Sturdy Boxes for Pie Transport
Pies need more than thin paperboard boxes. Fruit fillings add weight, lattice crusts require clearance, and meringue toppings cannot touch the lid. Our custom pie boxes use corrugated material with tall lid heights to protect your pies during delivery. Pricing starts at $1.45 per box for 250+ units.
Standard Pie Box Sizes
Box dimensions based on common pie tin diameters:
- 8-inch pie box: 9x9x3 inches (exterior), accommodates standard dessert pies
- 9-inch pie box: 10x10x3.5 inches, most popular size for traditional pies
- 10-inch pie box: 11x11x4 inches, deep dish or cream pies with tall toppings
- Slab pie box: 13x9x3 inches, rectangular sheet pies or bar desserts
All measurements provide 1 inch clearance on all sides of the pie for easy insertion and removal. Lid height accommodates 2-inch tall meringue or whipped cream toppings.
Corrugated vs Paperboard Construction
We offer two material options:
- E-flute corrugated: stronger, handles heavier pies (4-6 pounds), better insulation, $1.45 each at 250 qty
- 24pt SBS paperboard: lighter weight, works for single-serving or lighter pies, $1.10 each at 250 qty
Corrugated boxes use single-wall E-flute (1/16 inch thick). This provides crush resistance during stacking and protects pies if boxes are bumped during transport.
Window Options for Display
Clear windows let customers see lattice crusts, decorative edges, and toppings. Window configurations include:
- Full lid window: entire top surface, best for showcasing decorative crust work
- Octagonal center window: 6-inch diameter, leaves printed border around edges
- No window: fully enclosed, better for long transport or outdoor events
Windows use 15mil PET film (thicker than pastry boxes) to prevent flexing that could touch pie toppings. Anti-static coating repels dust.
Ventilation Features
Steam from fresh-baked pies causes condensation inside sealed boxes. We add ventilation holes to prevent moisture buildup:
- Four corner vents: 5mm diameter holes in upper corners, standard on all boxes
- Perforated side panels: 8-10 small holes per side, better airflow for cream pies, add $0.08 per box
Ventilation keeps crusts crispy and prevents meringue from weeping due to trapped moisture.
Locking Lid Mechanisms
Pie boxes use secure closures to prevent accidental opening:
- Tuck-top lid: standard closure, flaps tuck into front slots
- Tab-lock lid: perforated tabs lock into side slots, more secure, add $0.12 per box
- External sticker seal: printed sticker seals lid flap, branded closure, $0.06 per sticker
Tab-lock lids are recommended for delivery services or farmers market transport where boxes may shift during vehicle movement.
Printing and Branding
Corrugated boxes print differently than paperboard. We use:
- Flexographic printing: bold colors, works well for logos and simple graphics
- Litho-laminate: full-color CMYK, laminated to corrugated board, photographic quality, add $0.35 per box
Standard flexo printing includes up to 2 spot colors. Litho-laminate unlocks full CMYK for detailed images, gradients, and complex designs.
Insulation Options
For pies that need temperature control:
- Foil-lined interior: reflects heat, keeps pies warm for pickup, $0.28 per box
- Insulated shipping boxes: double-wall corrugated with foam inserts, for mail-order pies, $4.80 each at 100 qty
Pricing Breakdown
Costs for 10x10x3.5 inch E-flute corrugated pie box with window:
- 100 units: $2.85 each
- 250 units: $1.95 each
- 500 units: $1.45 each
- 1,000 units: $1.15 each
- 2,500+ units: $0.95 each
Litho-laminate printing adds $0.35 per box. Tab-lock lids add $0.12. Setup fee is $320 for corrugated boxes due to flexo plate costs.
Production and Shipping
Standard timeline is 15-20 business days for corrugated boxes. Express service (7-10 days) available for 30% upcharge. Litho-laminate boxes require 20-25 days due to lamination process.
Boxes ship flat. Corrugated boxes are bulkier than paperboard when flat-packed. A pallet of 1,000 boxes (10x10 size) measures approximately 48x40x48 inches and weighs 350 pounds.
Assembly and Storage
Pop-up assembly with auto-lock bottom. No tape needed. Corrugated boxes should be stored in low-humidity areas to prevent warping. Shelf life is 18 months in climate-controlled storage.