Grading System

Our transparent A-B-C grading system helps you choose the right boxes for your application and budget. Every box is individually inspected and graded.

Not Sure Which Grade?

Describe your use case and we'll recommend the best option.

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Grade Specifications

Premium Grade

From $25/box

Like-new condition with minimal wear. These boxes have been used only once or twice and show virtually no signs of use.

Limited - ~15% of inventory

Grading Criteria

No visible stains or contamination
No tears, holes, or structural damage
Crisp, clean corners and edges
Printing/graphics intact (if present)
Suitable for food-contact applications

Recommended For

Food processing
Pharmaceutical storage
Clean room environments
High-visibility customer areas
Premium product storage

Standard Grade

From $18/box

Good condition with light wear. These boxes show some signs of use but maintain full structural integrity.

Common - ~60% of inventory

Grading Criteria

Minor cosmetic wear acceptable
Small marks or scuffs allowed
No major structural issues
Corners may show light wear
Fully functional for all applications

Recommended For

Manufacturing
Warehousing
Distribution centers
Retail back-of-house
General storage

Economy Grade

From $12/box

Functional condition with visible wear. These boxes may have cosmetic issues but remain structurally sound for basic use.

Available - ~25% of inventory

Grading Criteria

Visible wear and marking present
Minor repairs may be needed
Some cosmetic damage acceptable
Basic structural integrity maintained
Best for single-use applications

Recommended For

One-time shipping
Non-visible storage
Recycling collection
Parts bins
Budget-conscious operations

Quick Comparison

Feature	Grade A	Grade B	Grade C
Appearance	Excellent	Good	Fair
Structural Integrity	100%	100%	90%+
Food Safe	Yes	Case by case	No
Reuse Potential	Many uses	Multiple uses	Limited
Price Point	Premium	Value	Economy

Visual Examples

See the difference between grades. These examples show typical condition variations you can expect.

Premium Grade Example

Pristine condition, minimal handling marks

Grade A Details

Clean corners, no structural damage

Standard Grade Example

Light wear, fully functional

Grade B Details

Minor scuffs, excellent structure

Economy Grade Example

Visible wear, structurally sound

Detailed Grading Criteria

Our grading system evaluates multiple factors to ensure you get exactly what you expect.

Premium Grade

95-100% Condition

Structural Integrity

• All walls perfectly straight
• Corners 90-degree sharp
• No bulging or warping
• Bottom fully intact

Surface Condition

• Clean, unstained walls
• No visible dirt or debris
• Original finish preserved
• Labels/printing clear

Defect Tolerance

• Zero tears or punctures
• Zero tape residue
• Zero staining
• Minimal scuff marks only

Usage History

• 1-2 uses maximum
• Light duty loads only
• Indoor storage only
• No weather exposure

Standard Grade

80-94% Condition

Structural Integrity

• Walls straight and stable
• Minor corner wear acceptable
• No significant warping
• Bottom fully functional

Surface Condition

• Light marking acceptable
• Minor scuffs allowed
• Small tape residue OK
• Printing may be worn

Defect Tolerance

• Small tears under 2" OK
• Light staining acceptable
• Minor dents allowed
• Cosmetic issues acceptable

Usage History

• 3-5 uses typical
• Medium duty loads
• Indoor/covered storage
• Minimal weather exposure

Economy Grade

65-79% Condition

Structural Integrity

• Walls stable for use
• Corner wear visible
• Light warping possible
• Bottom sound and functional

Surface Condition

• Visible wear present
• Staining likely
• Tape residue common
• Printing often faded

Defect Tolerance

• Tears up to 4" allowed
• Staining acceptable
• Dents and dings OK
• Previous repairs possible

Usage History

• 6+ uses typical
• Various load types
• Any storage environment
• Weather exposure possible

Our Inspection Process

Every box undergoes a rigorous 7-point inspection by trained staff before grading.

STEP 1

Visual Assessment

Initial inspection for obvious damage, staining, or contamination

STEP 2

Structural Check

Test wall rigidity, corner integrity, and bottom strength

STEP 3

Defect Mapping

Document all tears, holes, stains, and surface imperfections

STEP 4

Contamination Scan

Check for chemical residues, odors, or hazardous materials

STEP 5

Load Test

Verify weight capacity with stress testing on bottom and walls

STEP 6

Measurement Verification

Confirm dimensions match specifications within tolerance

STEP 7

Grade Assignment

Final grade determined based on cumulative inspection results

Quality Guarantee

We stand behind our grading system. If a box does not meet the grade specifications we assigned, we will replace it or provide a full refund - no questions asked. Our inspection process is documented and boxes are traceable to the inspector who graded them.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

30-Day Return Policy

Certified Inspectors

What Affects Grade Classification

Multiple factors determine a box's final grade. Understanding these helps you assess boxes yourself.

