When is a container considered a Gaylord?

Gaylord was originally a trade name for a bulk-size corrugated box.

You have probably seen a Gaylord box in your local grocery or big box store. They are big corrugated boxes attached to wood pallets. These corrugated containers usually hold a bagged product or fresh produce like watermelons.

Sometimes a trademark becomes a commonly-used term. For example, Kleenex® has become synonymous with tissue. And, most people now refer to an adhesive bandage as a Band-Aid®. In the materials handling business, the same is true for Gaylord.

Once only used for identifying jumbo-sized corrugated boxes, Gaylord has evolved into a generic term for any pallet-sized box for bulk shipping or storage. These hefty containers are also referred to as:

• Pallet Containers
• Bulk Boxes
• Pallet Boxes
• Bulk Bins
• Skid Boxes
• Tote Boxes

Gaylord boxes manufactured from corrugated are intended for low volume and have a relatively short lifespan. This makes them popular for agricultural use. The use of corrugated makes them inexpensive and easy to replace.

Gaylord boxes are available in single, double or triple-wall construction in both corrugated paper or plastic. The corrugated plastic is intended for long-term use, however, corrugated material will not withstand heavy handling.
 
In heavy handling applications, bulk boxes made from recycled plastics can withstand rugged industrial use, like the collapsible container. Under non-abusive conditions, plastic Gaylord containers will last many years.

For applications requiring FDA-approved containers for direct food contact, virgin plastic materials allow the agricultural industry to choose plastic for Gaylord requirements.

Do you know Gaylord boxes by another name? Tell us below in the comments.

Post by: Penny Peirce, Sales Representative