Help Center
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about buying, selling, and recycling corrugated boxes through Seattle Boxes. If your question is not here, send it in the quote form's message field.
How Seattle Boxes Works
What is Seattle Boxes?
Seattle Boxes is a referral service. You send a quote request for used or new boxes, packing supplies, selling surplus boxes, or recycling, and we pass it to a partner supplier in our network who follows up with you.
What can I request?
Used corrugated boxes, gaylord boxes, new boxes, packing supplies, custom packaging, offers on surplus boxes, recycling, and pickup or delivery.
What areas do you serve?
We take requests from Seattle and the Puget Sound region. Availability depends on partner suppliers near you.
Does the quote request cost anything?
No. The quote request is free and carries no obligation.
Pricing & Terms
How much do used boxes cost?
Pricing is by quote from partner suppliers and depends on size, grade, quantity, and delivery.
What is the minimum order?
Minimums are set by each partner supplier. Include your quantity in the request.
Which payment methods are accepted?
Payment methods and terms are set by the partner supplier who fulfills your order.
What if boxes do not match the grade I ordered?
Returns and quality issues are handled under the supplier’s terms. Confirm the grade description and return policy before ordering.
Quality & Grades
Are used boxes clean and safe to use?
Used boxes for resale are usually sorted to remove damaged, wet, or contaminated boxes. Ask the supplier how they sort and grade. Used boxes are generally not suitable for direct food contact.
How are used boxes graded?
Common grades are like new, good, and fair or economy. Each supplier uses its own names, so check the description in your quote. See the box grades guide for details.
How many times can a box be reused?
It depends on the board, the load, handling, and moisture. A sound box can often be reused more than once; replace it when it is soft, torn, or crushed.
What does the ECT rating mean?
ECT (Edge Crush Test) measures the edgewise strength of the board in pounds per linear inch. Higher ratings stack better. The box maker certificate on a flap often states the rating and limits.
Gaylord Boxes
What is a gaylord box?
A large corrugated container designed to sit on a pallet, also called a bulk bin, pallet box, or tote. The most common base is 48 x 40 inches.
Can loaded gaylords be stacked?
It depends on wall construction, contents, and storage conditions. Align corners, use a cap sheet between layers, keep them dry, and ask the supplier about the intended load.
Are liners available?
Many suppliers offer poly liners for powders, granules, or food use. Ask in your request.
Selling Your Boxes
What kinds of boxes can I sell?
Partner suppliers commonly buy clean, dry, structurally sound boxes and gaylords in standard sizes, especially in uniform quantities.
How much will I be paid?
Any offer comes from the partner supplier and depends on condition, size, quantity, and demand.
Is pickup available?
Pickup is available through partner suppliers in the Seattle area. Minimums and scheduling are set by the supplier.
Reuse & Recycling
How does reusing a box help?
Reusing a box that is still sound avoids manufacturing a new one, along with the material and energy that would take.
Are wax-coated boxes recyclable?
Wax-coated boxes are often not accepted in standard cardboard recycling because the wax interferes with repulping. Check with your recycler; coated boxes can sometimes be reused instead.
Shipping & Carriers
Can I ship with used boxes?
Generally yes, if the box is sound and suited to the weight, and all old labels and barcodes are removed or fully covered. Check your carrier’s current packaging guidelines.
What is dimensional weight?
Many carriers bill by the greater of actual weight and dimensional weight, which is length x width x height divided by a DIM factor. Factors differ by carrier and service and change over time, so check your carrier’s current rates. Right-sizing your box helps.
Can I reuse boxes from online orders?
Yes, if the box is in good shape and you remove or fully cover previous labels, barcodes, and markings.
Still Have Questions?
Send them with a free quote request and a partner supplier will follow up.