Types of Boxes

An RSC box, also known as a regular slotted carton box, is a staple in the world of packaging. Its straightforward design makes it one of the most common styles of boxes you’ll come across, featuring four flaps at the top and bottom that meet in the middle when folded. Each flap is the same length, with the two lengthwise flaps meeting in the middle to form a secure closure. With their simple design, RSC boxes are suitable for a wide range of products, providing reliable protection during transit.

• Best for: Standard shipping needs
• Used in: Most commercial and retail facilities

HSC stands for half slotted carton box, which is a slight variation of the traditional RSC box. The HSC box features four flaps on the bottom that can be closed to form a sturdy base and none on the top. You can easily seal the box with a lid, use a correctly sized HSC box to enclose the other half, or leave it open. Their design enables you to swiftly pile objects inside, making them ideal for efficient organization and moving tasks. Additionally, the open top of HSC boxes makes them perfect for displays, as it allows you to showcase the contents of the box without the need to open it entirely.

• Best for: Storage and display
• Used in: Warehouses and retail stores

Telescoping boxes feature a two-piece design, with a separate top and bottom that fit over each other. This unique construction allows for flexibility in adjusting the depth of the package, providing extra space as needed. By fitting over each other, these boxes create a sturdier and more protected package, especially when it comes to corner protection. They are useful for shipping irregularly shaped objects that may not fit snugly in a standard box, and their adjustable depth and secure design make them a reliable choice for safely transporting a variety of products.

• Best for: Packaging objects with unique shapes
• Used in: Gift shops, shoe stores

Full overlap slotted boxes, also known as FOL boxes, offer a uniform build where all sides and flaps are of equal size. The outer flaps of FOL boxes provide complete overlap, resulting in enhanced durability and resistance to impact, making them ideal for packaging heavy items or inventory that necessitates maximum protection. The overlapping flaps create a secure barrier that safeguards the contents from external pressures, providing added cushioning when stacked on their bottom panel and enhanced stability and structural integrity when stacked on their side, making them an excellent choice for storing or transporting heavy or fragile items with peace of mind.

• Best for: Shipping fragile or valuable goods
• Used in: Commercial manufacturing and warehousing facilities

Partial overlap slotted boxes, commonly known as POL boxes, have a construction similar to that of full overlap slotted (FOL) boxes. However, as their name suggests, POL boxes only provide a partial overlap when closed. The partial overlap still provides enhanced durability, even in cases where a full overlap closure is not necessary. Because of this design, you can create a secure closure that effectively protects the contents of the box, securing the overlap with staples or tape.

• Best for: Packaging goods with moderate protection
• Used in: Shipping and packaging facilities

Auto bottom boxes, also called auto lock bottom boxes, are specialized boxes designed specifically for assembly lines and shipping operations that lack access to automated equipment. The top of these boxes includes four standard folding flaps, while the bottom features an interlocking design that snaps together during assembly. Some variations even feature a pre-glued bottom for additional stability. If you plan on using these boxes for heavier loads, it is recommended to secure the bottom with packing tape to reduce the risk of the interlocking design coming undone.

• Best for: Assembly lines
• Used in: Commercial facilities without automation

Also known as a one-piece folder box, the OPF box is constructed from a single large piece of corrugated cardboard, which is folded during box construction to form a sturdy container. The OPF box features a flap bottom, end flaps, and side flaps that provide extra protection and security for the contents inside. Their characteristic shallow depth makes them an ideal choice for shipping items such as books, picture frames, printed materials, and select electronic components. They minimize movement within the package during shipment, reducing the risk of breakage and ensuring that your items arrive at their destination in perfect condition.

• Best for: Shipping flat objects
• Used in: Book stores, e-commerce businesses

The CSSC box, which stands for center special slotted container, is recognizable by specialized inner and outer flaps, cut to different lengths to create an extra layer of corrugated board at the top and bottom. Thanks to this layer, the box provides enhanced protection for its contents. Additionally, the inner flaps of these boxes, when assembled correctly, offer a level base for products to rest on. CSSC boxes are best suited for fragile items or materials that require added support during shipping.

• Best for: Shipping fragile or valuable goods
• Used in: Retail stores, foodservice, commercial packaging facilities

OSC stands for overlapped slotted containers, a design specifically engineered to provide enhanced box structure and security during transit. These boxes feature outer flaps that overlap each other by at least an inch, creating a sturdy seal that can be easily secured with tape or staples. The robust construction of OSC boxes makes them ideal for protecting heavier objects or goods during shipping, preventing crushing and damage while ensuring your items arrive at their destination intact.

• Best for: Shipping heavy items
• Used in: Packaging and shipping facilities