Spec the box before you buy it.
Packgent turns a product's size and weight into a box spec a box maker can quote: style, flute, ECT grade, strength estimate, outside size, dimensional weight and pallet count. Every number shows the formula behind it.
That box, worked out
The drawing above is a regular slotted container, 12 × 10 × 8 in inside, in 32 ECT C flute. Here is what Packgent computes for it.
| Outside size (C flute) | 12.31 × 10.31 × 8.47 in |
|---|---|
| Blank size | 45.88 × 18.31 in, 5.83 ft² |
| McKee compression estimate, 32 ECT | 493 lbf |
| USPS billable weight at 3 lb actual | 3 lb |
| FedEx billable weight at 3 lb actual | 7 lb |
Method: formulas and assumptions. Carrier rules: dimensional weight by carrier. Full sheet: 12 × 10 × 8 in box.
Reference
- Box styles
- FEFCO codes with a dieline drawn at a real size, flap rules and what each style is good for.
- Flutes
- A, B, C, E, F and double and triple wall: caliper, flutes per foot and what each costs you in space.
- Board grades
- ECT grades from 23 to 112 with McKee strength estimates at common sizes.
- Box sizes
- 160 stock inside sizes, each with outside sizes, dimensional weight, pallet counts and blank size.
- Carrier dim weight
- USPS and FedEx divisors and rounding rules, linked to the carrier's own page.
- Test standards
- ISTA procedures and ASTM and TAPPI methods: what each one tests and when you need it.
- Product fit
- Which box sizes fit flat goods such as ISO A sheets, ANSI drawings and art prints.
- Gaylords and bulk
- Bulk bin sizes with volume, pallet footprint and how many cases they hold.
- Comparisons
- Flute against flute, grade against grade and style against style, side by side.
- Guides
- Right-sizing, stacking strength, unit loads and reading a box maker's certificate.
- Glossary
- Plain definitions of corrugated and shipping terms, each pointing to the tool that uses it.
Calculators
- Dimensional weight calculator
- McKee box compression calculator
- Stacking strength and safety factor calculator
- Pallet pattern and cube calculator
- Box blank size calculator
- Inside ↔ outside dimensions calculator
- Box volume and cubic feet calculator
- Freight density calculator
- Void and air ratio calculator
- Units per gaylord calculator
- Box weight from basis weight calculator
Need boxes, or have some to sell?
Packgent passes requests to packaging suppliers. Send a spec for quotes on new or used boxes, or tell us about surplus boxes and gaylords you want gone.