Help Center
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about buying, selling, and recycling corrugated boxes with Seattle Boxes. Over 35 detailed answers organized by topic. Can't find your answer here? Contact us directly and our team will respond within one business day.
General Questions
What types of boxes does Seattle Boxes sell?+
We offer a comprehensive range of corrugated packaging products including:
- Used corrugated boxes in all standard shipping and moving sizes, graded A through C for quality
- Gaylord boxes (bulk bins) in single wall, double wall, and triple wall constructions
- New boxes in stock and custom sizes for businesses requiring virgin packaging
- Packaging accessories including tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and stretch film
- Custom packaging solutions for businesses with specific size, print, or strength requirements
We specialize in used boxes, which provide the same functionality as new boxes at 40-60% lower cost while keeping packaging materials out of landfills.
Do you sell new boxes as well?+
Yes. While our core business centers on used and recycled corrugated packaging, we also supply new boxes for customers who require them. New boxes are available in all standard sizes and can be custom manufactured to your specifications. Many of our customers use a combination of new boxes for customer-facing shipments and used boxes for internal transfers, storage, and B2B shipments. Visit our new boxes page for details.
What areas do you serve?+
Seattle Boxes serves the greater Seattle metropolitan area and the entire Pacific Northwest region. Our delivery fleet covers Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Everett, Olympia, and surrounding areas. For larger orders, we ship nationwide via LTL freight. We also partner with logistics providers to serve customers across the western United States. Contact us for delivery availability to your specific location.
Are used boxes sanitary and safe to use?+
Absolutely. Every used box we sell undergoes a thorough inspection process. We reject any boxes that show signs of contamination, moisture damage, pest exposure, or chemical residue. Our used boxes come from clean commercial and industrial sources -- primarily distribution centers, retail operations, and manufacturing facilities.
Used corrugated boxes are widely used across all industries and are fully compliant with shipping carrier requirements. UPS, FedEx, and USPS all accept properly graded used boxes for shipment. For food-adjacent applications, we offer food-grade gaylords with appropriate liners.
How do I know what size box I need?+
Start by measuring your product at its widest, tallest, and deepest points. Add 2 inches to each dimension to allow for cushioning material such as bubble wrap, foam, or packing paper. The resulting measurement is your minimum interior box size.
For moving, use the industry rule: heavy items go in small boxes (16x12x12), general household items in medium boxes (18x18x16), and lightweight bulky items in large or extra-large boxes. Our complete size guide has detailed tables and recommendations for every application.
If you are unsure, our team is happy to recommend the right size based on your specific products. Send us photos or descriptions and we will provide personalized sizing recommendations at no charge.
Pricing & Payment
What is the minimum order quantity?+
For used shipping and moving boxes, our minimum order is typically 25 boxes. For gaylord boxes, we have a minimum of 10 units. New boxes have varying minimums depending on whether you are ordering stock sizes (25 box minimum) or custom sizes (typically 100-500 box minimum depending on the manufacturer). For smaller quantities, we recommend visiting our warehouse for direct pickup where there is no minimum order requirement.
Do you offer volume discounts?+
Yes. We offer tiered pricing that rewards larger purchases:
- Standard orders (25-99 boxes): Regular pricing
- Bulk orders (100-499 boxes): 10-15% discount
- Large bulk orders (500-999 boxes): 15-25% discount
- Truckload orders (1,000+ boxes): Best pricing, custom quoted
We also offer recurring order programs for businesses with ongoing needs. Set up a weekly or monthly delivery schedule and receive additional preferred pricing. Contact us for a custom quote.
What payment methods do you accept?+
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), ACH bank transfers, company checks, and cash for warehouse pickups. For established business accounts, we offer Net 30 payment terms upon credit approval. Large orders may require a deposit of 50% with the balance due upon delivery.
How are your used boxes priced compared to new?+
Used boxes typically cost 40-60% less than equivalent new boxes. The exact savings depend on the size, grade, and condition of the box. Grade A used boxes (like new) are priced at roughly 50-60% of new box cost. Grade B (good condition) runs about 40-50% of new. Grade C (fair condition) offers the deepest savings at 30-40% of new box pricing. These savings scale significantly with volume -- a business replacing even half of its new box purchases with used boxes can save thousands of dollars annually.
Do you offer Net 30 terms for businesses?+
Yes, we offer Net 30 payment terms for qualified business accounts. To apply, we require a completed credit application, a minimum of three trade references, and a valid business tax ID. The approval process typically takes 3-5 business days. Once approved, you can place orders and receive invoices with 30-day payment terms.
