The History, Strength, and Everyday Uses of This Industrial Packaging Essential
If you work in shipping, warehousing, or recycling, chances are you’ve come across a Gaylord box — a large, pallet-sized corrugated container used to store or ship bulk materials. But where did the name “Gaylord” come from, and why are these boxes so widely used?
At ALA Recycling, we specialize in the buying and selling of used Gaylord boxes, offering businesses across the country a cost-effective, eco-friendly packaging solution. Let’s take a closer look at the origin and value of these reliable bulk boxes.
What Is a Gaylord Box?
A Gaylord box is a heavy-duty container designed to fit securely on a pallet. Made from double-wall or triple-wall corrugated cardboard, these boxes are capable of holding up to 5,000 pounds of product, depending on size and construction. They’re also known by other names, including:
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Bulk box
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Skid box
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Bulk bin
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Tote box
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Triple-wall corrugated box
Used widely for shipping, recycling, and warehousing, Gaylord boxes are valued for their strength, stackability, and reusability — especially when purchased used.
Where Did the Term “Gaylord Box” Come From?
The term “Gaylord” actually originates from the name of a company. The first bulk bins were produced by the J.C. Bulis Company in St. Louis, Missouri, in the early 1900s. In the 1920s, the business was acquired by Robert Gaylord and became known as Robert Gaylord Inc.
Later, Robert’s nephew, Clifford Gaylord, became president and rebranded the company as Gaylord Container Corporation. Over time, their durable, corrugated pallet boxes became synonymous with the brand name — and “Gaylord box” became the industry term we still use today.
Why Use Gaylord Boxes?
Gaylord boxes were originally designed for industrial strength and long-term use. Today, they serve a wide variety of purposes, including:
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📦 Storage of bulk items in warehouses or during moves
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♻️ Collection of scrap and recyclables such as plastic, metal, or paper
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🚚 Shipping heavy or loose materials domestically or internationally
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🛠️ Temporary bins for sorting, packing, or order fulfillment
Because they’re large, stackable, and easy to move with a forklift or pallet jack, Gaylord boxes are a go-to solution for many industries.
Buy or Sell Used Gaylord Boxes with ALA Recycling
Whether you’re looking to buy used Gaylord boxes in bulk or need a buyer for your surplus supply, ALA Recycling is your trusted partner. With over 40 years of industry experience, we offer:
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✅ High-quality used Gaylord boxes at competitive prices
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✅ Local pickup and delivery in key regions
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✅ A green, cost-effective solution for your packaging needs
Contact Us Today
Looking for strong, affordable packaging for your business? Get in touch today to place an order or request a quote.
📞 Call us: 617-332-3280
📧 Email us: alagroup@alarecycling.com
🌐 Request a quote online
ALA Recycling — Your nationwide source for used Gaylord boxes.