48 × 40 × 28 in 5-Wall Gaylord Box

A 48 × 40 × 28 in 5-wall Gaylord is a 31.1 ft³ short-mid bulk container on a GMA pallet footprint, rated to 3,000 lb static load (TAPPI T 811 ECT 32+). Useful for mid-density product where the 24 in size fills too fast.

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Specifications

All structural ratings reference TAPPI T 811 (ECT), TAPPI T 810 (Mullen burst), and the GMA 48 × 40 in pallet standard.

Outside dimensions48 × 40 × 28 in (48″L × 40″W × 28″H)
Interior dimensions~47.5″ × 39.5″ × 27.5″ (5-wall thickness ≈ 0.5″/side)
Interior volume31.1 ft³ · 0.881 m³ · 881 L · 233 US gal
Empty weight~24 lb (varies by liner basis weight)
Static load ratingUp to 3,000 lb (column-stacked, new condition)
Edge Crush Test (ECT)32+ ECT (TAPPI T 811)
Burst test (Mullen)~600 psi (TAPPI T 810)
Construction5-wall: 3 kraft liners + 2 corrugated mediums (BC double-wall)
Liner basis weight33-42 lb/Msf kraft (HTP-41 available)
Pallet matchStandard 48 × 40 in GMA pallet
Stack tiershort format (28 in height)
53-ft trailer capacity ~30 boxes single-stacked, ~60 double-stacked

48×40×28 calculator

Box count for a given product volume, pallet stack height for a given fill weight, and trailer load count.

Enter the total volume of product you need to ship. We'll estimate the box count assuming a typical 85% fill rate (real loads rarely pack to 100% of interior volume).

Boxes needed
38
of 48 × 40 × 28 in (≈ 85% fill)

Estimates only. Real freight planning depends on actual product density, pallet build, dunnage, and carrier equipment.

48×40×28 vs other 48 × 40 in heights

All sizes share the GMA pallet footprint; only the height changes.

SizeVolume (ft³)LitersTrailer (single)Trailer (double)
48 × 40 × 24 in26.7756~30~60
48 × 40 × 28 in31.1881~30~60
48 × 40 × 30 in33.3945~30~60
48 × 40 × 36 in40.01,133~30~60
48 × 40 × 40 in44.41,258~26~52
48 × 40 × 42 in46.71,322~26~52
48 × 40 × 45 in50.01,416~26—
48 × 40 × 48 in53.31,510~26—

5-wall 48×40×28 vs tri-wall and IBC

The two closest alternatives to a 5-wall corrugated Gaylord for industrial bulk shipping.

Attribute5-wall 48×40×28Tri-wall 48×40×28Plastic IBC (275-330 gal)
Static load ratingUp to 3,000 lbUp to 1,500 lbUp to 2,000 lb (liquid)
ECT (TAPPI T 811)32+~24N/A (rigid plastic)
Empty weight~24 lb~17 lb~120-150 lb (with cage)
Interior volume31.1 ft³31.1 ft³ (same nominal)~37-44 ft³ (275-330 gal)
Cost tierMid (corrugated)LowerHighest (rigid plastic)
Reuse cycles (typical)5-8 (standard), 12-20 (HTP-41)2-425+ (with reconditioning)
Recyclable end-of-lifeYes — OCC fiberYes — OCC fiberHDPE recovery (varies regionally)
Best forDry / solid bulk industrialLight dry, one-way shipLiquids and viscous bulk

48 × 40 × 28 in 5-wall Gaylord FAQs

What are the interior dimensions of a 48 × 40 × 28 in Gaylord box?
Approximately 47.5 × 39.5 × 27.5 in interior. Useful volume is roughly 29.5 cubic feet at theoretical full fill.
How much does an empty 48 × 40 × 28 in 5-wall Gaylord weigh?
Approximately 22-26 lb empty for standard liner grades. HTP-41 high-test builds run 28-34 lb.
How many 48 × 40 × 28 boxes fit on a 53-foot trailer?
About 30 boxes single-stacked, 60 boxes double-stacked. The 28 in height plus pallet still clears the 110 in interior height of a standard 53-ft dry van.
Why is 28 inches a separate height instead of just going to 30?
Some automotive and metals-recycling load plans were originally specified around 28 in containers. Keeping it as a stocked height means programs built around that spec don't have to re-tool racking or trailer load plans.
What's the load capacity of a 48 × 40 × 28 in Gaylord?
Up to 3,000 lb static load, per the 5-wall construction's 32+ ECT rating (TAPPI T 811). Practical fill weight depends on product density.
What's the difference between 48 × 40 × 28 and 48 × 40 × 30 sizes?
Just 2 inches of height — 31.1 ft³ vs 33.3 ft³. The 30 in is more common; the 28 in is stocked for programs that historically specified it.
Can I stack 48 × 40 × 28 Gaylord boxes in a warehouse?
Yes — full flap bottom construction supports two- to three-high stacking under the column rule (stack height × filled weight ≤ 3,000 lb). Used condition reduces capacity by 20-30%.
Are 48 × 40 × 28 in Gaylord boxes food-grade?
Not without a liner. For food contact, pair with an FDA-compliant PE liner per 21 CFR 177.1520, typically 3-6 mil.
Can I order used or scrap condition 48 × 40 × 28 Gaylords?
Yes — used inspected and scrap (fiber recovery) condition are available. Used inventory rotates quickly; submit a quote with your quantity and we'll check stock.
What's the typical lead time?
Stock orders ship in 2-5 business days. Custom prints or non-standard board grades run 2-3 weeks.

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