RSC
Regular Slotted Container
Flaps meet in the middle.
A familiar starting point for closed cartons, case packing, shipping and storage.
Specify the tape or other closure method for the top and bottom.
Corrugated Box Styles: RSC, HSC & FOL
Packrift field guide / Box construction
The right box starts
with the right closure.
RSC flaps meet. HSC stays open. FOL flaps fully overlap. Compare the designs, then build a specification that fits your product and packing process.
Design detail 02FEFCO 0200
Specify a separate lid when needed.
01 / Start with the opening
Three styles.
One clear difference.
A style code describes construction. It does not specify dimensions, board strength, flute, maximum packed weight or a complete shipping solution.
HSC
Half Slotted Container
An open top. A different job.
Bottom flaps, no top flaps. Consider it for picking, work-in-process or a body paired with a separate cover.
Need a closed shipment? Specify the lid and the complete containment method.
FOL
Full Overlap Container
Outer flaps fully overlap.
Each outer flap covers the opening. Consider this layout when the pack needs a fully overlapping closure.
Confirm sealing, opening orientation and fit. Flap coverage alone does not set capacity.
Illustrations show closure concepts and are not manufacturing drawings. FOL’s upper flap is shown raised to reveal the overlap.
What does your pack need?
Choose a closure to see what to include in your quote request.
Start with RSC / 0201
Use RSC as a starting specification when you want top and bottom flaps that meet. Confirm internal dimensions, board grade and the sealing method for your packed product.
Start with HSC / 0200
For open access, specify an HSC body. If you need a cover, request it explicitly and confirm fit, clearance and how the closed pack will be secured. A tray or a lid listing is not a complete HSC pack.
Start with FOL / 0203
For a full-overlap closure, request FOL and describe how the pack is loaded and opened. Confirm the actual design, grade and sealing method before comparing quotes.
At a glance
Compare the complete pack.
Start with how you will load, close and handle it. Then compare the same size, grade and order quantity.
| Consideration | RSC · 0201 | HSC · 0200 | FOL · 0203 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top closure | Outer flaps meet at the center. | No top flaps. | Outer flaps fully overlap. |
| Use as a starting point | Closed cartons for case packing, storage and shipping. | Open-access bins or a body with a separately specified cover. | Packs requiring a full-overlap closure; confirm loading orientation. |
| Confirm before buying | Sealing method, inside size and product protection. | Body only or body plus lid; cover fit and containment. | Flap layout, sealing sequence and usable inside space. |
| Compare total cost | Box, sealing materials and packing labor. | Body, any cover, securing method and handling. | Box, sealing materials and packing labor. |
| What the code cannot tell you | Board grade, load rating or availability. | Board grade, load rating or availability. | Board grade, load rating or availability. |
02 / The buying checklist
A style name is only
the start of the spec.
Use these six details to compare like-for-like options and avoid receiving a box, lid or bundle that does not match the job.
Measure the finished pack.
Record required internal length × width × depth in inches, with room for inserts and cushioning. Confirm the supplier’s dimension convention. Use external packed dimensions when checking carrier limits.
Describe access and closure.
Top or side loading? Open access or a closed pack? For HSC, specify body only or body plus lid. Confirm the closure materials and the opening direction.
Separate board from capacity.
Record wall construction, flute and the stated board grade. ECT measures edge crush resistance; burst testing measures a different property. Neither is a universal safe payload rating.
Explain the handling.
Include contents, packed weight, fragility, stacking, pallet use, moisture exposure and shipping route. Confirm the complete pack’s suitability, and validate demanding applications with appropriate testing.
Make quantities comparable.
State the number of boxes needed, reorder frequency and delivery ZIP. Confirm pieces per bundle or case, included components, freight and lead time in the quote.
Check receiving conditions.
Note dock or liftgate needs and available storage space. At receipt, match dimensions, grade markings, quantity and components to the order; inspect for moisture or handling damage.
Buying HSC? Send the required inside size, quantity and whether you need a matching cover. Confirm the available construction and components before ordering. A shallow corrugated tray or a Gaylord lid is not evidence of a complete HSC body-and-lid set.
03 / Beyond the three basics
Other constructions,
worth knowing.
Trade names describe a family of options. Ask for the supplier’s drawing and exact design when the construction matters to your pack.
