How to read a Box Maker Certificates (BMC)

1. What are Box Manufacturer Certificates?

A Box Maker’s Certificate (BMC) is a seal printed on the bottom/side of a box.

BMC tell the user that the product is complying with the rules and regulations set by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA).

It shows the box’s strength and construction details.

Although not legally required, a BMC proves that the box has been properly tested and rated, ensuring its quality and reliability.

 

2. How to Read a Box Maker’s Certificate?

There are two main types of BMCs: Mullen-Rated (Busting Test) and ECT-Rated (Edge Crush Test)

What is the Mullen-Rated?

The Mullen Test measures the strength of the box walls.

It determines how much pressure it takes to puncture or rupture a box wall, also known as a burst test.

This is important if you’re shipping loose or oddly-shaped items.

Key Information on a Mullen-Rated BMC

• Box Manufacturer: shows the name of the company that made the box.
• Board Construction: Indicates number of walls, listed as Single Wall, Double Wall, or Triple Wall. Number of walls impacts the overall durability and protective qualities of the box.
• Burst Test: Also known as the Mullen Test, this is a measure of the box's resistance to rupture under pressure. The result is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi). A higher bursting test value indicates a stronger box that can withstand more internal or external force without failing.
• Minimum Combined Weight Facings: This refers to the combined weight of the linerboard materials used on the inner and outer facings of the corrugated board. It is measured in pounds per thousand square feet (MSF). This weight influences the box's puncture resistance and overall strength.
• Size Limit: This specifies the maximum external dimensions a box can have (length, width, and depth) to maintain its certification. It ensures that the box's size is appropriate for the strength characteristics indicated on the BMC.
• Gross Weight Limit: The maximum weight the box and its contents can hold without getting damaged.
• City & State: Located at the bottom of the outer ring, it shows where the box was made and shipped from.

What is the Edge Crush Test (ECT)?

The Edge Crush Test (ECT) measures the stacking strength of a box.

It determines how much pressure the box can handle before being crushed.

This is ideal for shipping products that are stacked on pallets.

Key Information on an ECT-Rated BMC

• Box Manufacturer: shows the name of the company that made the box.
• Board Construction: Indicates number of walls, listed as Single Wall, Double Wall, or Triple Wall. Number of walls impacts the overall durability and protective qualities of the box.
• Edge Crush Test (ECT): Shows the box’s vertical compression strength.
• Size Limit: This specifies the maximum external dimensions a box can have (length, width, and depth) to maintain its certification. It ensures that the box's size is appropriate for the strength characteristics indicated on the BMC.
• Gross Weight Limit: The maximum weight the box and its contents can hold without getting damaged.
• City & State: Located at the bottom of the outer ring, it shows where the box was made and shipped from.

 

3. Choosing the Right BMC Type

Whether you choose a Mullen-Rated or ECT-Rated BMC depends on your shipping needs:

• Loose or Oddly-Shaped Items: Opt for a Mullen-Rated BMC to ensure the box can withstand punctures.
• Stacked Shipping: Choose an ECT-Rated BMC to ensure the box can handle stacking pressure.

Every box can be measured for both its ECT and Mullen values. Depending on what distribution environment your box is about to go through, helps to determine which stamp you need to certify your box to.

 

For more infomation, contact us at: 

PHU VINH PHUC PAPER MANUFACTURING TRADING ONE MEMBER COMPANY LIMITED

• Head Office: No. 168-170 Tran Thi Hoa Street, Quarter 4, Binh Da Ward, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province, Vietnam
• Factory: 326/6 Thanh Thai Street, Tan Cang Quarter, Phuoc Tan Ward, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province, Vietnam.
• Hotline: +84 983 123 201 or +84 974 65 79 79 or 0986 759 076
• Email: phuvinhphucpaper@gmail.com - amanda.pvpcarton@gmail.com
• Website: phuvinhphucpaper.com