Positive Factors

Limited Previous Use

Fewer cycles means better condition and longer remaining life

Indoor Storage Only

Protection from weather preserves structural integrity

Light Load History

Lower weight loads reduce stress on walls and bottom

Dry Goods Only

No moisture exposure prevents weakening and staining

Clean Environment

Warehouse storage keeps boxes free from contamination

Proper Handling

Forklift care prevents tears and corner damage

Negative Factors

Multiple Use Cycles

Each use increases wear and reduces structural capacity

Outdoor Storage

Weather exposure causes warping, fading, and deterioration

Heavy Load History

Maximum weight loads stress walls and can cause bulging

Moisture Exposure

Wet products weaken corrugated material permanently

Contaminated Contents

Chemicals or food residues can stain or degrade material

Rough Handling

Improper forklift use tears corners and punctures walls

Grade vs Price Analysis

Understanding the value proposition of each grade helps you make the most cost-effective decision.

$25/box

Premium Investment

Reuse Potential:10-15 cycles

Cost Per Use:$1.67 - $2.50

Total Lifetime Value:Highest

Best ROI for operations requiring multiple reuses or maintaining premium appearance

BEST VALUE

$18/box

Balanced Choice

Reuse Potential:5-8 cycles

Cost Per Use:$2.25 - $3.60

Total Lifetime Value:Excellent

Perfect balance of quality and price for most commercial applications

$12/box

Budget Friendly

Reuse Potential:1-3 cycles

Cost Per Use:$4.00 - $12.00

Total Lifetime Value:Good

Most economical for one-time use or when appearance is not critical

Cost Savings Calculator Example

100 Boxes per Month

$2,500

Grade A • Multiple Reuses

100 Boxes per Month

$1,800

Grade B • Best Value

100 Boxes per Month

$1,200

Grade C • Single Use

Self-Assessment Guide

Use this checklist to evaluate box condition yourself before ordering or upon delivery.

Visual Inspection Checklist

Overall Appearance

Clean, professional look vs visible dirt/stains

Wall Surface

Smooth and intact vs scuffed or abraded

Corners

Sharp 90-degree angles vs rounded or crushed

Printing/Labels

Clear and legible vs faded or damaged

Color Uniformity

Consistent color vs discoloration or fading

Tape Residue

None or minimal vs extensive sticky residue

Stains/Marks

None vs visible staining or marks

Water Damage

No signs vs warping or water stains

Physical Testing Checklist

Wall Rigidity

Press walls - should be firm, not soft or flexible

Corner Strength

Squeeze corners - should maintain shape under pressure

Bottom Integrity

Check for sag - bottom should be flat and firm

Tear Resistance

Gently test edges - material should not tear easily

Structural Soundness

Push top down - box should not collapse

Flute Condition

Look at edges - corrugation should be intact

Moisture Test

Touch material - should be dry, not damp or soft

Load Capacity

Check specs - verify previous load history if possible

Passes All Checks

Box meets or exceeds grade expectations

Fails Some Checks

Box may be lower grade than specified

Fails Multiple Checks

No, there is no universal standard for used box grading. Each supplier has their own system. Our A-B-C system is designed to be transparent and easy to understand. We provide detailed specifications so you know exactly what to expect.

05.Can Grade C boxes be used for shipping?

Yes, Grade C boxes are structurally sound for shipping, but they may not present as professionally. They are excellent for one-time shipping where appearance is not critical, or for internal transfers between your facilities.

06.Do you offer samples so I can see the grades in person?

Yes! We can provide sample boxes of each grade for evaluation. There is a small fee for samples which is refunded with your first order over $500. Contact us to arrange sample shipment.

07.How many times can I reuse boxes from each grade?

This depends on your application, but typical expectations are: Grade A: 10-15 cycles, Grade B: 5-8 cycles, Grade C: 1-3 cycles. Actual reuse will vary based on load weight, handling, storage conditions, and contents.

08.What does "food-safe" mean for Grade A boxes?

Food-safe means the box has had no contact with non-food items and shows no contamination. However, food safety certification depends on your specific requirements. We can provide documentation on previous contents for food-grade applications.

09.Can boxes be upgraded (like repairing a C to make it a B)?

We do not modify or repair boxes - they are sold as-is in their inspected condition. However, you can perform your own repairs if needed. Simple tape repairs on Grade C boxes can extend their useful life for certain applications.

10.Do prices vary by size within the same grade?

Yes, prices are based on both grade and size. Larger boxes cost more than smaller ones within the same grade. The prices shown ($25, $18, $12) are starting prices for standard 48x40x36 boxes. Contact us for pricing on specific sizes.

11.What is your return policy if I order the wrong grade?

We offer a 30-day return policy. If you ordered the wrong grade for your application, you can return unused boxes for exchange or refund (minus shipping). We recommend ordering samples first to ensure the grade meets your needs.

12.How consistent is grading within a single order?

Every box in your order will meet the specifications for its grade, but there will be natural variation. Grade B boxes, for example, will not all be identical - some may be closer to Grade A, others closer to Grade C, but all meet Grade B standards.

Still Have Questions?

Our team is here to help you choose the right grade for your specific needs.

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