Overlap Slotted Container (OSC)
FEFCO 0202. Outer flaps overlap partially, rather than meeting as in an RSC or fully overlapping as in an FOL.
Before ordering: Ask for the overlap dimension and closure method on the drawing; “overlap” alone does not identify FOL.
Center Special Slotted Container (CSSC)
Both pairs of flaps meet in the center. This changes the closure surface and may be useful when planning the pack’s base or inserts.
Before ordering: Confirm the actual flap layout and internal fit. Do not infer a payload rating from the style name.
Telescope boxes
A body and a separate cover slide together. Designs include shallow covers, deeper covers, and inner/outer components for adjustable length or height.
Before ordering: Check which components the listing includes, their mating dimensions and the permitted overlap. Mirror-box sets may use multiple pieces.
One-Piece Folder (OPF)
A scored blank wraps around relatively flat contents, such as books, documents or prints.
Before ordering: Allow for product thickness and protective material, and confirm how the folder closes.
Tuck-top and roll-end mailers
Die-cut panels fold into a box with a tuck closure. Construction varies by supplier and design.
Before ordering: Check locking features, usable interior space and whether additional sealing is needed for the shipping route.
Multi-depth RSC
An RSC with additional score lines lets the packer reduce height by cutting and folding to an approved score.
Before ordering: Compare the listed depth options and the packing work required. Confirm the dimensions after adjustment.
Bliss boxes
Separate body and end panels are assembled into a container, commonly as part of a production packing process.
Before ordering: Confirm the exact design, assembly equipment, board specification and order requirements with the supplier.
04 / From guide to catalog
Find a useful starting point.
These product links illustrate the range of formats. Open the listing to check the current specification, included pieces, bundle quantity, price and availability.
Explore product examples by format
Dimensions below are listing labels. Verify whether dimensions are internal or external and whether the product is one component or a complete pack.
Kraft RSC examples
White carton examples
Multi-depth examples
Side-loading examples
Telescoping components
Mirror-box examples
Corrugated trays
Gaylord lids — lids only
Triple-wall box examples
Wardrobe box examples
Literature mailer examples
Easy-fold mailer examples
Before you order
A few useful answers.
What does RSC stand for?
Regular Slotted Container, FEFCO 0201. Its outer flaps meet at the center when closed. Confirm the board, size and closure separately.
Can an HSC be used for shipping?
It can be part of a shipping pack, but it has no top flaps. Specify the cover or other containment method, protection and handling requirements, then verify that the complete pack suits the route.
Is FOL automatically stronger than RSC?
FOL provides fully overlapping outer flaps. Overall performance also depends on board, dimensions, contents, closure and handling. Compare and test the complete pack rather than using flap style as a weight rating.
Which style costs less?
Request quotes for the same inside size, board specification and quantity. Include lids, sealing materials, packing labor and delivery. The style name alone does not establish the lowest total cost.
Is a mailer the same as an RSC?
Not necessarily. Many mailers use a die-cut tuck or roll-end construction; an RSC uses slotted flaps. Check the drawing and closure details instead of relying on the word “mailer.”
Does the FEFCO code specify the board?
No. It identifies a construction design. Specify dimensions, wall construction, flute and board grade separately, together with closure and product protection.
Put the specification to work
Bring your requirements.
Start the right quote.
Tell us what you are packing, the style you need and your order quantity. Include a lid requirement for HSC.
HAVE THESE READY
Style or reference drawing
Inside dimensions & packed weight
Board requirements & closure
Quantity & delivery ZIP
Receiving needs & desired timing
More sizing, materials and handling guides
- Packaging sourcing for resellers
- ECT to Mullen conversion chart
- Carrier length thresholds
- Mailer box vs corrugated mailer
- Picture frame box table
- Pallet loading table
- Edge protector sizing
- Single wall vs double wall boxes
- RSC vs HSC boxes
- Shipping box size chart
- Mil to micron conversion chart
- Box sizes in cm
- Cubic feet of a box chart
- 51 ECT boxes
- VCI packaging guide
- Corrugated flute types chart
- Corrugated box weight capacity by ECT
- Telescoping box size chart
- Corrugated pad and layer pad size chart
- Folding carton size chart
- Packing tape roll size chart
- Bin box size chart
- Moving box sizes chart
Design reference: FEFCO Code of Designs, 12th edition. This guide explains construction; confirm the actual product specification and suitability before purchasing.