Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you stock boxes?
Yes, we inventory an extensive line of common size boxes, sheets and pads in several styles and grades which cover 80% of the most requested items. Many of these are available for next day delivery. For the balance we can either make them in our sheet plant or obtain them through one of our many quality suppliers.
Do you make your own boxes and die cuts?
Yes, we have in house capability to make many styles of boxes and die cuts. See the Custom Corrugated tab for our capabilities, how to measure a box and request a quotation.
What is a multi score (variable depth)?
Multi-score (also known as vari-depth) boxes. These boxes may have one or more additional horizontal depth scores usually measured up from the bottom. The vertical scores can be slit down to the designated level and the flaps left to overlap or be cutoff. They are designated by an MS in the part number.
Do you make Hazmat Boxes?
Yes, beginning February 2012, we will be able to make boxes for products covered under the US Hazardous Material s(HMR) Regulation CFR 94 Parts 100-185 which covers the transport of materials designated as capable of posing a unreasonable risk when transported.
Can I have my own custom size with my print and color?
Yes, we can make custom sizes with to your specified print and color. This is more complex than it seems because of the limitations as to color, configurations of print and economic order quantities of printing on corrugated. See the Custom Corrugated section for details.
How do I get a custom quote?
You can get a custom quote by completing the quote form in the Custom Corrugated section or by calling customer service.
What do I need to do for artwork?
Camera ready artwork is always preferred but if you have never printed on corrugated it may not be suitable. We can work without it but having it minimizes mistakes and art charges (usually included in the plate cost) to convert your concept to print. See the custom corrugated section for what is required.
Can my print plates be used on multiple sizes?
To ensure quality and consistency, we prefer a separate set of plates for each box size. Where possible we will attempt to minimize the expense. See the print plate tutor in the Custom Corrugated section for how changes in size affect print layouts.
What is tooling and when is it required?
Tooling defines those cutting dies, jigs, attachments or print plates which are necessary to manufacture the product. Examples: to die cut you require a cutting die, for a 5 panel or OPF you may need attachments. If you want specific “UP Arrows” they require a print plate.
What is your delivery area/delivery policy?
Our delivery area stretches from Naples to Jacksonville. See our listing of zip codes for specifics covering prepaid freight and days of service. We service only commercial locations, no residential deliveries. They can be arranged through common carrier if necessary.
What are your lead times?
Lead times are as follows: Off the shelf stock delivery is next day if ordered by 3 pm to areas with daily service. Custom corrugated from our sheet plant is 7-10 days. Please note that if tooling is required the 7-10 days starts from the approval. Custom packaging, Tape. Pallet wrap, poly products will be as advised.
Do you have a minimum order charge?
No we do not a minimum order charge but we recommend that smaller internet or home based businesses use Pack it Right. We will ship orders for less than our prepaid amounts by the best possible carrier and bill for the freight.
Can I pick up?
Yes, you can pick up from both locations, please call ahead.
Will you drop ship?
Yes, we will drop ship to you customer but be aware if it is delivered directly by Melco the truck will be lettered but the packing list can be blind. Stock boxes will have a Melco cert stamp. We can have larger shipment “drop” shipped directly from the manufacturer showing you as the shipper. We can also put your ID on a cert stamp.
Do you have a minimum order requirement?
No we do not have a minimum size order; we have delivery minimums for prepaid freight. We sell in full bundles, cases or units only. For less than case quantities or pickups at our Clearwater location see Pack it Right at @packitright.com or 866-572-2548. Bundle or case quantities only from Apopka.
Do you break bundles or units?
No, for less than bundle or case quantities see Pack it Right at @packitright.com or 866-572-2548.
What is ETC?
ECT (Edge Crush Test) is a measurement performed to assess the vertical (stacking) strength of corrugated board. It is an engineered product, which allows many different liner combinations to achieve the desired result as opposed to a Mullen test box in which the weight of the liners is specified. If you can design the box for your product and it does not go via a parcel carrier, this is the way to save money and lightweight.
What is the difference between Mullen and ECT.
These tests measure two unrelated properties of a corrugated box. There is no direct correlation between ECT (compression) and burst strength (containment). Mullen specifies the liner board combination to use the required cert stamp. Note on a 200 stamp that is 84 lbs of paper weight. An ECT box can have any combination including the medium that will yield a test result of 32 (in the case of ECT 32). UPS is concerned about “containment” and Mullen yield a heavier (more paper weight box). Wall -mart is concerned about source reduction, cost and stacking on pallets ,therefore the lightest possible box.
What is a BMC?
A BMC is a manufacturer’s certificate usually placed on the bottom length flap of a carton. It states the test under which the box is certified, and the name of the manufacturer. Non joined containers ie (no glue, stitch or tape joint) do not require a BMC.
What is Dimensional(DIM) Weight?
This replaces the former oversized categories by calculating a “weight” based on the cubic volume of a package. If a package is 3 cubic ft or larger it is charged at the calculated weight which begins at 30 lbs. Therefore a 10 lb actual weight object in a 3.1 cu ft box would be charged as a 30lb package.
How to calculate DIM weight?
To roughly estimate the dimensional weight using inside dimensions, the formula for singlewall is (L +1/2*W+1/2*D+3/4)/194. For double wall BC flute the formula is( L+3/4*W+3/4*D+1 ¼)/194

