Side-by-Side Comparison
Shipping, Boxes & Logistics
Box Strength & Burst Ratings (ECT vs Mullen) vs. Standard Carrier Shipping Boxes
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
Comparing:
Box Strength & Burst Ratings (ECT vs Mullen)
Standard Carrier Shipping Boxes
Corrugated cardboard shipping boxes are legally rated under two distinct testing standards stamped inside the Box Maker's Certificate (BMC): the Edge Crush Test (ECT, measuring top-to-bottom compression stacking strength in lbs/in) and the Mullen Bursting Test (measuring puncture resistance and rough handling in lbs/sq in).
Standard parcel carriers (USPS, FedEx, UPS) define standardized rigid carton tiers, flat rate boxes, and dimensional weight divisor formulas (e.g. Length × Width × Height ÷ 139) that determine billable freight charges across domestic and international logistics networks.
Specification Comparison Table
14 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Governing Standards
|
TAPPI T 811 / TAPPI T 810 / ASTM D2808 / NMFC Item 222 (National Motor Freight) | USPS Domestic Mail Manual / FedEx Express / UPS Ground Standards |
|
Edge Crush Test (ECT)
|
Measures compressive edgewise strength (lbs/linear inch) parallel to fluting — predicts pallet stacking capacity | — |
|
Mullen Bursting Strength
|
Measures hydraulic pressure (psi / lbs per sq inch) required to rupture the linerboard face — predicts puncture survival | — |
|
Standard Single-Wall 32 ECT
|
Equivalent to 200# Burst | Max Gross Weight: 65 lbs (29.5 kg) | Max Total Dimensions (L+W+D): 75 inches (190 cm) | — |
|
Heavy-Duty 44 ECT
|
Equivalent to 275# Burst | Max Gross Weight: 95 lbs (43.1 kg) | Max Total Dimensions: 95 inches (241 cm) | — |
|
Double-Wall 48 ECT
|
Equivalent to 275# Double-Wall | Max Gross Weight: 100 lbs (45.4 kg) | Max Dimensions: 100 inches (254 cm) | — |
|
Double-Wall 51 ECT
|
Equivalent to 350# Double-Wall | Max Gross Weight: 120 lbs (54.4 kg) | Max Dimensions: 105 inches (267 cm) | — |
|
USPS Small Flat Rate Box
|
— | 8-11/16" × 5-7/16" × 1-3/4" (22.1 × 13.8 × 4.4 cm) | Max 70 lbs (31.8 kg) |
|
USPS Medium Flat Rate (Side)
|
— | 11-1/4" × 8-3/4" × 6" (28.6 × 22.2 × 15.2 cm) | Top-loading standard carton |
|
USPS Medium Flat Rate (Top)
|
— | 14" × 12" × 3-1/2" (35.6 × 30.5 × 8.9 cm) | Shallow wide footprint for clothing/books |
|
USPS Large Flat Rate Box
|
— | 12-1/4" × 12-1/4" × 6" (31.1 × 31.1 × 15.2 cm) | Max 70 lbs domestic |
|
FedEx Small / Medium / Large Box
|
— | Small: 12.25×10.9×1.5" | Medium: 13.25×11.5×2.38" | Large: 17.5×12.38×3" |
|
Standard Dimensional Weight Divisor
|
— | DIM Divisor = 139 (Domestic Commercial & International) | DIM Wt (lbs) = (L × W × H in inches) ÷ 139 |
|
Maximum Standard Parcel Size
|
— | Maximum Length: 108" (274 cm) | Maximum Length + Girth: 130" (UPS/FedEx Ground) or 165" (Freight) |
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