
Anatomy of a Box
- LinerFlat paper sheets on the outer and inner faces. Made from kraft or test liner, they provide the box its printable surface and contribute to stacking strength.
- MediumThe fluted (corrugated) paper between the liners. Its arch geometry absorbs shocks, resists crushing, and creates an insulating air gap.
- FluteThe wave pattern itself. Different flute sizes (A, B, C, E, F) offer varying degrees of cushioning, rigidity, and board thickness.
- FlapsThe top and bottom panels that fold to close the box. In a standard RSC, the outer flaps meet at the center. Flap condition is a key grading factor for used boxes.
- ScorePre-creased lines that allow the board to fold cleanly. Well-maintained score lines are essential for a used box to assemble properly and maintain its rated strength.
Wall Types Explained
Single Wall (SW)
3 layers (liner-medium-liner)
Thickness: ~3-5 mm
The most common type. One layer of fluted medium between two liners. Suitable for the majority of shipping and storage applications up to about 65 lbs. Cost-effective and lightweight.
Double Wall (DW)
5 layers (liner-medium-liner-medium-liner)
Thickness: ~6-8 mm
Two layers of fluted medium separated by a central liner. Provides significantly higher burst strength and stacking capacity. Ideal for heavy items, fragile products, and long-distance freight up to about 100 lbs.
Triple Wall (TW)
7 layers (three mediums, four liners)
Thickness: ~10-15 mm
Industrial-grade board used as a replacement for wooden crates. Handles loads exceeding 100 lbs and offers exceptional impact resistance. Often used for machinery, automotive parts, and export shipments.
Complete Size Chart
We stock over 22 standard sizes year-round in multiple grades. Need a size not listed? We likely have it — or can source it within days. All dimensions are interior (L x W x H) in inches.
| Size (L x W x H) | Typical Use | Wall | Box Weight | ECT Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 x 8 x 8 | Small parts, cosmetics, candles | SW | 0.4 lbs | 32 ECT |
| 10 x 8 x 6 | Books, small electronics, retail items | SW | 0.4 lbs | 32 ECT |
| 12 x 10 x 8 | Shoes, small appliances, gifts | SW | 0.5 lbs | 32 ECT |
| 12 x 12 x 12 | Small parts, books, retail items | SW / DW | 0.6 lbs | 32-44 ECT |
| 14 x 14 x 14 | Electronics accessories, kitchenware | SW / DW | 0.8 lbs | 32-44 ECT |
| 16 x 12 x 12 | Office supplies, packaged food cases | SW / DW | 0.7 lbs | 32-44 ECT |
| 16 x 16 x 16 | Medium goods, household items | SW / DW | 0.9 lbs | 32-44 ECT |
| 18 x 14 x 12 | Clothing bundles, medium retail | SW / DW | 0.8 lbs | 32-44 ECT |
| 18 x 18 x 16 | Dishes, small appliances, files | SW / DW | 1.1 lbs | 32-48 ECT |
| 18 x 18 x 24 | Tall items, lamp shades, vases | SW / DW | 1.3 lbs | 32-48 ECT |
| 20 x 14 x 14 | Long electronics, tools, hardware | SW / DW | 1.0 lbs | 32-44 ECT |
| 20 x 20 x 20 | General storage, medium freight | SW / DW | 1.4 lbs | 32-48 ECT |
| 22 x 16 x 14 | Monitor boxes, printers, equipment | SW / DW | 1.2 lbs | 44-48 ECT |
| 24 x 12 x 12 | Long items, fluorescent bulbs, posters | SW / DW | 1.0 lbs | 32-44 ECT |
| 24 x 18 x 18 | Standard shipping, clothing bundles | SW / DW | 1.5 lbs | 32-48 ECT |
| 24 x 24 x 24 | Large goods, warehouse storage, bulk retail | DW / TW | 2.2 lbs | 44-51 ECT |
| 28 x 20 x 16 | Large electronics, bedding, pillows | DW | 2.0 lbs | 44-48 ECT |
| 30 x 24 x 12 | Flat items, framed art, mirrors | DW | 2.1 lbs | 48-51 ECT |
| 36 x 18 x 18 | Golf clubs, long tools, carpet rolls | DW | 2.4 lbs | 44-48 ECT |
| 36 x 24 x 24 | Large appliances, bulk industrial | DW / TW | 3.0 lbs | 48-51 ECT |
| 40 x 30 x 24 | Oversized warehouse, drum liners | DW / TW | 3.8 lbs | 48-51 ECT |
| 48 x 24 x 24 | Furniture panels, large flat items | DW / TW | 4.2 lbs | 48-51 ECT |
Condition Grades
Grade A
Like NewVirtually indistinguishable from a new box. No printing, scuffs, or tape residue. Fluting is fully intact, and all flaps are clean-cut. Ideal for customer-facing shipments, retail packaging, and any application where appearance matters.