Example: a 24 x16x 12 would be (24+1/2 * 16 + 1/2 * 12+ 3/4)/ 194 = 26.56 or under 30 so it would still ship actual weight. Boxes vary in tolerance and may also bulge due to packaging so you need to verify before shipping because the lasers now used to measure are unforgiving.
How to measure a poly bag?
See the following drawings for how to properly size different types of poly bags.
How to fit a bag to a container.
This drawing indicates how to size a bag to a fit a container.
Do you manufacture structural foam or EPS?
No we do not manufacture either type but we work with companies that do manufacture the foam in order to supply a complete solution with the corrugated container.
What is a mil, micron?
A mil is 1/ 1000 of an inch or .001 inch. Gauge is stated in mils ie 80 gauge is .8 mil

A micron is .00003937 inch. If you multiply microns times this number you will get decimal inches.

20 micron is .00003937 * 20 = .000079 which rounds up to .0008 = 80 gauge.
Metric to English/Imperial conversions and why is this important
Here are several handy English to metric conversion. Some of our supplies and competitors have resorted to marking their packages using metric values. While this is not illegal it preys on the unfamiliarity of the average American to the metric system. This is why 2" = 48mm, 1000 yds = 914m and 80 gauge = 20 microns.

1 Kg = 2.2 lbs

1meter = 3.28 ft

1” = 2.54 cm or 25.4 mm which why a “metric” inch is 24 mm.

1 sq meter is 10.76 sq ft

There are 3.7 liters in a gallon.
Do you have distributor pricing?
Yes, we will work with resellers.
Do you offer quotes on quantities or special items?
Yes we offer quotes and competitive prices for quantity or custom items. Contact customer service.
How do I estimate shipping charges?
The pricing we show is delivered based on our prepaid requirement within our delivery area. Outside of those areas please call customer service. If the item is shippable by a parcel carrier the freight calculator should provide you with a figure.
How do I open an online account?
For credit card purchases, you user name and password will be used for your order references. To request open account please complete the credit application and fax to James at 727-572-8705.
What can I change on line?
The website allows you to update your password, ship to and bill to addresses.
Can I reorder online and can I see my previous orders?
Yes you can reorder online. A history of orders places through the new Melco webs site can be seen through order history on the website. If you have an open Melco account you c an reorder at gomelco.com and click the reorder tab.
Can I order new items in addition to those I already buy on line?
Yes, unless it is the reorder site, in that case please call customer service.
Do I have a sales representative?
Call customer service to find out.
Do you handle “rush” shipments?
Yes, but we require a signed authorization or the use of your UPS or other Express carrier customer number.
Do you have a handling (fuel) charge)?
Yes we have a surcharge which covers the additional charge we can’t control such as the ever changing price of diesel fuel plus shipping supplies such as pallets.
Do you sell and service equipment?
We sell and source equipment and work closely with a local service company to provide maintenance and repair.
What is considered oversized or too big to ship common carrier?
Certain items are too large to ship common carrier such as large corrugated sheets or boxes.Truckers invariable try to maximize their space and these items in small quantities do not fare well so unless it a full unit, either Melco delivery only or pickup at our warehouse are the two available options.
What does “performance grade” or equivalent 80 mean when identifying an item?
Manufacturing technology and processes have improved greatly since the setting of what many regard as industry standards. A “performance grade “will give performs “like“characteristics of the full gauge item it stands in for. I.e. EQ 80 pallet wrap is the equivalent of 80 gauge. Carton closing tapes, pallet and bundling wraps, recycled products and even ECT are examples of performance products.
Why do you require order acknowledgement for custom orders?
We use an order acknowledgement to confirm that the specification, price and the terms as are agree by both parties.