Industry Guide

Everything you need to know about Gaylord boxes and the bulk container industry

Get a Free Quote

Fill out the form and we'll get back to you within 24 hours

What Are Gaylord Boxes?

Gaylord boxes, also known as bulk bins or pallet boxes, are large corrugated containers designed for storing and transporting bulk materials. Named after the Gaylord Container Corporation that pioneered their design, these boxes have become an essential part of logistics and warehousing operations worldwide.

2,500+lbs typical capacity
40+cu ft volume
3-5xreuse potential

Industry Applications

Gaylord boxes serve diverse industries with various needs

Manufacturing

  • Parts collection
  • Work-in-progress storage
  • Scrap collection
  • Component staging

Agriculture

  • Produce harvesting
  • Grain storage
  • Seed handling
  • Agricultural waste

Retail & Distribution

  • Bulk merchandise
  • Returns processing
  • Order fulfillment
  • Seasonal storage

Recycling

  • Material collection
  • Sorting operations
  • Transport to facilities
  • Customer drop-off

Food Processing

  • Ingredient storage
  • Production staging
  • Waste collection
  • Cold storage

Pharmaceutical

  • Raw material storage
  • Clean room use
  • Regulated waste
  • Distribution

Types of Gaylord Boxes

By Construction

Single Wall

One layer of corrugation. Economical for lighter loads (up to 1,500 lbs).

Double Wall

Two layers of corrugation. Standard choice for most applications (up to 2,500 lbs).

Triple Wall

Three layers for maximum strength. Industrial-grade for heavy loads (3,000+ lbs).

By Design

Full Bottom

Solid bottom construction. Most common type for general use.

Half Slotted

Open top design. Easy access for filling and retrieval.

Octagon

Eight-sided design. Maximizes strength-to-weight ratio.

Best Practices

Maximize the value and lifespan of your Gaylord boxes

Proper Loading

  • Distribute weight evenly
  • Don't exceed rated capacity
  • Center load over pallet
  • Avoid point loading

Storage

  • Keep boxes dry
  • Store flat when empty
  • Avoid direct sunlight
  • Stack properly when full

Handling

  • Use proper forklift technique
  • Lift from pallet, not box
  • Avoid dragging on floor
  • Handle with clean equipment

Maintenance

  • Inspect before each use
  • Repair minor damage promptly
  • Clean between uses
  • Remove old labels/tape

Ready to Get Started?

Browse our inventory or contact us for personalized recommendations.