Collapsible Container

Container Exchanger specializes in used metal and plastic collapsible containers. We are experienced in selling and distributing bulk collapsible bins throughout the nation. We are a container supplier selling these collapsible bulk containers or rigid bulk containers to large and small companies throughout North America. Our collapsible containers can take many different forms. We generally handle three types of bulk storage bins. Each type is made of a different material. We have inventories on Plastic bulk containers, Metal bulk containers, and Cardboard bulk containers.

Plastic Collapsible Container

Metal Collapsible Container

Cardboard Collapsible Container

Plastic Bulk Containers

The plastic version of bulk containers are usually collapsible. Here at Container Exchanger, we call these items “Pallet Containers”. These collapsible plastic bulk containers are made from a rigid structural foam material that is extremely strong and durable. These collapsible containers are suitable for many manufacturing applications, such as part storage or part transport. The weight capacity on collapsible plastic storage bins varies, but generally, the capacity ranges from 1,500 lbs to 2,500 lbs.
Collapsible bulk containers also have several size options and feature options. The sizes can be any of the following footprints:

30″x32″ Collapsible Containers, available in 18″, 25″, 30″, 34″, and 39″ heights
40″x48″ Collapsible Containers, available in 16″, 25″, 30″, 34″, 39″, 42″, 48″, and 50″ heights
45″x48″ Collapsible Containers, available in 25″, 29″, 33″, 34″, 39″, 42″, 48″, and 50″ heights
56″x48″ Collapsible Containers, available in 19″, 25″, 34″, and 42″ heights
64″x48″ Collapsible Containers, available in 19″, 25″, 34″, 42″, and 50″ heights
70″x48″ Collapsible Containers, available in 19″, 25″, 34″, 41″, and 50″ heights
78″x48″ Collapsible Containers, available in 25″ and 34″ heights

The other primary options with plastic bulk storage bins is the color and the number of drop doors, or access panels. The access panels provide a way to access product that may be in the bottom of the bin without an operator leaning over the sidewall of the container.
Some bins are more common than other bins. Follow this link to see a nice representation of our plastic collapsible containers. From a compatibility standpoint, many of these containers from different manufacturers are actually stack compatible with each other. That is, Ropak, Xytec, and Buckhorns usually stack together, assuming that they are of the same footprint size.
Here are some helpful files to see dimensions, weights, and capacities on Plastic Containers:
Ropak 2005 Catalog
Buckhorn Bulk Box Catalog
Schoeller Arca 45″x48″ Info Sheet

Metal Bulk Containers

The metal version of the bulk container can be collapsible, but most often, they are rigid. We have a very nice inventory of the metal bulk containers throughout the nation, but most of the containers tend to be located in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Ontario. Metal bins are a nice and heavy duty way to handle parts within a manufacturing environment.
Collapsible metal containers tend to be lighter duty than the rigid metal storage bins. Collapsible bins tend to be weight rated between 1,500 and 4,000 lbs. The collapsible metal bins are a nice option for a small metal shipping bin. They work well in this situation, because the sides of the container can be collapsed, thereby reducing the size of an empty container. The collapsed storage bin can be stacked in a corner of the warehouse, or they can loaded onto a trailer for return shipment to your plant.
We can find just about any bin. Follow this link to see a nice representation of our metal collapsible containers.

Cardboard Bulk Containers

Cardboard bulk containers are generally referred to as Gaylord Boxes or Cratons. Most bulk cardboard boxes come from plastic injection molders, where the boxes once held raw plastic resins. Other boxes can come from storing food products, such as watermelons or lettuce. Clearly, due to the different uses for large cardboard boxes, there are many different styles, thicknesses, and weight capacities. No matter what your requirements are, purchasing used gaylord boxes can be challenging. There is often more demand than supply, and significant quantities are going to be the minimum purchase amounts.
These bulk containers are not necessarily collapsible in a traditional sense, especially when they are compared to the metal and plastic collapsibles. However, they could be considered collapsible in that they are folded down flat for transport. Some businesses use these boxes over and over again, but the useful life of a cardboard collapsible container if probably about 5 uses.
Sizes of bulk cardboard boxes can vary significantly, but many boxes are sized for either 40″x48″ pallets or 45″x45″ pallets. Thickness of the boxes can range from 2 layers of cardboard all the way up to 5 layers of cardboard. The number of wall layers is a pretty good indication of the overall strength of the box, where the more layers of cardboard indicate a stronger box. However, this is not always the case, as some bulk cardboard boxes have thicker individual layers than other boxes. Some boxes are rated for a particular capacity, so it is often recommended that you inquire about this feature before purchasing a box.
Here are some things to think about before purchasing a load of used gaylord boxes:

How much will the product within the gaylord weigh when it is fully loaded?
What size of pallets do you use primarily?
Are you planning on stacking the gaylords?
Is the product in the gaylord static or dynamic (dynamic loads require stronger sidewalls)?
Do you need full bottoms for the boxes?
Do you need top flaps for the boxes?
Do you need lids for the boxes?

Follow this link to see a representation of our used gaylord containers.