Two-wall gaylord boxes around Boston

What two layers do

Two-wall is the entry point of the range, and the Cary Company lists it as double wall 275#/ECT-48 against triple wall at 1100#/ECT-90. Seller listings put the common height at 30 to 36 inches. The box is easy to flatten, cheap to move empty and fine for goods that are bulky, not heavy.

Where it goes wrong

Two-wall boxes fail in two ways: a wall that bows under a dense load, and a bottom that gives way when the box is lifted. Both are why we ask for the wall count in the request. Loose parts, wet product and tall stacks all call for more walls.

Used two-wall in Greater Boston

Used two-wall gaylords come mainly from distribution docks that receive bagged or cartoned goods, in Everett, Canton and along I-495. Buyers are farms, craft shops and plants packing light goods. If you are unsure whether two walls is enough, send the load and let the reply say.

Asking for a two-wall box

Say what the box will carry and what it weighs full. A two-wall is the right answer when the load is light for its size: bagged snacks, foam, film, empty containers. It is the wrong answer when someone is tempted to save on the box and then overfills it. If you are unsure, ask for a three-wall and note that two-wall would also be acceptable; the reply can then choose from whichever is on hand.

Two-wall boxes are also the ones most often found in loose condition. Look for flaps that have been folded many times, bottoms that sag when pushed and walls that bow when the box is lifted. These are the signs that a lighter box has been used past its best.

When light is right

Light product in a light box wastes nothing. A two-wall box moves easier, costs less to ship and is easier to flatten and store. Buyers who pack foam, film or empty containers often choose it for those reasons. If your product is bulky but weighs little, a two-wall can be the correct choice rather than a compromise.