Grade B
GoodStructurally sound with minor cosmetic imperfections — light scuffing, a small amount of tape residue, or faint printing from a previous user. Perfect for internal transfers, warehouse storage, and B2B shipments where the box will not be seen by end consumers.
Grade C
FairFunctional box with visible wear: moderate printing, noticeable tape marks, or minor dents. Fluting and liner remain structurally adequate. Best for internal storage, non-fragile goods, and cost-sensitive applications where performance outweighs aesthetics.
Detailed Grading Criteria
| Criteria | Grade A (Like New) | Grade B (Good) | Grade C (Fair) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Printing / Graphics | None or barely visible | Light printing, 1-2 colors | Moderate to heavy printing |
| Tape Residue | None | Minimal, does not affect closure | Moderate residue, may need re-taping |
| Scuffing / Marks | None or barely visible | Light surface scuffs | Noticeable scuffs and marks |
| Flute Integrity | 100% intact, no crushing | 95%+ intact, minor edge softening | 85%+ intact, localized crushing OK |
| Flap Condition | All flaps clean-cut, no delamination | Minor wear on flap edges | Some flap edge wear, still functional |
| Structural Strength | 95-100% of original ECT | 85-95% of original ECT | 75-85% of original ECT |
| Odors / Contamination | None | None | None (contaminated boxes are recycled) |
| Water / Moisture Damage | None | None | Very minor staining OK, no softening |
| Dimensional Accuracy | +/- 1/8 inch of stated size | +/- 1/4 inch of stated size | +/- 3/8 inch of stated size |
| Best Use | Customer-facing, retail, e-commerce | B2B shipping, internal transfers | Storage, non-fragile goods, moving |
Who Uses Used Boxes?
E-Commerce & DTC Shipping
Online sellers save thousands per month by shipping in quality used boxes. Grade A and B boxes are clean, sturdy, and indistinguishable from new at the customer doorstep. Popular sizes: 10x8x6, 12x12x12, 14x14x14, 16x16x16.
Moving & Relocation
Residential and commercial movers trust our inventory for uniform sizing and consistent strength. Buy what you need, return what you do not. Most popular: 16x16x16 (medium), 18x18x24 (tall/wardrobe), 24x18x18 (large).
Warehouse & Inventory Storage
Grade B and C boxes are perfect for internal storage where appearance is irrelevant. Stack them on shelves, palletize seasonal inventory, or organize back-stock. DW boxes recommended for long-term stacking.
Retail & Fulfillment Centers
Fulfillment centers and subscription-box companies use our used inventory to dramatically reduce per-unit packaging costs without compromising product safety. Grade A delivers a premium unboxing experience.
Food & Beverage (Secondary)
Used boxes are ideal for secondary food packaging — shipping cases around already-sealed food products. Case-pack operations for canned goods, bottled beverages, and dry goods save significantly with Grade B boxes.
Manufacturing & Industrial
Factories and machine shops use Grade B/C boxes for parts storage, work-in-progress staging, and inter-facility transfers. DW and TW options handle heavy machined parts, castings, and hardware.
Environmental Impact
Reusing a corrugated box is fundamentally different from recycling it. Recycling is good — reuse is better. Here is the measurable impact per 100 boxes reused.
Reuse vs. Recycling
Recycling a box means pulping it, de-inking it, re-forming it, drying it, and shipping the new product. Each step requires energy, water, and chemicals. Reuse skips all of those steps entirely — the box goes from one user to the next with nothing more than a quick inspection.
Carbon Footprint
Manufacturing a single new corrugated box produces roughly 0.5-1.0 kg of CO2. Reusing that same box produces close to zero additional emissions. At scale, switching to used boxes can cut your packaging carbon footprint by over 90%.
Water Conservation
Producing one ton of new corrugated board requires approximately 20,000 gallons of water. Reusing boxes eliminates this water demand entirely, making used packaging a powerful choice in water-stressed regions.
Landfill Diversion
Despite high recycling rates for cardboard, millions of tons still reach landfills each year — often because the boxes are contaminated or the recycling infrastructure is overloaded. Reuse keeps boxes in circulation longer, reducing both landfill volume and the demand for new fiber.
Savings Per 100 Boxes Reused
| Resource | Small Box (12x12x12) | Medium Box (18x18x16) | Large Box (24x24x24) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CO2 Emissions Avoided | ~50 kg | ~85 kg | ~140 kg |
| Water Saved | ~600 gal | ~1,000 gal | ~1,700 gal |
| Trees Preserved | ~0.3 trees | ~0.5 trees | ~0.9 trees |
| Energy Saved | ~180 kWh | ~300 kWh | ~500 kWh |
| Landfill Space Avoided | ~4 cu ft | ~7 cu ft | ~12 cu ft |
| Cost Savings (vs New) | ~$90-$120 | ~$120-$155 | ~$180-$225 |
Storage Best Practices
Proper storage extends the life of used corrugated boxes and ensures they perform at their rated strength when you need them. Follow these guidelines.
