Frequently Asked Questions

A gaylord box is a large corrugated container, typically designed to fit on a standard pallet (48x40"). They're used in manufacturing, warehousing, and shipping for bulk storage and transport of goods. The name "gaylord" comes from the Gaylord Container Company, one of the original manufacturers. They're also called bulk bins, pallet boxes, or tote boxes.

Gaylord boxes are made from corrugated cardboard, which consists of fluted (wavy) paper sandwiched between flat linerboard. Standard boxes use single wall construction. Heavy duty boxes use double wall (two fluted layers) or triple wall (three layers) for extra strength. The materials are typically recyclable and made from recycled content.

The most common size is 40x48x36" (designed to fit a standard pallet), but gaylords come in many sizes. Other popular sizes include 48x40x48", 48x48x48", and custom dimensions. Height can range from 30" to 50" depending on application needs. See our Size Guide for complete specifications.

Standard single-wall gaylords typically hold 1,500-2,500 lbs. Double wall boxes hold 3,000-4,000 lbs. Triple wall boxes can hold 5,000+ lbs. Actual capacity depends on box size, wall construction, and how weight is distributed. Always check the specific box rating for your application.

This depends on box quality, contents, and handling. A quality standard gaylord can typically be reused 3-10 times. Heavy duty double wall boxes last 5-15 uses, and triple wall can last 10-25+ uses. Proper handling, appropriate liner use, and timely repairs extend box life significantly.

Single wall has one fluted layer (good for lighter loads up to 2,500 lbs). Double wall has two fluted layers (for heavy loads 2,500-4,000 lbs). Triple wall has three layers (for extreme loads 4,000+ lbs). More walls mean more strength, puncture resistance, and stacking capability, but also higher cost.

We sell both! Most of our inventory is quality used boxes that offer significant savings (40-70% off new prices). We also stock new boxes for customers who require pristine condition, specific certifications, or consistent appearance. All boxes are inspected and graded before sale.

We grade boxes into three categories: Grade A (like new, used 1-2 times, minimal wear), Grade B (good condition, moderate wear, fully functional), and Grade C (fair condition, visible wear but structurally sound). All grades are thoroughly inspected. You're welcome to visit our warehouse to inspect boxes before purchase.

No minimum for customer pickup—you can buy a single box if needed. For delivery, we require a $100 minimum order or approximately 10-15 boxes. Free delivery applies to orders over $500 within 50 miles of our Tacoma facility.

Yes! Volume discounts are automatic: 5% off 25-49 boxes, 10% off 50-99 boxes (plus free delivery), 15% off 100-249 boxes, and 20%+ off 250+ boxes. For very large orders, contact us for custom pricing.

Absolutely! We encourage customers to visit our warehouse at 1477 Lincoln Ave, Tacoma, WA 98421. We're open Monday-Friday 7am-5pm and Saturday 8am-12pm. No appointment necessary. Our staff can show you different grades and help you choose the right boxes.

Yes, we carry FDA-compliant food-grade gaylord boxes and produce bins suitable for direct food contact. These are clearly marked, stored separately, and come with appropriate documentation. Specify food-grade requirements when requesting a quote.

Yes! For orders of 50+ boxes, we can source custom dimensions. Custom printing (logos, handling instructions, product ID) is available on new boxes with minimum quantities of 100+. Lead time for custom orders is typically 2-4 weeks.

Yes! We actively purchase used gaylord boxes in bulk. We buy standard gaylords, heavy duty boxes, octagon gaylords, produce bins, and other bulk containers. Even boxes with minor damage may have value. Contact us with quantity, condition, and photos for a quote.

Pricing depends on box condition, size, quantity, type, and current market rates. Grade A boxes command higher prices than Grade C. Larger quantities get better per-box rates. We provide fair, competitive offers and can usually give you a quote the same day you contact us.

For free pickup service, we require a minimum of 25 boxes. Smaller quantities can be delivered to our facility at your expense. For ongoing relationships (regular pickups), we can discuss flexible arrangements.

We pay upon pickup/delivery of boxes. For established accounts, we offer payment within 15 days of receipt. Payment can be made by check or electronic transfer. We pride ourselves on fast, reliable payment.

