Master carton

A master carton is an outer shipping box containing several products or inner packs. Its contents, dimensions and weight are used when planning transport and storage, and the carton quantity may differ from the supplier's minimum order.

Master-carton data helps buyers plan storage, transport charges and receiving checks. Its markings may identify the product, number of units, batch and handling requirements. Product specifications should make clear whether dimensions and weights refer to the individual item, retail packaging or master carton, since those figures serve different purposes.

For example, twelve boxed appliances may travel inside one outer carton. The carton adds packaging weight and volume beyond the appliances themselves, which matters for gross weight and freight planning. Knowing the case pack also allows a receiver to convert counted cartons into individual stock units correctly.