For new business relationships, we may start with a reduced credit limit and increase it as we build a payment history together. Businesses with strong credit profiles may also qualify for Net 45 or Net 60 terms on large recurring orders. Contact our accounts team at our contact page to begin the application process.
Can I get a price match if I find a lower price elsewhere?+
We strive to offer the most competitive pricing in the Pacific Northwest for used and new corrugated boxes. If you receive a lower quote from a competing supplier for the same product in the same condition grade and quantity, share the quote with us and we will do our best to match or beat it. We believe in earning your business through a combination of fair pricing, reliable quality, and exceptional service rather than locking customers into rigid contracts.
Delivery & Logistics
What are your delivery areas and lead times?+
Local delivery within the greater Seattle area is available within 1-3 business days for in-stock items. Regional delivery to the broader Pacific Northwest typically takes 3-5 business days. Nationwide shipping via LTL freight is available with 5-10 business day transit times depending on destination.
For urgent needs, we offer same-day and next-day delivery within the Seattle metro area for an expedited delivery fee. Contact us before noon for same-day service availability.
Is warehouse pickup available?+
Yes. You are welcome to pick up orders directly from our warehouse. Warehouse pickup has no minimum order quantity and eliminates delivery charges. Our warehouse is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. We recommend calling ahead to confirm availability of specific sizes. For large pickup orders, we can have your order palletized and ready for forklift loading.
How much does delivery cost?+
Delivery costs vary based on distance, order size, and urgency. Local deliveries within the Seattle metro area start at $49 for standard orders. Many bulk orders qualify for free delivery -- generally orders of 200+ boxes or full pallet loads. Regional and nationwide shipping is quoted individually based on weight, volume, and destination. We strive to keep delivery costs as low as possible and will always provide a delivery quote before you commit to an order.
Can you set up recurring deliveries?+
Absolutely. Our recurring delivery program is designed for businesses with regular packaging needs. We can schedule weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly deliveries of your most-used box sizes. Recurring customers receive priority pricing, guaranteed inventory allocation, and flexible scheduling. Your dedicated account manager will work with you to forecast needs and adjust quantities as your business grows. Visit our services page for more details.
Quality & Grades
How are used boxes inspected and graded?+
Every box that enters our facility goes through a multi-point inspection process:
- Visual inspection for structural damage, holes, tears, and water stains
- Flap integrity check -- all flaps must close and seal properly
- Compression feel test for panel rigidity and corner strength
- Contamination screening for odors, stains, chemical residue, or pest evidence
- BMC stamp verification to confirm original specifications
Boxes are then sorted into Grade A (like new), Grade B (good condition), or Grade C (fair condition). Any box that fails inspection is diverted to our recycling program. See our box grades guide for detailed descriptions of each grade.
Do you guarantee the quality of used boxes?+
Yes. We stand behind every box we sell with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If any box does not meet the condition grade specified at the time of purchase, we will replace it at no charge or issue a full refund for that box. Our reputation is built on consistent quality, and we take grading accuracy seriously. If you ever receive a box that does not match its stated grade, contact us within 7 days of delivery and we will make it right immediately.
How many times can a corrugated box be reused?+
A well-made corrugated box can typically be reused 3-7 times before the structural integrity degrades to the point where it should be recycled. The number of reuse cycles depends on the original construction quality (ECT rating and flute type), the weight of contents, handling conditions, and exposure to moisture. Double-wall boxes and higher ECT ratings generally support more reuse cycles. Even after a box can no longer be reused whole, the corrugated material itself can be recycled 5-7 times before the fibers become too short for papermaking.
What does the ECT rating on a box mean?+
ECT stands for Edge Crush Test. It measures the edgewise compressive strength of the corrugated board, which directly correlates to the box's ability to resist crushing when boxes are stacked on top of each other. A 32 ECT box is standard for items up to about 40 lbs. A 44 ECT box handles up to 60 lbs. Higher ECT ratings (48, 51, 71) are used for heavy-duty applications. For a complete breakdown, see our box grades guide.
Gaylord Box Questions
What exactly is a gaylord box?+
A gaylord box is a large corrugated container designed to sit on a standard pallet. Also called bulk bins, pallet boxes, or tote boxes, gaylords are used across manufacturing, agriculture, recycling, and logistics industries for bulk material handling. The name “gaylord” comes from the Gaylord Container Company, which popularized the design.
