Short answer
A used gaylord box is a bulk corrugated container, roughly pallet-footprint and 24 to 60 inches tall, that has already carried at least one load. What you pay depends mainly on four things:
- Grade — how much life is left in the walls and flaps (see the grade scale).
- Wall count — 2-wall to 5-wall construction drives stacking strength.
- Footprint — common sizes such as 48 × 40 are easiest to find; odd sizes take longer.
- Freight — how many fit on a trailer and how far they travel.
Pricing is by quote from partner suppliers, because it depends on grade, size, quantity, availability and freight at the time you ask.
Common used sizes
| Size (L × W × H, in) | Common wall | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 48 × 40 × 36 | 3-wall | General bulk, plastics regrind, parts |
| 48 × 40 × 48 | 3- or 4-wall | Higher cube on a standard pallet |
| 48 × 40 × 30 | 2-wall | Short picking bins, light material |
| 48 × 45 × 34 | 3-wall | Produce bins |
| 48 × 48 × 40 | 4-wall | Heavier parts and castings |
| Octagonal, about 44 dia. | 3-wall | Free-flowing granulate |
What to check when a used load arrives
Walls
No crushed flutes across a face and no liner peeling away from the medium.
Corners and scores
Corners carry the stack load. Blown or re-taped corners mean a lower grade.
Flaps
Full top and bottom flaps for higher grades. A cut top should be described as a cut top.
Moisture
Damp board loses much of its compression strength. Reject anything wet.
Contamination
Residue, oil, odour or pest evidence. Boxes with hazmat markings should not be reused.
Squareness
Set one up. A box that will not stand square will not stack well.
Grade names are not standardised across the industry, so ask the supplier what their grade means in physical terms. Our grade guide describes the common usage.
Higher grades (A–B)
- One or a few trips, full flaps, square walls.
- Suit repeated handling and stacking.
- The usual choice for anything a customer will see.
Lower grades (C and below)
- Patches, cut tops or a damaged panel.
- Suit one or two internal moves, scrap or low stacks.
- Cost less, but derate the load you put in them.
Useful before you request a quote
What grades look like
Request used gaylords
Send size, wall count, grade, quantity and your ZIP code. A partner supplier follows up with a quote.
Common questions
About used gaylord boxes, by grade and size
Are used gaylord boxes as strong as new ones?
A one-trip box in good condition is often close to its original rating. Each use, and especially any exposure to moisture, takes some strength away, so many buyers allow a safety margin when loading used boxes.
How are used gaylord boxes priced?
By quote from partner suppliers. Grade, wall count, size, quantity and freight all affect the price, and availability changes week to week.
Can I order less than a truckload?
Often, yes. Smaller orders can ship less-than-truckload, though freight then makes up a bigger share of the cost. Say how many you need and the supplier will advise.