400x300 mm containers

Half a module, and how it tiles a pallet

Set two 400 x 300 boxes side by side, long edges touching, and they cover 600 x 400 mm: 300 + 300 = 600 one way, 400 the other. That is the point of the size. A half box can ride on top of a full one, and a pallet can mix the two in one layer without gaps. IPL Schoeller calls this composite stacking on its KLT pages.

In inches, makers land a hair apart. IPL's R-KLT 4322 is listed at 15.6 x 11.7 in, its PreLog CMB at 15.7 x 11.8 in, and Tosca's 4317 produce crate at 15.75 x 11.81 in. Akro-Mils sells an inch-native straight-wall container, the 37278, at 15-3/4 x 11-3/4 in outside, close enough to share a shelf, though not a stacking rim, with a metric box.

A 1200 x 800 mm Euro pallet takes eight per layer: four along the 1200 edge (4 x 300) and two along the 800 edge (2 x 400). On a 1200 x 1000 mm pallet, three by three (3 x 400 = 1200, 3 x 300 = 900) gives nine, leaving a 100 mm strip unused. A US 48 x 40 in pallet, about 1219 x 1016 mm, takes the same nine with slightly more slack.

Most of the time, though, these boxes do not travel loose on a pallet. They sit on shelves, in flow racks or inside a larger KLT layer, so the pattern that matters is how many fit the shelf or the conveyor lane. Tell us those dimensions and we check the fit.

Small boxes we found on 400x300

Types in the half module

• Euro containers and KLT: VDA R-KLT and RL-KLT in three heights, polypropylene, with drain holes, label holders and a maximum load of 20 kg per box for the R series.
• Foldable boxes: the PreLog CMB, whose flat, rib-free base suits conveyors and whose seal shows tampering.
• Produce crates: Tosca's 4317, which folds from 6.7 in to 1.26 in.
• Straight-wall bins: the Akro-Mils 37278 and similar, solid or mesh-sided.
• Lids: IPL's RD43 for the KLT series.

Details that matter on a small box

Handles first, because these boxes are lifted all shift. IPL fits its KLT with bottom-gripping handles and auxiliary grips on the long sides, and closed handles on both short ends, with label holders on all four faces. The underside is smooth, which helps on roller conveyors, and the optional lid keeps out dirt and discourages unauthorized removal. IPL adds that KLTs shrug off oils, acids and alkalis. Its temperature figures disagree, though: the text says stable from -20 to +100 C, while the 4322 spec line reads 14 to 104 F, so we confirm limits per model.

Other makers solve the same problems differently. Akro-Mils builds its straight-wall containers all solid, all mesh, or solid bottom with mesh sides, with 1 in wide stacking rims and external ribbing; the 37278 is the mesh-sided version, useful where parts need to drip dry. IPL's PreLog CMB folds flat and gives a rib-free base that slides cleanly on belts.

Where the small module works

Line-side parts supply is the big one. IPL says the VDA KLT serves the automotive and supplier industry for storing, staging and moving parts in assembly, and fits automated logistics. Small, heavy pieces like fasteners and clips fill a 400 x 300 to its 20 kg limit long before a 600 x 400 would be full, which is the reason to choose the half size in manufacturing.

Tosca's 4317 belongs in the grocery produce loop, for small, light fruit that would crush in a deep crate. The PreLog CMB, which IPL describes as for non-food uses with a tamper-evident seal, suits distribution of small goods that must arrive unopened.

Buying used 400x300 boxes

Used KLTs can come out of retired automotive programs in large counts of one height. They often carry old part labels in the holders; the holders themselves should be intact. Check that the stacking rim still seats, the drain holes are clear and the base is flat, since a warped KLT can catch on rollers.

Small produce crates in this size are often pooled, and pooled crates are not for sale; we will not quote pool stock. For anything going near food, we ask what it carried and pass on the maker's statements. Grades A, B and C are in used container grades.

What to tell us

Height in mm, the heaviest load per box, KLT, folding box, crate or straight-wall bin, lids or seals, and the shelf, rack or conveyor it must fit. If the boxes feed an automated storage and retrieval system, send its tote drawing or tolerance sheet, since shuttles and robot grippers forgive far less variation than a person at a shelf. Say whether the boxes must stack on 600 x 400 units you already run. Count and delivery ZIP, then the quote form. Full-size modules are on the 600x400 mm page; inch-native totes for the AIAG pallet on 24x15.