Standard gaylords measure 48 x 40 inches at the base to match a standard US pallet, with heights ranging from 24 to 48 inches. They are available in single wall, double wall, and triple wall constructions, with weight capacities from 800 to over 2,200 lbs depending on the grade and wall type.
For a complete breakdown of sizes, constructions, and applications, see our Gaylord Boxes Complete Guide.
What is the difference between single wall, double wall, and triple wall gaylords?+
The wall type refers to the number of fluted corrugated layers in the board construction. Single wall gaylords have one flute layer and are best for lighter materials (up to ~800 lbs). Double wall gaylords have two flute layers and handle 1,000-2,000 lbs -- they are the most common choice for industrial applications. Triple wall gaylords have three flute layers and can hold over 2,200 lbs, serving as alternatives to wooden crates.
Double wall is the most popular choice for used gaylords because it balances strength, cost, and reusability. We stock all three constructions and can help you determine which wall type is appropriate for your specific contents and handling requirements.
Can used gaylords be stacked when loaded?+
Whether loaded gaylords can be safely stacked depends on the wall type, ECT rating, content weight, and storage conditions. Double wall gaylords with 48+ ECT ratings can typically support one additional loaded gaylord on top when the contents are evenly distributed and the storage environment is dry. Single wall gaylords should never be stacked when loaded.
For stacking applications, we recommend using a flat sheet of corrugated or a plywood cap between stacked gaylords to distribute the load evenly. Always consider the cumulative weight and ensure the bottom gaylord's ECT rating can support the total load. For safety-critical applications, consult with our team for specific stacking recommendations based on your contents and environment.
Do you sell gaylords with liners for food or liquid applications?+
Yes. We supply polyethylene (poly) liners designed to fit standard gaylord sizes. These liners create a barrier between the corrugated walls and the contents, making gaylords suitable for food-grade applications, powders, granules, and materials that could leak or contaminate the box.
Liner options include clear or opaque PE bags in various thicknesses (2 mil to 6 mil), FDA-approved food-contact liners, and anti-static liners for electronics components. We can also source custom liner sizes and materials for specialized applications. Liners are sold separately from the gaylords and are available in bundles of 25, 50, or 100 units.
How many times can a gaylord box be reused?+
The reuse life of a gaylord depends on the wall type, content weight, and handling conditions. A double wall gaylord carrying moderate loads (under 1,000 lbs) in a dry environment can typically be reused 5-10 times. Triple wall gaylords last even longer, often achieving 10-15 reuse cycles. Single wall gaylords have a shorter reuse life of 2-4 cycles due to their lighter construction. Wax-coated gaylords used in wet or produce environments typically get 1-3 uses before the wax coating degrades. Proper handling -- using forklifts correctly, avoiding dragging, and storing flat when not in use -- significantly extends gaylord lifespan.
Environmental & Sustainability
Do you have a box recycling program?+
Yes. Our recycling program accepts corrugated cardboard from businesses and individuals throughout the Seattle area. We pick up boxes from your location, sort them for reuse potential, and recycle anything that cannot be resold. Businesses with regular recycling volume may qualify for our paid pickup service where we actually pay you for your used boxes. Visit our recycling services page for program details and scheduling.
How does buying used boxes help the environment?+
Every used box that gets a second life delivers measurable environmental benefits:
- Reduces demand for virgin fiber, preserving forests and natural habitats
- Saves approximately 390 kWh of energy per ton of cardboard diverted from manufacturing
- Reduces water consumption by an estimated 7,000 gallons per ton versus virgin production
- Lowers greenhouse gas emissions by avoiding the energy-intensive pulping and manufacturing process
- Keeps functional packaging out of the waste stream and landfills
Our customers collectively divert millions of pounds of corrugated material from waste each year. Learn more on our sustainability page.
Do you hold any environmental certifications?+
We are committed to sustainable business practices and work within frameworks established by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for our new box inventory. Our reuse and recycling operations align with EPA guidelines for packaging waste reduction. We regularly report on our environmental impact metrics and are working toward additional third-party sustainability certifications. Our business model itself -- extending the life of corrugated packaging -- is inherently one of the most impactful sustainability practices in the packaging industry.
Can you provide sustainability reporting for our company?+
Yes. For business customers, we provide quarterly sustainability reports that quantify the environmental impact of your used box purchases. Reports include metrics such as tons of material diverted from waste, estimated energy and water savings, CO2 equivalent emissions avoided, and number of trees preserved. These figures can be used in your company's ESG reporting, sustainability disclosures, and marketing materials. This service is complimentary for customers with ongoing accounts.
