Charlotte region, NC and SC I-85 I-77 I-40
A gaylord lid or cap closes the top of the box to match its footprint. Lids keep dust, rain and spills out and let boxes stack. Ask for the lid by footprint, the same way you ask for the box.
A lid does three jobs. It keeps the load clean, it protects the board from rain and dust while the box sits at a dock or in a yard, and it lets the next box stack on a flat surface instead of resting on the open walls. A box with a lid can go outside for a short wait and still come back dry, if the stack is covered and off the ground.
Lids are made to a footprint. A 48 x 40 lid goes on a 48 x 40 box and leaves a small overhang or a snug fit depending on the maker. A 48 x 48 lid does not fit a 48 x 40 box. If you are not sure of your footprint, measure the outside of the box at the top and send both numbers. The size board lists the standard footprints.
| Footprint | Typical box | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 48 x 40 in | The most common gaylord | Fits a standard pallet |
| 48 x 48 in | Square gaylord | Covers a 48 x 48 pallet |
| 40 x 40 in | Cube-style box | Also seen on a 40 x 40 pallet |
| 36 x 36 in | Small cube | Often a lighter build |
Some boxes use a telescoping cap that slips over the top of the walls, like a lid on a shoebox. Others use a flat top sheet that sits inside the walls. The cap is better for outdoor waits; the flat sheet is better when the box has to be tight against the load. Say which you need.
Stack strength depends on the walls carrying the load, not on the lid. A lid helps keep the stack square, but it does not add much rated capacity. If you are stacking boxes high, check the wall count guide first.
A poly liner goes in under the lid. If you are packing resin, powder or food, read the liner page and plan for the lid and the liner together.
Put the lid count and the footprint in the message field of the request, next to the boxes. We say what we can match and when a lid is not worth the freight.
Count lids separately from boxes. Say whether they are flat lids or fitted caps, what footprint they fit, and whether they are the same board as the box or a lighter one. Lids are stored flat and travel well, so a seller with a pallet of them can describe it as one item with a count and a footprint. A lid that was used on a lined box may carry the same history as the box, so say so.
No. Lids are separate parts, sized to the footprint. Ask for them with the box.
A dry, undamaged lid can go on again. A crushed or wet one should be baled with the OCC.
Not always, but a lid keeps dust off and lets stacks sit flat. Store boxes dry and off the floor.
Count, footprint and wall count are enough to start.
No prices, minimums or times are stated here.