Yes! We offer free pickup for quantities of 25+ boxes within our service area (Washington, Oregon, Idaho). For regular suppliers, we can set up scheduled pickup routes. Contact us to arrange pickup at a time convenient for you.

We buy boxes in all conditions. Clean, like-new boxes get top prices. Boxes with wear, tape residue, or printing are still valuable. Even damaged boxes have recycling value. Send us photos and we'll give you an honest assessment and quote.

Yes! Our repair services can fix many types of damage including torn flaps, weakened corners, hole patches, and bottom reinforcement. Repairs typically cost 30-50% of replacement cost and can extend box life significantly. We offer both drop-off and on-site repair services.

Yes, for quantities of 50+ boxes, we can send a repair team to your facility. This saves transportation costs and minimizes disruption to your operations. Contact us to schedule an on-site repair assessment.

We provide responsible recycling for boxes that can't be reused. We ensure proper disposal with a 95% landfill diversion commitment. We can provide certificates of recycling/destruction. Free recycling pickup available for quantities of 50+ boxes.

Yes! Our warehouse services include secure storage for your bulk containers. Options include short-term holding, inventory management, and climate-controlled storage for sensitive materials. Contact us for storage rates and availability.

If we don't have what you need in stock, we can usually source it through our network of suppliers. This includes unusual sizes, specific certifications, or large quantities. Let us know your requirements and we'll do our best to find it.

We serve the entire Pacific Northwest including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and parts of Montana. Same-day delivery is available in the Tacoma/Seattle metro area. Next-day delivery is available throughout most of Washington and Oregon.

We offer scheduled delivery throughout our service area. Our trucks are equipped with lift gates and pallet jacks. For most orders, we can accommodate specific delivery windows. Standard delivery is to ground level; additional charges may apply for inside delivery or upper floors.

Delivery is free on orders over $500 within 50 miles of our Tacoma facility (covering most of Pierce, King, and Thurston counties). Other areas and smaller orders have delivery fees based on distance and quantity. Contact us for specific delivery quotes.

Same-day delivery is available in the Puget Sound region for orders placed by 10 AM. Next-day delivery is available throughout most of Washington and Oregon. Standard delivery is scheduled within 2-5 business days. We also offer scheduled routes for regular customers.

Yes! Customer pickup is always available at our Tacoma warehouse (1477 Lincoln Ave). Hours are Monday-Friday 7am-5pm and Saturday 8am-12pm. Please call ahead for large orders so we can have your boxes ready. No minimum order for pickup.

Our core service area is the Pacific Northwest, but we can arrange shipping for larger orders anywhere in the country. National shipping is typically via LTL freight. Contact us for shipping quotes on orders outside our normal delivery area.

Prices vary by type, size, and condition. Standard used gaylords range from $15-$45. Heavy duty boxes range from $25-$95. New boxes are higher. Volume discounts apply to all purchases. Contact us for current pricing on specific products.

For new customers, we may require payment in advance or a deposit for large orders. Established customers can apply for credit terms. We're flexible and work with customers to find payment arrangements that work.

We accept cash, check, all major credit cards (Visa, MC, Amex, Discover), and electronic payments (ACH/wire transfer). Business accounts can apply for Net 30 terms with approved credit.

Qualified business accounts can apply for Net 30 terms. This requires a credit application and approval. For larger projects, we can discuss extended terms on a case-by-case basis.

Volume discounts are automatic based on quantity ordered. For very large orders or ongoing supply contracts, we're happy to discuss custom pricing. We also offer competitive matching on verifiable quotes from other suppliers.

We stand behind our grading system. If you receive boxes that don't match the grade you ordered, contact us within 7 days and we'll replace them or provide a refund. Used boxes are sold as-is for their stated condition but must match the described grade.

All boxes are inspected before shipping, but if any arrive with damage beyond the stated grade, contact us immediately (within 48 hours). Document the damage with photos. We'll arrange replacement, repair, or refund depending on the situation.

Yes! We guarantee that all boxes meet the specifications of their stated grade. New boxes carry a defect guarantee. If boxes fail to perform as represented, we'll make it right with replacement, repair, or refund.

Unused boxes in original condition can be returned within 7 days with receipt for full refund (minus any delivery charges). Restocking fees may apply to special orders or custom products. Contact us before returning.