Guide to Buying Used Watermelon Boxes: Types, Sizes, and Where to Buy

Introduction

Watermelon boxes are essential for transporting and storing watermelons safely and efficiently. These boxes, often made of sturdy cardboard or wood, come in various sizes and types to accommodate different needs. Buying used watermelon boxes can be a cost-effective solution for businesses involved in the agriculture and produce sectors.

Types of Watermelon Boxes

1. Cardboard Watermelon Boxes

• Single-Wall Cardboard Boxes: Suitable for lighter loads and shorter transportation distances.
• Double-Wall Cardboard Boxes: Offer more durability and strength, ideal for heavier loads and longer distances.
• Wax-Coated Cardboard Boxes: Provide additional moisture resistance, preventing the boxes from weakening due to condensation from the watermelons.

2. Wooden Watermelon Boxes

• Pallet Boxes: Made of wood and designed to be used with forklifts for easy transportation.
• Crates: Wooden crates provide excellent ventilation and are reusable, making them a sustainable choice.

3. Plastic Watermelon Boxes

• Ventilated Plastic Bins: Durable and reusable, these bins offer excellent protection and airflow, reducing spoilage.
• Collapsible Plastic Bins: These can be folded when not in use, saving storage space.

4. Gaylord Boxes

• Bulk Bins: Also known as Gaylord boxes, these large, heavy-duty boxes are typically made of triple-wall corrugated cardboard. They are ideal for transporting large quantities of watermelons and other produce.

Sizes of Watermelon Boxes

1. Small Boxes

• Typically hold 1-3 watermelons.
• Dimensions: Approximately 16 x 12 x 10 inches.

2. Medium Boxes

• Hold 4-6 watermelons.
• Dimensions: Approximately 24 x 18 x 15 inches.

3. Large Boxes

• Can accommodate 7-10 watermelons.
• Dimensions: Approximately 32 x 24 x 20 inches.

4. Bulk Bins (Gaylord Boxes)

• Used for large-scale transportation, holding 500-1,000 pounds of watermelons.
• Dimensions: Vary, but often around 48 x 40 x 36 inches.

Truck Loading Capacities for Watermelon Boxes

1. Small Pickup Trucks

• Suitable for small quantities and short distances.
• Capacity: 5-10 small boxes, 3-5 medium boxes, or 2-3 large boxes.

2. Standard Pickup Trucks

• Capacity: 10-20 small boxes, 6-10 medium boxes, or 4-6 large boxes.
• Ideal for small to medium-sized deliveries.

3. Box Trucks (10-26 feet)

• Commonly used for local deliveries and smaller loads.
• Capacity:
  • 10-foot truck: Approximately 50-60 small boxes, 30-40 medium boxes, or 20-30 large boxes.
  • 20-foot truck: Approximately 100-120 small boxes, 60-80 medium boxes, or 40-60 large boxes.
  • 26-foot truck: Approximately 130-160 small boxes, 80-100 medium boxes, or 60-80 large boxes.

4. Semi-Trailers (48-53 feet)

• Used for long-distance and large-scale transportation.
• Typically, watermelon boxes are palletized with about 50 boxes per pallet.
• Capacity:
  • 48-foot trailer: Approximately 500-520 boxes (10-11 pallets).
  • 53-foot trailer: Approximately 550-600 boxes (11-12 pallets).

5. Flatbed Trucks

• Suitable for large, heavy, or oversized loads, including Gaylord boxes.
• Capacity: Varies significantly based on the size and stacking capability of the boxes. A standard flatbed can hold approximately 24-30 Gaylord boxes (48 x 40 x 36 inches).

Where to Buy Used Watermelon Boxes

1. Local Produce Markets and Distributors

• Check with local produce markets and distributors who often have surplus boxes or are looking to sell their used ones.

2. Agricultural Supply Stores

• Some stores that supply farming equipment and materials may also sell used boxes.

3. Online Marketplaces

• Repackify: Repackify is a marketplace specially for bulk packaing materials such as watermelon boxes."
• eBay: Look for listings under "Agriculture & Forestry" or "Shipping & Freight."
• Facebook Marketplace: Local sellers often list used agricultural supplies. There are also pleny of facebook groups dedicated to buying and selling used cardboard boxes

4. Industrial Recycling Centers

• Centers that recycle industrial and commercial materials sometimes have used watermelon boxes available for purchase.

5. Agricultural Auctions

• Attend auctions where farm equipment and supplies are sold. These can be a good source of bulk purchases.

6. Direct from Farms

• Contact local farms directly, as they might have used boxes they are willing to sell.

7. Packaging Supply Companies

• Some companies specialize in selling both new and used packaging materials, including watermelon boxes. Examples include:
  • Used Box Recycling: Offers a variety of used boxes, including Gaylord boxes, for various applications.
  • Uline: Provides a wide range of new and used packaging supplies, including large bulk bins and Gaylord boxes.
  • Rebox Corp: Specializes in providing new and used corrugated boxes, including Gaylord boxes.
  • Container Exchanger: Focuses on selling and buying used industrial containers and packaging, including Gaylord boxes.

Tips for Buying Used Watermelon Boxes

Inspect Condition: Ensure the boxes are in good condition with no significant damage, especially for cardboard boxes.

Check for Cleanliness: Boxes should be free of mold, pests, and residues from previous uses.

Verify Dimensions: Make sure the box sizes meet your specific needs.

Negotiate Prices: When buying in bulk, negotiate for a better price per box.

Consider Transportation Costs: Factor in the cost of transporting the boxes to your location.

Conclusion

Buying used watermelon boxes can save money and reduce waste, making it an excellent option for businesses and individuals in the produce industry. By understanding the types and sizes available and knowing where to purchase them, you can find the right boxes to suit your needs.