Side-by-Side Comparison
Shipping, Boxes & Logistics
Corrugated Cardboard Flute Profiles vs. Intermodal Shipping Containers
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
Comparing:
Corrugated Cardboard Flute Profiles
Intermodal Shipping Containers
Corrugated fiberboard packaging is engineered by sandwiching a wave-shaped arched paper medium ('fluting') between flat linerboards. Standardized into letter designations (A, B, C, E, F), flute profiles define the physical caliper thickness, flutes per linear foot, and the balance between stacking crush strength and high-resolution printability.
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
|
FEPA (European Corrugated Federation) / TAPPI / ASTM D4727 | ISO 668 (Classification & Dimensions) / ISO 1496 (Testing) / CSC Convention |
|
A-Flute (Original)
|
Thickness: 4.8 mm (3/16") | 33 ± 3 flutes/ft | Maximum vertical cushioning and top-to-bottom compression | — |
|
B-Flute (Puncture Resistant)
|
Thickness: 3.2 mm (1/8") | 47 ± 3 flutes/ft | Superior puncture resistance and die-cut foldability (canned goods) | — |
|
C-Flute (Universal Standard)
|
Thickness: 4.0 mm (5/32") | 39 ± 3 flutes/ft | Dominates ~80% of all standard RSC shipping boxes | — |
|
E-Flute (Micro-Flute / Retail)
|
Thickness: 1.6 mm (1/16") | 90 ± 4 flutes/ft | Excellent smooth crush-resistant printing surface for retail cartons | — |
|
F-Flute (Ultra-Thin / Folding)
|
Thickness: 0.8 mm (1/32") | 125 ± 5 flutes/ft | High-end cosmetics, fast-food clamshells, direct litho printing | — |
|
BC-Flute (Double-Wall Heavy)
|
Thickness: 6.8 mm (1/4") | Combination B + C flute for heavy appliances, furniture, and master shippers | — |
|
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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