Work with internal dimensions
State length × width × height in that order and identify them as internal. Allowances for inserts, liners and product fit should be deliberate rather than assumed.
03 / Transit-ready cases
Export Cartons
Corrugated cases built from the inside out: product, dimensions, board construction, stacking pattern and freight cycle first.
Internal L × W × H · board · load
What the case must do
Protect the product and carry the stack.
An export carton is part container, part structure and part handling interface. The specification should reflect its contents, pallet pattern, warehouse conditions and distribution route.
Describe contents and gross weight
Product shape, concentration of weight, fragility, moisture sensitivity and how the carton is filled all influence board and case decisions.
Define the distribution cycle
Palletised ocean freight, mixed handling, warehouse stacking and onward parcel movement create different compression, puncture and edge risks.
Connect print to handling
Artwork, orientation marks, barcodes, handling symbols and case identification need agreed files, colours, positions and legibility expectations.
Interactive sourcing brief
Define the case in four passes.
A drawing or existing sample is helpful, but the operating context still needs to be explicit.
01
Open a carton enquiry
What goes inside?
Contents determine how the load reaches the walls and how much structural work the case must do.
- Product type and units per carton
- Net and gross packed weight
- Fragile, sharp or moisture-sensitive features
- Insert, liner or bag requirements
What is the finished geometry?
Use internal dimensions and identify the case style. A dieline or reference sample can remove ambiguity.
- Internal length × width × height
- RSC or other agreed style
- Manufacturing tolerance
- Closure and opening method
What construction is needed?
Flute and liner combination should be linked to load and distribution needs rather than described only by ply count.
- Single- or double-wall direction
- Board or performance requirement
- Print colours and artwork
- Handling marks and barcode areas
How should flat cases move?
Bundle count, strapping, pallet footprint and moisture protection affect both usability and freight efficiency.
- Cases per bundle
- Bundles per pallet
- Pallet height and gross weight limit
- Order volume and destination port
Construction routes
Board is a system, not a single number.
Final construction is proposed against the stated load and test basis. Availability and evidence are confirmed in the quotation.
| Route | Useful starting point | What to verify | Buyer input that helps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-wall case | Moderate loads and controlled palletised distribution | Edge compression, puncture exposure, stacking and moisture conditions | Packed weight and pallet pattern |
| Double-wall case | Higher stacking demand or more difficult handling | Board combination, dimensions, total case weight and freight cube | Stack height and distribution cycle |
| Custom internal support | Fragile, concentrated or irregular products | Insert fit, compression path, assembly and material compatibility | Product drawing or physical sample |
| Printed export case | Identification, handling or branded outer cases | Artwork, print method, colour reference, barcode quality and registration tolerance | Vector artwork and marked-up panel plan |
Case and contents work togetherFit · support · closure
Shipping flat cases well
Freight efficiency starts at the bundle.
Cartons usually travel flat, so bundle count, compression, edge protection, pallet pattern and moisture control can matter as much as each individual case.
The CIF scope covers the contracted transport to the named destination port and agreed insurance. Local clearance, duties, unloading and onward transport remain with the buyer unless the order states otherwise.
Understand CIF deliveryBuyer questions
Before requesting a carton quote.
Send internal dimensions and packed weight.
Add the pallet pattern, current board data and artwork if available. We will identify what is still missing.
Enquire about export cartons