Types of Shipping Boxes / Regular Slotted Cartons
Types of Shipping Boxes / Regular Slotted Cartons
The Regular Slotted Container (RSC) is the most common box style used for shipping and
storage. The two outer flaps of an RSC box meet at the center of the box when folded and are
usually closed using tape, or staples. Where the product requires additional protection over the
top or bottom, corrugated pads can be placed between the inside flaps.
The Regular Slotted Container with Variable Flaps (RSCVF) style of box is similar to the RSC
box, except the outer flaps overlap by an inch or more. The RSCVF style of box is used when the
length of the box is considerably greater than the width and results in an excessively long
distance between the end flaps. This makes it desirable to overlap the outer flaps to prevent them
from spreading apart. The RSCVF box is usually closed with staples through the overlapping
flaps.
The Full Overlap Container (FOL) is ideal for boxes with relatively narrow widths. The outer
flaps overlap the full width of the box making it especially resistant to rough handling. And, the
extra thicknesses of corrugated material on the top and bottom panels provide added stacking
strength.
The Half-Slotted Box with Cover (HSC) is frequently used for both shipping and shelf storage,
and in applications where the cover must be removed and replaced frequently. The top of the
HSC box is a tray style which usually extends less than 2/3 the depth of the bottom (PHSC), but
can be made to extend the full depth of the bottom (FHSC) if extra strength is needed.
A single cut and scored piece features a fifth panel used as the closing flap, completely covering a side
panel. The closed box has several layers of combined board on each end, providing stacking strength
and protection for long articles of small diameter which might be damaged, or damage the box, if
pushed through the ends.
OPF (One Piece Folder) This style is extremely useful for packing items that have very small depths like
DVD’s, CD’s, books and other printed materials. OPF's can also be manufactured with "aircells" on the
tuck ends or FOL flaps for added protection.
DIE CUT
DIE CUT items are almost limitless as to the forms that they can produce. They can be manufactured
with curved or angled edges, openings for viewing or touching product, etc. All DIE CUT items require
the purchase of tooling, which can vary greatly depending on the size and style. DIE CUT cartons may be
un-joined or joined. A common example of a DIE CUT carton is a pizza style box.