Custom Half Slotted Container
A half slotted container is a regular carton with the top flaps removed. That sounds like a simplification and in practice it changes what the box is good for entirely. Open topped means fast loading, easy picking and the option to add a separate lid. We produce a lot of half slotted container work at ZEE Packaging and warehouses tend to be where it earns its keep.
Open Top Changes The Workflow
A half slotted container is built for speed of access.
- No top flaps to fold back before loading or picking
- Contents are visible at a glance on a shelf or a rack
- Loading from above is faster than through a flap opening
- Pickers can reach in without unfolding anything
- Stacks nest when empty, which saves storage space
- A separate lid can be added where closure is needed
Most operations choosing a half slotted container do it for handling speed rather than protection.
Where It Fits Best
It suits some applications far better than others.
- Internal warehouse movement and parts storage
- Retail backroom stock and shelf replenishment
- Produce and fresh goods needing airflow
- Component bins on a production line
- Tray and lid combinations for gifting or retail
- Anything picked repeatedly rather than shipped sealed
It is less suited to sealed shipping, since an open top offers no security without a lid.
- Standard open top the everyday half slotted container
- With a separate telescoping lid full closure when needed
- Vented version airflow for produce and fresh goods
- Reinforced rim extra strength around the open edge
- Die cut hand holds easier lifting when loaded
- Stackable design with locating tabs for secure stacking
Sizes We Print Regular
Every half slotted container is built to your use, though these run often:
- 12" x 9" x 6" for general storage
- 16" x 12" x 8" for larger stock
- 18" x 12" x 10" for bulk items
- 20" x 14" x 12" for warehouse totes
- 10" x 8" x 5" for component bins
- 24" x 16" x 10" for produce trays
Send us the loaded weight and how high they will stack, since the open top means the walls carry all the stacking load.
Board And Construction
- B flute as a baseline for general handling
- C flute where more cushioning is needed
- Double wall for heavy loads or high stacking
- Kraft corrugated for plain warehouse formats
- Reinforced rim, which we would recommend for repeated use
- Water resistant coating for cold or damp storage
The open top is structurally the weak point. Without top flaps the walls carry stacking load alone, so we specify a heavier grade than we would for a closed carton.
Materials We Would Recommend
- Recycled corrugated, standard across these grades
- FSC certified board, certificate available on request
- Soy based ink where printing is applied
- Reusable across many cycles, which suits internal use
- Nesting when empty, cutting storage and return transport
- Right sizing so you handle less air
What Ordering Involves Here
- 100 unit minimum, so a small operation can order properly
- Free 3D mockup and flat proof before anything prints
- Free dieline drawn by our own designer
- Physical sample on request to test the stack under load
- Urgent turnaround at 5 to 8 business days
- Free shipping worldwide with nothing hidden
Frequently Asked Questions
Can it be used for shipping?
Only with a lid, since an open top gives no security or protection on its own. For sealed shipping a regular slotted carton is the better choice.
How high can they stack?
It depends on board and load. Without top flaps the walls carry everything, so we usually specify a grade up compared to a closed box.
Do you supply the lid?
We do, as a telescoping lid sized to the base. Together they form a tray and lid combination.
Can it be vented?
Yes, and produce customers usually ask for it. Vent holes allow airflow without weakening the structure much.
How much is a half slotted container?
Rough estimate is $0.55 to $1.40 per unit in B flute, $0.90 to $2.20 in C flute and $1.60 to $3.60 in double wall at moderate quantity. Size moves it. Shipping is included in our price. This is estimate only, so ask our team for a exact quote.
Are they reusable?
Very much so, particularly internally. A reinforced rim extends the life considerably under repeated handling.
Do they nest when empty?
They do, which saves real space in a warehouse compared to storing assembled closed cartons.
