What is an HSC box?
An HSC box, short for half slotted container, is a regular slotted carton with the top flaps left off. One end is open, so it works as a tray, a tote, a cover or the bottom half of a two-piece box.
HSC box meaning
The corrugated industry defines a half slotted container as "a RSC without the top flaps." Everything else matches a regular slotted container (RSC): the same bottom flaps, the same scores and the same board grades.
Because the top is open, an HSC is not a closed shipping carton on its own. It becomes one when you add a lid, set a second, slightly larger HSC over it as a cover, or cap and secure a full layer on a pallet.
HSC vs RSC
| HSC | RSC | |
|---|---|---|
| Top flaps | None, the top is open | Yes, the same length as the bottom flaps |
| Bottom flaps | Yes | Yes |
| Closes on its own | No, it needs a lid or cover | Yes, with tape or staples |
| Common uses | Trays, bins, totes, covers and two-piece boxes | Shipping and storage cartons |
When an HSC box makes sense
- Parts trays and work-in-process totes on a production line
- Open-top picking bins and display bins
- Two-piece boxes, with one HSC as the base and a slightly larger one as the lid
- Bulk product that is capped with a sheet or lid and secured to a pallet with stretch film or strapping
How to spec an HSC for a quote
- Inside length x width x depth, in inches. Length and width are the opening, with length the longer side. Depth is the height.
- Board: single or double wall, the flute, and the ECT rating (for example, 32 ECT single wall)
- Whether you need a matching lid or cover, and its size
- Print, if any, and how many you use a month
Need HSC boxes or lids?
Send the size and board grade, or a photo of the box you use now, and we will quote it delivered within two business days.
Get a quoteCommon questions
What does HSC stand for on a box?
Half slotted container. It is a regular slotted container without top flaps.
Is an HSC box the same as a tray?
Close. A tray is often a die-cut piece, while an HSC is a slotted box with an open top. Both get used as trays.
Can an HSC be used as a lid?
Yes. An HSC sized slightly larger than the base fits over it as a cover. Give us both inside sizes and we will quote them as a set.
What other box styles are there?
The common ones are RSC, HSC, FOL (full overlap) and die-cut. See corrugated boxes for a quick comparison.
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