10 Most Common Cardboard Shipping Box Styles

Corrugated cardboard shipping boxes are light in weight, shock-proof, highly durable, and available in any shape and size required. In addition, they are available at far lower prices than all other types of packaging material including glass and plastic. Perhaps, these are the reason why corrugated boxes are dominating the global packaging and shipping industry since last many decades.

If you want to use cardboard shipping containers in packaging or shipping your products, there are many container styles available in the market to choose from. Below are the 10 most common styles of cardboard shipping boxes:

1. RSC (Regular Slotted Container)This is the most widely used style of cardboard cartons. All the flaps of the box are of same length giving it a square look. The two outer flaps meet at the center axis of the box when closed.
2. AFM (All Flaps Meet)The design is almost similar to that of regular slotted cartons. However, here both the outer and inner flaps meet on the center axis of the box creating an even surface as a part of the interior of the box.
3. FOL (Full Overlap Container)The overlapped flaps at the bottom of the container work as a cushion which absorbs the vibration before they reach the item inside. Al flaps are of equal length and envelop the full width of the carton. When folded, the outer flaps are seen overlapping each other.
4. HSC (Half Slotted Container)They are similar to RSC corrugated boxes, but they don’t have flaps at one side. With only one set of flaps, these styles of boxes are extensively used as a cover. It features easy loading in transporting the products.
5. FPF (Five Panel Folder)The style offers a higher level of protection and additional strength to long items of smaller diameter. Several layers of cardboards are combined together and the fifth panel is used as the outermost flap, which is a single cut in the entire box.
6. DST (Design Style Tray)Tray style boxes are used in storing articles and it can also be used as a cover of another DST or HSC. This single piece tray is widely chosen as a storage carton for heavy weight flat articles. While packaging products inside DST boxes, the flaps are glued, taped or stapled.
7. OPF (One Piece Folder)A single piece of cardboard is cut to achieve a flat bottom, with flaps forming the sides. The side flaps cover the top and bottom of the box. It is mainly used to package books and other printed materials. However, if you want to send a business blueprint or any other important paper document intact, mail tubes are recommended.
8. DC (Double Cover Box)They are used in packaging of heavy and tall articles. First the article placed on the bottom cover and then the middle shell is slowly lowered to cover the article.
9. SSD (Scored Sheets and Dividers)When a number of scores are combined to insert in the pad, it becomes score sheets that are typically used as a box accessory. These sheets offer interior structural support and replace voids inside the shipping boxes.
10. Corrugated PadsFlat cardboard pads are used to cover their top or bottom of the article, or to separate the layers of articles while packaging.

If you want a cardboard packaging material with extra protection, you may choose the industry trademark – Shipping Boxes / RSC Main. Pick the style that best fit your products!