Box Grading Guide
Understanding our grading system helps you choose the right quality for your needs and budget. We grade every box from A (Like New) to D (Usable) based on strict inspection criteria.
Need a Specific Grade?
Tell us what grade and size you need. We will check current inventory and send you pricing within one business day.
Grade Comparison at a Glance
Use this table to quickly compare all four grades across key criteria.
| Criteria | Grade A | Grade B | Grade C | Grade D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Label | Like New | Good | Fair | Usable |
| Structural Strength | 95-100% | 85-95% | 70-85% | 55-70% |
| Cosmetic Condition | Excellent | Minor wear | Visible wear | Heavy wear |
| Printing / Labels | None | Minimal | Present | Significant |
| Price vs. New | 60-70% | 40-55% | 25-40% | 15-25% |
| Best For | Shipping, retail | General use | Storage | Light duty |
| Customer-Facing? | Yes | Acceptable | Not ideal | No |
Grade A: Like New
95-100% of original burst strength structural strengthGrade A boxes are in excellent condition with minimal signs of previous use. These boxes look and perform almost identically to new corrugated boxes.
Typical Condition
- ✓No printing, stamps, or branded markings on exterior
- ✓No water stains, discoloration, or fading
- ✓All flaps intact with clean, sharp fold lines
- ✓Minimal to no tape residue — cleanly opened
- ✓No structural deformation, dents, or crushed corners
- ✓Original manufacturer joint fully intact
- ✓Single-use or gently used once
Recommended Uses
- ›Retail shipping and e-commerce fulfillment
- ›Fragile item packaging
- ›Customer-facing shipments where appearance matters
- ›Medical and pharmaceutical supply packaging
- ›Moving and relocation
Pricing
Compared to the cost of purchasing the same size box brand new. Actual pricing varies by size and order quantity. Volume discounts apply for orders of 100+ boxes.
Grade B: Good
85-95% of original burst strength structural strengthGrade B boxes are in good, fully functional condition with minor cosmetic wear. They perform reliably for most commercial and personal packing needs.
Typical Condition
- ✓May have minor scuffs, light scratches, or surface wear
- ✓Small amounts of tape residue or old label remnants acceptable
- ✓Light printing or stamps may be present
- ✓All flaps intact and functional
- ✓No structural compromise — holds shape when assembled
- ✓May show fold-line softening from 1-2 prior uses
- ✓No water damage or contamination
Recommended Uses
- ›General business shipping
- ›Warehouse storage and organization
- ›Internal transfers between facilities
- ›Moving and packing household items
- ›Non-customer-facing shipments
Pricing
Compared to the cost of purchasing the same size box brand new. Actual pricing varies by size and order quantity. Volume discounts apply for orders of 100+ boxes.
Grade C: Fair
70-85% of original burst strength structural strengthGrade C boxes show visible wear but remain structurally functional. They are a cost-effective choice for applications where appearance is not a priority.
Typical Condition
- ✓Visible wear including scuffs, creases, and surface marks
- ✓Printing, labels, or branded markings present
- ✓Tape residue and old adhesive common
- ✓Fold lines may be soft from multiple uses
- ✓Minor dents or corner wear acceptable
- ✓All flaps present, though some may show wear
- ✓No holes, tears, or water damage
Recommended Uses
- ›Internal storage and warehouse organization
- ›Packing non-fragile items
- ›Garage and attic storage
- ›Workshop and utility use
- ›Temporary or short-term storage solutions
Pricing
Compared to the cost of purchasing the same size box brand new. Actual pricing varies by size and order quantity. Volume discounts apply for orders of 100+ boxes.
Grade D: Usable
55-70% of original burst strength structural strengthGrade D boxes have significant wear but remain structurally capable of holding lightweight items. These are the most affordable option for non-critical uses.
Typical Condition
- ✓Heavy wear, multiple creases, and surface damage visible
- ✓Significant printing, labels, and tape residue
- ✓Fold lines well-worn from multiple use cycles
- ✓Minor soft spots or light crush damage acceptable
- ✓Some flaps may show tears or fraying at edges
- ✓Box still holds shape when assembled — no structural collapse
- ✓No holes larger than 1 inch, no mold or contamination
Recommended Uses
- ›Light-duty storage for non-fragile items
- ›Garage sales and donation packing
- ›Craft projects and creative reuse
- ›Garden and composting material
- ›Protective layering and padding
Pricing
Compared to the cost of purchasing the same size box brand new. Actual pricing varies by size and order quantity. Volume discounts apply for orders of 100+ boxes.
How We Grade Every Box
Our grading process is thorough and consistent. Every box that enters our warehouse goes through a standardized inspection before receiving a grade.
Visual Inspection
We examine the exterior and interior surfaces for stains, tears, printing, tape residue, and cosmetic damage.
Structural Test
We assemble the box and apply pressure to walls, corners, and flaps to assess rigidity and load-bearing capacity.
Flap & Joint Check
All flaps are inspected for integrity. The manufacturer joint is checked for delamination or separation.
Grade Assignment
Based on the combined assessment, each box receives a grade (A through D) and is sorted into the corresponding inventory.
Know Your Grade, Save More
Choosing the right grade for your needs means you get the quality you require at the lowest possible price. Not sure which grade is right for you? We are happy to help.