Corrugated Mailing Boxes Key Terms

Know corrugated mailing boxes key terms to choose packaging for your business needs

By Angela King, Freelance Writer

Corrugated mailing boxes come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and styles to suit the most diverse needs. Whether you are a supplier of corrugated mailing boxes or require corrugated mailing box use within your business, you should understand the corrugated mailing box weight limits to ensure safe shipping of your products.

From telescopic corrugated mailing boxes to regular slotted cartons, corrugated mailing boxes exist to meet every budget. With a plethora of box options on the market, know these corrugated mailing boxes key terms to choose the most appropriate packaging for your unique needs.

Corrugated

If an object is corrugated, the surface of the object has parallel raised ridges or flutes with corresponding parallel indentations. Corrugated mailing boxes provide a cushion of protection for the objects inside.
Try: Read more extensive information on the history and uses of corrugated mailing boxes at Apparelsearch.com.

Telescopic corrugated mailing boxes

Telescopic corrugated mailing boxes are adjustable to fit odd-sized products. Available in a range of styles and sizes, telescopic corrugated mailing boxes are typically made of two pieces that adjust for tall objects or larger, fragile products.
Try: Hawkeye Corrugated Box Company offers extensive information and diagrams of different types of telescopic corrugated mailing boxes.

Old corrugated containers (OCC)

Old corrugated containers, or OCC, is a term refering to corrugated mailing boxes and products that have already been used. OCC are heavily used by industries and individuals as a recycling effort.
Try: The Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance offers more information on old corrugated containers.

Corrugated mailing box strength

Corrugated mailing box strength refers to the amount of weight the corrugated mailing box can safely hold during the shipping and handling process. The strength is determined by the number of flutes (the raised ridges) per square inch of the box. The recommended weight is usually printed on the bottom flap of the box.
Try: For more in-depth information on corrugated mailing box strength, visit TheOfficeGuide.

Regular slotted carton (RSC)

A regular slotted carton (RSC) is a standard and widely used corrugated mailing box that has four overlapping flaps on both ends. RSC's are available in different sizes and weights.
Try: Visit Richmond Corrugated Box Company to view RSC's and other mailing box styles.

Containerboard

Containerboard is a heavy, durable paper that is used to make corrugated mailing boxes and shipping containers. Two types of containerboard are used to make a corrugated box: flat, smooth containerboard and corrugated containerboard. The two types are attached to create a corrugated mailing box.
Try: ProPakInc.com offers further information on containerboard.

To ensure safe shipping and handling measures, never exceed the weight and strength limits that are printed on a corrugated mailing box.