Does your warehouse store various products of all shapes and sizes? Is clutter a common part of the workday? Is “goods damaged in transportation” a line item on your accountant’s write-off category? If any of the above answers are “yes,” you need Gaylord boxes in your warehouse system. These boxes are the unsung heroes of any storage area. They stand up to rough treatment, keeping your goods safe, and hold a surprising amount, helping you maximize every inch of space.
What is a Gaylord Box?
Gaylord boxes are large containers frequently seen in shipping and storage when bulk goods are handled. Typically made of corrugated cardboard, these containers can be moved with forklifts and pallet jacks without worry of damage.
Because these boxes come in various sizes, it’s easy to mix and match them in your warehouse to optimize space efficiency. But many businesses love these handy boxes because of the versatility — shipping a 48” x 40” x 36” package of goods is just as simple as filling a smaller or larger container. If a rectangular box isn’t optimal, there’s always the octagonal option instead.
These boxes come in single-wall, double-wall, and triple-wall thicknesses, offering the right level of protection for your goods.
Space Optimization and Stacking Tips
Optimizing your warehouse using their boxes takes your shelves from Jenga-style storage to a more efficient, safer, and visually appealing setup. Ready to revamp the way your goods are stored? These tips can help:
- Have multiple sizes and styles of Gaylord boxes on hand. One-size-fits-most containers can make ordering storage products easy, but that’s about it. When it comes to stocking, organizing, finding, and moving goods, having more than one size gives you the advantages you need to minimize wasted space and maximize shipping efficiency.
- Consider safety when stacking. Pallets make stacking their boxes vertically easy, but load distribution matters. These boxes are strong, but they’re not unbreakable. Distribute the load weight evenly to keep the stress load consistent across sides and bottom.
- Label as you stack. These boxes aren’t always transparent. Labeling each box with the contents inside and the box’s weight helps employees quickly and easily locate and move items.
Keep the aisles clear and wide enough for forklifts to pass through. Clutter can be dangerous in a warehouse. Another plus of such boxes is that they’re easily disassembled, preventing extra obstacles. If you’re not using a box, fold it and store it out of the way.
How to Choose the Right Gaylord Box for Your Operation
What kind of Gaylord boxes are best for your operation? The answer depends on factors like the product you’re shipping, its size (including weight), and any customized details. Follow these steps to select the ideal box for the various packages your business ships:
- Select the right material for the box’s weight. The heavier your package, the greater the thickness you’ll need. Single-wall boxes are cheaper, but they are designed for lightweight items. Double and triple-wall boxes are necessary when you’re shipping stacked or heavier items.
- Measure the size. What are the dimensions of the goods you’re shipping? Look for the Gaylord box that meets those sizes, with a little leeway for packaging materials.
- Consider the environment. Will the box be exposed to wet or humid climates or extreme temperatures? If so, plastic or coated boxes are a better choice than cardboard.
- Go green if necessary. Recycled and recyclable boxes are important when your business’s reputation is aligned with environmental and sustainable practices.
Still not sure about the right box for your business? Contact a Gaylord box supplier for suggestions as to the best way to store and ship your products.
Longevity and Reusability Benefits
While many cardboard boxes are a one-and-done deal, Gaylord boxes are reusable — their corrugated design makes them durable for long-lasting use.
If you plan on upcycling your Gaylord box, first check it for any structural damage or potential contamination. Wet boxes or those with debris on them can result in problematic shipping and storage.
Also read: Reducing Errors and Increasing Efficiency in Business Processes
Conclusion
As a reputable business, you know the importance of just-in-time delivery and a quick turnaround. Optimal storage and shipping processes make this possible, but the right container optimizes your practices, letting you build scalable performance models.
For building custom containers, Gaylord boxes lead the way. You’ll find them incredibly efficient and adaptable for any need. Do you have a warehouse that needs better storage or shipping? Container Exchanger has you covered. We provide new and gently used containers to make things flow better.
