Knowledge Center
Packaging Resources
Guides and references to help you choose and handle corrugated packaging, whether you are shipping products or moving home.
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Common Box Sizes
| Size (L x W x H, in) | Common Name | Volume (cu ft) | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 x 6 x 6 | Small cube | 0.13 | Candles, cosmetics, small gifts |
| 12 x 12 x 12 | Standard cube | 1.00 | General e-commerce, retail |
| 18 x 18 x 16 | Medium moving | 3.00 | Kitchen items, small appliances |
| 24 x 24 x 24 | Extra large | 8.00 | Bulky items |
| 48 x 40 x 36 | Standard gaylord | 40.0 | Bulk bins, pallet-scale storage |
Packaging Glossary
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| BCT (Box Compression Test) | The force needed to crush a finished box. It depends on the board’s ECT, the box perimeter, and its depth. |
| BMC (Box Maker Certificate) | A stamp on a box flap that states the board construction and its ECT or burst rating. |
| Corrugated board | One or more layers of fluted medium glued between flat liner sheets. |
| DIM weight | A carrier pricing method based on box volume as well as actual weight: (L x W x H) divided by the carrier’s DIM factor. |
| Double wall | Two fluted layers between three liners. Used for heavier shipping boxes and gaylords. |
| ECT (Edge Crush Test) | Edgewise compression strength of board, in pounds per linear inch. The main stacking-strength metric. |
| FEFCO code | An international code system for corrugated box styles. RSC is FEFCO 0201. |
| Flute | The wavy layer of medium between liners. Flute sizes (A, B, C, E, F) differ in thickness and cushioning. |
| Gaylord box | A large corrugated bin designed to sit on a pallet, commonly 48 x 40 inches at the base. |
| HSC (Half Slotted Container) | A box with flaps on one end only, often used with a lid or left open. |
| Linerboard | The flat outer layers of corrugated board, made from virgin or recycled fiber. |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | Freight for shipments larger than parcel but smaller than a full truckload. |
| Medium | The fluted inner sheet of corrugated board. |
| Mullen burst test | A measure of the board face’s resistance to bursting, in pounds per square inch. Largely replaced by ECT for shipping boxes. |
| RSC (Regular Slotted Container) | The most common box style. All flaps are the same length and the outer flaps meet in the center. |
| Score line | A crease pressed into the board to create a fold. |
| Single wall | One fluted layer between two liners. The most common construction for shipping boxes. |
| Triple wall | Three fluted layers between four liners, for the heaviest loads. |
| Void fill | Material that fills empty space in a box to stop products moving. |
| Wax-coated board | Board treated with wax for moisture resistance, common in produce. Often not accepted in standard cardboard recycling. |
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