Are wax-coated boxes recyclable?+
Traditional wax-coated (wax-dipped or wax-curtain-coated) corrugated boxes are generally not accepted by standard paper recycling facilities because the wax contaminates the pulping process. These boxes are commonly used in produce and meat packing industries for moisture resistance.
However, newer wax-alternative coatings (such as polyethylene or water-based barrier coatings) are recyclable at facilities equipped to handle them. If you use wax-coated gaylords, we can accept them for reuse (their moisture resistance actually makes them more reusable in wet environments) or direct them to specialized recycling streams. We recommend switching to recyclable barrier-coated alternatives when possible.
What is the carbon footprint difference between used and new boxes?+
Manufacturing a new corrugated box generates approximately 0.5 to 1.0 kg of CO2 equivalent per kilogram of board produced, depending on the energy source used by the mill. Reusing an existing box avoids this manufacturing footprint entirely -- the only carbon cost is the transportation to collect and redistribute the used box.
For a typical business purchasing 1,000 used boxes per month instead of new, the estimated annual CO2 savings range from 5 to 15 metric tons, depending on box sizes. This is equivalent to taking 3-10 cars off the road for a year. These calculations form the basis of our quarterly sustainability reports for business customers.
Custom Solutions
Can you manufacture boxes in custom sizes?+
Yes. Through our manufacturing partners, we can produce corrugated boxes in virtually any custom size, flute type, and ECT rating. Custom boxes are available as standard RSC (regular slotted container) styles or as die-cut designs for unique shapes and features like auto-lock bottoms, display windows, or tuck-top closures.
Minimum order quantities for custom sizes typically start at 100-500 boxes depending on the style and complexity. Lead times are 2-3 weeks for standard RSC styles and 3-4 weeks for die-cut designs. We provide samples for approval before full production begins.
To request a custom size, contact us with your interior dimensions, product weight, required strength rating, estimated quantity, and any special features needed.
Do you offer printed boxes with our company logo?+
Yes. We offer custom-printed boxes through our manufacturing partners. Printing options include single-color flexographic printing (most economical for simple logos and text), multi-color flexographic printing (up to 4 colors), and litho-laminate printing for photo-quality graphics.
Minimum quantities for printed boxes are typically 500-1,000 units depending on the printing method. Setup charges apply for plate creation. We can also provide custom-printed tape as a more economical branding solution for businesses that want brand visibility on used or plain boxes. Contact us for a printed box quote with your artwork file.
Can you source specialty packaging like insulated boxes or hazmat containers?+
We can source a wide range of specialty packaging through our supplier network, including insulated shippers for temperature-sensitive products, UN-rated containers for hazardous materials, anti-static boxes for electronics, and VCI-treated boxes for metal parts that need corrosion protection.
Specialty packaging typically requires longer lead times and higher minimum orders than standard boxes. We recommend contacting us early in your planning process so we can identify the right solution and pricing for your specific requirements. Our team has experience with packaging compliance across regulated industries including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food, and electronics.
Do you offer packaging design consultation?+
Yes. For businesses launching new products or looking to optimize their existing packaging, we offer consultation services that cover box sizing, grade selection, void fill strategies, and cost optimization. Our goal is to help you find the most cost-effective packaging solution that adequately protects your product without over-engineering.
The consultation process typically starts with a review of your product specifications, distribution channels, and current packaging costs. We then provide recommendations with estimated cost savings. For complex packaging challenges, we partner with structural design engineers who can create custom packaging solutions from scratch, including 3D prototyping and ISTA testing. Initial consultations are complimentary for potential customers.
Selling Your Boxes
What types of boxes do you buy?+
We purchase used corrugated boxes that are still in reusable condition. Ideal boxes for our buying program include:
- Standard shipping boxes in popular sizes (10x10x10 through 36x24x24)
- Moving boxes in all standard sizes
- Gaylord boxes in usable condition (single, double, or triple wall)
- Specialty boxes: wardrobe boxes, dish packs, picture/mirror boxes
- Bulk quantities from distribution centers, retail stores, and warehouses
We do not purchase boxes with moisture damage, heavy contamination, strong odors, vermin damage, or boxes that have lost structural integrity. Visit our box buying service page for full details.