Keep Boxes Dry
Corrugated board loses up to 50% of its compressive strength when moisture content exceeds 10%. Store boxes indoors in a dry environment with relative humidity below 65%. Never place directly on concrete floors — use pallets or plastic sheeting.
Store Flat When Possible
Unassembled flat boxes take up 85% less space than assembled ones. Store them flat on pallets, banded in bundles of 25-50, standing vertically against a wall or lying horizontally. This prevents score-line fatigue from prolonged stress.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
UV exposure degrades the lignin in paper fibers, causing yellowing and brittleness over time. If storing near windows or outdoors temporarily, cover boxes with opaque sheeting.
Stack by Size
When stacking assembled boxes, group identical sizes together. Mixed-size stacks create uneven pressure points that can crush lower boxes. Limit stack height to 6-8 boxes for single-wall and 8-10 for double-wall.
Rotate Inventory
Use a first-in, first-out (FIFO) system. Boxes stored for more than 6 months may develop minor weakening from humidity cycling. Date-stamp pallets when they arrive and use older stock first.
Inspect Before Use
Give each box a quick visual check before packing. Look for soft spots, delamination, torn flaps, and crushed corners. A 10-second inspection prevents shipping damage and customer complaints.
Volume Discount Tiers
The more you buy, the more you save. Our volume pricing rewards businesses that commit to larger quantities or recurring orders.
| Quantity | Discount | Delivery | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-99 | List price | Same-day (local) | No minimum, buy exactly what you need |
| 100-249 | 5-8% off | Same-day (local) | Mix sizes within the order |
| 250-499 | 8-15% off | Same or next day | Dedicated account representative |
| 500-999 | 15-22% off | Next day (regional) | Priority inventory access |
| 1,000-4,999 | 22-30% off | Scheduled delivery | Guaranteed stock allocation |
| 5,000+ | 30-40% off | Scheduled delivery | Custom sourcing, blanket orders, NET-30 terms |
Recurring weekly or monthly orders receive an additional 5-10% discount on top of volume pricing.
How to Order Used Boxes
Tell Us What You Need
Submit a quote request with the sizes, grades, and quantities you need. Not sure? Just tell us what you are packing and we will recommend the best options.
Receive Your Quote
We respond within one business hour with per-unit pricing, volume discounts, availability, and estimated delivery time. No hidden fees or surprises.
Confirm & Schedule
Approve the quote and select your delivery window. Same-day delivery is available for orders placed before 11 AM. We accept cards, ACH, checks, and NET-30.
Receive & Inspect
Your boxes arrive graded, sorted, and palletized. Inspect upon delivery — if anything does not meet the listed grade, we replace it free of charge within 48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How strong are used boxes compared to new?
A corrugated box retains 90-95% of its original compressive strength after a single use. Our Grade A boxes are functionally identical to new for most shipping applications. Even Grade C boxes retain 75-85% of their original ECT rating, making them suitable for storage and light-duty shipping.
Are used boxes clean and hygienic?
Yes. Every box is individually inspected before entering our inventory. We reject any box with food contamination, chemical residue, pest evidence, mold, or strong odors. Our used boxes are suitable for secondary food packaging (shipping already-packaged food products) but not for direct food contact, which requires new virgin board.
Can I mix sizes and grades in a single order?
Absolutely. You can order any combination of sizes and grades. Volume discounts are calculated on the total unit count across your entire order, not per size or grade.
What if I need a size you do not stock?
We can usually source non-standard sizes within 3-5 business days through our network of suppliers and recyclers. Alternatively, our custom solutions team can cut down a larger used box to your exact dimensions — often with same-day turnaround.
Do you buy back boxes I no longer need?
Yes. We operate a buyback program for clean used boxes in good condition. Contact us with the sizes, quantities, and approximate condition, and we will provide a purchase offer. This is a great way to recoup costs and keep boxes in circulation.
How are used boxes packaged for delivery?
Boxes are shipped flat (knocked down) on pallets, banded in bundles of 25 or 50. Pallet quantities vary by box size — a standard 48x40 pallet holds 50-200 flat boxes depending on dimensions. We can also deliver assembled boxes for an additional handling fee.
Do you offer samples before I place a large order?
Yes. We can send a small sample pack (typically 5-10 boxes) in your requested sizes and grades so you can evaluate quality before committing to a larger order. Sample packs are charged at list price and ship same-day.
What is your return policy?
Unused boxes in their original condition can be returned within 30 days for a full refund. If any box arrives in a condition below its listed grade, contact us within 48 hours and we will replace it at no charge.
Pricing That Makes Sense
Used corrugated boxes typically cost 40-60% less than their new equivalents. Volume discounts are available starting at 100 units, and we offer additional savings for recurring orders and pallet-quantity purchases.
Exact pricing depends on size, wall type, grade, and quantity. Submit a quote request below and we will respond with a detailed estimate — usually within one business hour.