Buy Used Gaylord Boxes in Portland

Used Gaylord Boxes in Portland: Your Complete Buying Guide

Save 50-80% on packaging costs while helping the environment. This guide shows you exactly how to buy used Gaylord boxes in Portland, what to look for, and how much you'll pay.

What You'll Get From This Guide

• How to save thousands on packaging costs
• Where to find quality used boxes in Portland
• What types work best for your business
• Real pricing you can expect to pay
• How to avoid common buying mistakes

What Are Gaylord Boxes?

Gaylord boxes are large cardboard containers that sit on pallets. Think of them as giant cardboard boxes designed for forklifts to move around.

Size: Most are 48" by 40" (the size of a standard pallet) and 30" to 48" tall

Capacity: They hold 1,000 to 2,000+ pounds depending on thickness

Uses: Shipping bulk items, storing materials, organizing warehouses

Why Buy Used Instead of New?

Cost savings: Used boxes cost $5-10 each. New ones cost $25-60 each.

Same function: A used box works just as well for most jobs.

Help environment: Each reused box saves several pounds of CO2 emissions.

Quick availability: Used boxes are in stock now. New ones may take weeks.

Real Example

A Portland recycling company switched from new to used boxes. They went from paying $45 per box to $8 per box. For 500 boxes per month, that's $18,500 saved every month.

Types of Gaylord Boxes

Start with the basics, then pick what fits your needs.

By Shape

Rectangle boxes - Most common. Easy to fill and stack. Work for 90% of uses.

Octagon boxes - Eight sides instead of four. Better for heavy materials like plastic pellets.

By Wall Thickness

2-ply - Light duty. Good for dry goods under 500 pounds.

3-ply - Medium duty. Handles most warehouse tasks.

4-5 ply - Heavy duty. For materials over 1,500 pounds.

By Top and Bottom

Full flaps - Has flaps on top and bottom. Need tape to close.

Half flaps - Only bottom has flaps. Top stays open or uses separate lid.

Sleeve style - No bottom flaps. Slides over a separate tray.

Which to choose? Most businesses start with 3-ply rectangle boxes with full flaps. They handle most jobs and cost less.

What You'll Pay in Portland

Used Box Prices

• Grade A (like new): $8-12 per box
• Grade B (good condition): $5-8 per box
• Grade C (usable but worn): $3-5 per box

Order Size Matters

• 1-50 boxes: Pay full retail price
• 51-200 boxes: Get 10-15% discount
• 201+ boxes: Get 20-30% discount
• Full truck (500+ boxes): Best prices, around $5-7 per box

Seasonal Price Changes

Prices go up in fall (harvest season) and down in winter. Buy in January-March for best deals.

Where to Buy in Portland

RePackify

RePackify operates in West Linn and Portland with local inventory. They handle both full truckloads and smaller orders. You can get quotes online and arrange pickup or delivery.

Local Packaging Stores

Several Portland stores sell used boxes alongside new packaging:

• Carton Service (NW Front Avenue) - Same-day delivery available
• Portland Packaging Co. (N Williams Avenue) - Fast delivery service
• Pacific Packaging Industries (NE 21st Avenue) - Serves both businesses and individuals

Direct from Businesses

Some Portland companies sell their used boxes directly:

• Grocery stores (produce boxes)
• Manufacturing plants
• Distribution centers

Call and ask. Many are happy to sell rather than throw away.

How to Buy Smart

Step 1: Figure Out What You Need

• How many boxes per month?
• What weight will they carry?
• Do you need tops/bottoms?
• Where will you store them?

Step 2: Check Box Quality

Look for:

• No holes or tears
• Corners intact
• Bottom not sagging
• Clean inside (no stains or smells)

Avoid:

• Water damage
• Grease stains
• Crushed corners
• Bad smells

Step 3: Compare Prices

Get quotes from 3 suppliers. Ask about:

• Price per box
• Delivery costs
• Volume discounts
• Free pickup of damaged boxes

Step 4: Start Small

Order 50-100 boxes first. Test quality and supplier service before placing large orders.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Buying wrong size: Measure your pallet space first. Standard is 48"x40" but confirm.

Ignoring weight limits: A 2-ply box will collapse under heavy items.

Not planning storage: Used boxes take up space. Have a storage plan.

Skipping inspection: Always check a sample before buying large quantities.

Paying too much: Get multiple quotes. Prices vary widely.

Getting Boxes Delivered

Delivery Options

• Pickup yourself: Cheapest option if you have a truck
• Local delivery: $50-150 depending on distance and quantity
• Freight delivery: For large orders, usually included in price

Timing

Most suppliers can deliver within 1-3 days. Plan ahead during busy seasons (fall harvest, holiday shipping).

What to Do With Damaged Boxes

Don't throw them away. Most suppliers offer:

• Free pickup of damaged boxes
• Credit toward future purchases
• Recycling services

Portland's recycling programs also accept flattened cardboard. Just break them down and put in commercial recycling bins.

Making It Work for Your Business

Small Business (Under 50 boxes/month)

• Buy Grade B boxes for best value
• Order quarterly to get volume discounts
• Store boxes flat to save space

Medium Business (50-200 boxes/month)

• Set up monthly deliveries
• Mix Grade A and B based on use
• Negotiate annual pricing

Large Business (200+ boxes/month)

• Work directly with RePackify for best rates
• Consider supply agreements for price stability
• Set up return program for damaged boxes

Environmental Impact

Every used box you buy helps the environment:

• Saves trees (less new cardboard needed)
• Reduces landfill waste
• Cuts transportation emissions
• Supports Portland's green economy

Many Portland businesses include used box purchases in their sustainability reports. It's an easy way to show environmental responsibility.

Getting Started

Calculate your needs: How many boxes per month?

Contact RePackify: Get a quote for your requirements

Order a small test batch: 25-50 boxes to start

Evaluate quality: Make sure they meet your standards

Set up regular deliveries: Once you're satisfied with quality

Bottom Line

Used Gaylord boxes can cut your packaging costs by 50-80% while helping the environment. Start with 3-ply rectangle boxes from a reliable supplier like RePackify. Order small first, then scale up once you know what works.

The Portland market has good supply and competitive prices. Take advantage of volume discounts and seasonal pricing to maximize savings.

Ready to start saving? Contact RePackify for a quote based on your specific needs.