How much will I get paid for my used boxes?+
Payment for used boxes depends on several factors:
- Condition: Grade A boxes command the highest prices; Grade C the lowest
- Size: Standard, high-demand sizes (12x12x12, 18x18x16, 24x24x24) are worth more
- Quantity: Larger volumes receive better per-box rates
- Consistency: Uniform sizes in large quantities are most valuable
As a general range, used shipping boxes sell for $0.25 to $2.00 each depending on these factors. Used gaylords range from $3 to $15 each. We provide free assessments -- send us photos or schedule a site visit and we will give you a firm quote within 24 hours. Contact us to get started.
Do you pick up boxes or do I need to deliver them?+
We offer both options. For businesses with regular volume (typically 100+ boxes per pickup), we provide free scheduled pickup service within the Seattle metro area. For smaller quantities, you are welcome to bring boxes to our warehouse during business hours. For large one-time cleanouts (warehouse closings, facility moves), we dispatch a truck and crew to handle everything on-site. In many cases, the value of the boxes exceeds the cost of pickup, meaning you get paid to have your boxes removed.
How do I get started selling boxes to Seattle Boxes?+
Getting started is simple:
- Contact us via phone, email, or our contact form with a description of what you have
- Send photos of your boxes so we can assess condition and sizes
- Receive a quote within 24 hours with our offer
- Schedule pickup or drop off at your convenience
- Get paid upon receipt and verification of the boxes
For ongoing partnerships, we can set up a regular pickup schedule with standing pricing agreements. Many of our suppliers have been working with us for years and enjoy a hassle-free, profitable way to handle their packaging waste.
Shipping & Carrier Requirements
Will UPS, FedEx, and USPS accept used boxes for shipping?+
Yes, all major carriers accept used corrugated boxes for shipping as long as the boxes meet their packaging requirements. The key requirements are that the box must be structurally sound, all previous labels and barcodes must be removed or completely covered, and the box must be properly sealed with packaging tape on all seams.
UPS and FedEx require that the box be strong enough to protect the contents and that the combined weight not exceed the Box Maker Certificate rating. USPS has similar requirements and additionally specifies that Priority Mail packages must not show significant wear that could compromise delivery.
Our Grade A and Grade B used boxes meet all major carrier requirements. Grade C boxes are acceptable for most carriers but are best used for internal transfers or B2B shipments where carrier rejection risk should be minimized.
What is dimensional weight and how does it affect my shipping costs?+
Dimensional weight (DIM weight) is a pricing method used by all major carriers that factors in the size of a package, not just its actual weight. Carriers charge you the greater of the actual weight or the dimensional weight. This means that shipping a large, lightweight box can cost the same as shipping a smaller, heavier package.
The formula is: DIM Weight = (Length x Width x Height in inches) / DIM Factor. UPS and FedEx use a DIM factor of 139 for domestic shipments, while USPS uses 166 for Priority Mail. For example, a 24x24x24 box has a DIM weight of 99.5 lbs via UPS even if the actual contents only weigh 10 lbs.
This is why right-sizing your box is so important. Using a box that is significantly larger than your product wastes money on every shipment. Our size guide includes a full DIM weight reference table for all common box sizes.
What are the maximum box size limits for major carriers?+
Each carrier has specific maximum size and weight limits for parcel shipments. For UPS and FedEx, the maximum package size is 108 inches in length and 165 inches in combined length plus girth (girth = 2 x width + 2 x height), with a maximum weight of 150 lbs. USPS has a maximum combined length plus girth of 130 inches with a 70 lb weight limit.
Packages that exceed these limits are classified as freight and must ship via LTL (Less Than Truckload) carriers, which have different pricing structures and typically require palletization. Large format surcharges also apply to packages that exceed 96 inches in length or 130 inches in length plus girth for UPS and FedEx.
For international shipments, limits may be more restrictive depending on the destination country and service level. Our size guide includes a comprehensive international shipping size limits table.
Can I reuse Amazon boxes for shipping my own products?+
Yes, you can reuse Amazon boxes for shipping your own products as long as you completely remove or cover all previous labels, barcodes, and any Amazon-specific markings. This includes the shipping label, return label, and any Amazon branding tape. Carriers may reject or misroute packages that still show old tracking barcodes.
Amazon boxes are generally well-made and in good condition, making them excellent candidates for reuse. Most Amazon shipping boxes are 32 ECT C-flute single wall, which is standard for general shipping purposes. However, if you are selling products on Amazon through their FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) program, Amazon has specific packaging requirements that may prohibit the use of visibly used boxes for inbound shipments to their fulfillment centers.
Still Have Questions?
Our knowledgeable team is ready to help. Whether you need specific product information, a custom quote, or advice on the best packaging solution for your needs, we are just a message or phone call away.