Side-by-Side Comparison
Shipping, Boxes & Logistics
Box Strength & Burst Ratings (ECT vs Mullen) vs. Intermodal Shipping Containers
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
Comparing:
Box Strength & Burst Ratings (ECT vs Mullen)
Intermodal Shipping Containers
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 ISO ocean freight containers are engineered under ISO 668 and ISO 1496 into 20-foot and 40-foot standardized modular lengths with 8-foot widths and 8'6" standard or 9'6" High Cube heights. Equipped with ISO corner castings, they enable seamless transfer across cargo ships, trains, and semi-trucks.
Specification Comparison Table
14 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Governing Standards
|
TAPPI T 811 / TAPPI T 810 / ASTM D2808 / NMFC Item 222 (National Motor Freight) | ISO 668 (Classification & Dimensions) / ISO 1496 (Testing) / CSC Convention |
|
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) | — |
|
20ft Standard (1 TEU)
|
— | External: 20'0" × 8'0" × 8'6" (6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m) | Internal: 19'4" × 7'8" × 7'10" (5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m) |
|
20ft Tare & Payload
|
— | Tare Weight: ~2,300 kg (5,070 lbs) | Max Payload: 28,180 kg (62,130 lbs) | Volume: 33.2 m³ (1,172 cu ft) |
|
40ft Standard (2 TEU)
|
— | External: 40'0" × 8'0" × 8'6" (12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59 m) | Internal: 39'5" × 7'8" × 7'10" (12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m) |
|
40ft Tare & Payload
|
— | Tare Weight: ~3,750 kg (8,268 lbs) | Max Payload: 26,730 kg (58,930 lbs) | Volume: 67.7 m³ (2,390 cu ft) |
|
40ft High Cube (HQ)
|
— | External Height: 9'6" (2.89 m) | Internal Height: 8'10" (2.69 m) | Volume: 76.4 m³ (2,700 cu ft) |
|
Door Opening Dimensions
|
— | Width: 7'8" (2.34 m) | Standard Height: 7'6" (2.28 m) | High Cube Height: 8'6" (2.58 m) |
|
Pallet Capacity
|
— | 20ft: 11 Euro pallets / 10 GMA pallets | 40ft: 25 Euro pallets / 20–21 GMA pallets |
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