48 × 40 × 45 in 5-Wall Gaylord Box

A 48 × 40 × 45 in 5-wall Gaylord is a 50 ft³ tall-format bulk container on a GMA pallet footprint, rated to 3,000 lb static load (TAPPI T 811 ECT 32+). The workhorse of plastic, paper, and foam recycling — maximum single-stack cube on a standard trailer.

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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 × 45 in (48″L × 40″W × 45″H)
Interior dimensions~47.5″ × 39.5″ × 44.5″ (5-wall thickness ≈ 0.5″/side)
Interior volume50.0 ft³ · 1.416 m³ · 1,416 L · 374 US gal
Empty weight~34 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 tiertall format (45 in height)
53-ft trailer capacity ~26 boxes single-stacked

48×40×45 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
24
of 48 × 40 × 45 in (≈ 85% fill)

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

48×40×45 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 48×40×45 vs tri-wall and IBC

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

Attribute5-wall 48×40×45Tri-wall 48×40×45Plastic 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~34 lb~24 lb~120-150 lb (with cage)
Interior volume50.0 ft³50.0 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 × 45 in 5-wall Gaylord FAQs

What are the interior dimensions of a 48 × 40 × 45 in Gaylord box?
Approximately 47.5 × 39.5 × 44.5 in interior. Usable interior volume is roughly 48 cubic feet at theoretical full fill.
How much does an empty 48 × 40 × 45 in 5-wall Gaylord weigh?
Approximately 32-38 lb empty for standard liner grades. HTP-41 builds run 40-46 lb.
Can I double-stack 48 × 40 × 45 in Gaylords in a 53-ft trailer?
Generally no. Two 45 in boxes plus a 5 in GMA pallet plus dunnage exceeds the standard 110 in interior height of a 53-ft dry van. Plan on 26 boxes per trailer single-stack.
Why is 48 × 40 × 45 so popular in recycling?
Recycling freight is almost always cube-governed — material is light, so trailers run out of space before they run out of weight. The 45 in height squeezes the most cube out of a 48 × 40 in pallet position that still single-stacks in a standard trailer.
What is the static load rating?
Up to 3,000 lb when new (TAPPI T 811 ECT 32+). Practical fill weights are usually much lower because the typical use case is light-density material.
How many 48 × 40 × 45 boxes fit on a 53-ft trailer?
About 26 boxes single-stacked, matching the standard 26 GMA pallet positions in a 53-ft trailer. Double-stacking not feasible at this height.
Can I stack 48 × 40 × 45 in Gaylords two-high in a warehouse?
Yes if your racking accommodates the height — full flap bottom and the column rule (stack × filled weight ≤ 3,000 lb) apply. Tall ceilings and proper racking are required.
What's the difference between 48 × 40 × 45 and 48 × 40 × 48?
Three inches of height — 50 vs 53.3 ft³. The 48 in version maxes cube but needs above-spec warehouse racking; the 45 fits most standard rack configurations.
Are 48 × 40 × 45 in Gaylords food-grade?
Not without a liner. For food contact, pair with an FDA-compliant 3-6 mil PE liner per 21 CFR 177.1520. The 45 in height suits bulk dry ingredients well.
Are 48 × 40 × 45 in Gaylord boxes available in used condition?
Yes — heavily rotated in recycling supply chains. One of our most-stocked used sizes.
Lead time?
Stock 2-5 business days; custom 2-3 weeks longer.
Are 48 × 40 × 45 in Gaylords recyclable?
Yes — 100% OCC-grade kraft fiber, accepted at any US paper mill that buys recycled corrugated.

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