Hover to zoomCustom Auto Lock Bottom Boxes with a Self-Forming Base
From $0.30 a box Exact price in your emailed quote
Auto lock bottom boxes arrive flat with the base already glued, then lock into shape when you open them. We print them to your inside size and send a free design proof first.
Quick answer
What are auto lock bottom boxes?
Auto lock bottom boxes, also called crash lock boxes, are folding cartons with a factory-glued floor. Opening the flat carton snaps the bottom panels together. The floor carries more weight than a simple tuck flap, so these cartons suit jars, bottles and sets.
Key facts
- Floor locks as the box opens
- Glued base, no bottom folding
- Carries jars and glass bottles
- Quick to fill in bulk
- From $0.30 a box
- Free design proof
Auto Lock Bottom Boxes specifications
17 rows| Style | Crash lock floor with a tuck flap top |
|---|---|
| Board options | White or kraft paperboard; E flute for heavy contents |
| E flute thickness | About 1/16 in (1.5 mm) |
| Plain, one color, two color or full color CMYK | |
| Inside print | Available on the inner face |
| Finishes | Matte or gloss lamination, spot UV, foil, embossing |
| Arrives | Flat, with side seam and floor pre-glued |
| Setup | Squeeze, push open, fill, tuck the top |
| Printing | Unprinted, one color, two color or full color CMYK, outside and inside |
| Sizes | Built to your inside length × width × height in inches (mm also fine) |
|---|---|
| Artwork files | Vector PDF, AI, EPS or SVG work best; sharp PNG or JPG also accepted |
| Design help | Our designers set up the layout for free |
| Proof | Free design proof to approve before printing starts |
| Production | 4–6 business days once you approve the proof |
| Shipping | Free and tracked to any US address, 2–3 business days in transit |
| Misprints | Send photos within 10 days for a reprint or a refund |
| Price | From $0.30 a box; exact price in your emailed quote |
Common sizes
| Inside size (L × W × H) | Good for |
|---|---|
| 3 × 3 × 3 in | Small candles and skincare jars |
| 3 × 3 × 5 in | Tall candle jars and honey |
| 3.5 × 3.5 × 10 in | Wine, olive oil and hot sauce bottles |
| 6 × 4 × 5 in | Cookies, pastries and boxed snacks |
What is an auto lock bottom box?
An auto lock bottom box is a folding carton with a floor glued at the factory. Push the flat carton open and the bottom panels swing into place and lock.
Nobody folds a base by hand. The floor appears, flat and firm, as the walls square up.
The top usually closes with a flap, like a tuck end box style carton, so shoppers open it easily.
It suits any business that packs the same product again and again. Your packers skip the slowest step.
Is an auto lock base better than a tuck or snap lock base?
A tuck base holds with one flap and friction. A heavy glass jar can push it open from below.
An auto lock base uses glued, overlapping panels. They spread the load across the whole floor.
For light items packed a few at a time, a tuck base can be enough. For a middle option, look at snap lock bottom boxes for medium weights.
| Base type | How it forms | Best for | Packing speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuck base | Flaps folded and tucked by hand | Light items | Slowest |
| Snap lock base | Panels folded, then pressed to lock | Medium weight | Moderate |
| Auto lock base | Pre-glued, locks on opening | Heavier contents | Fastest |
What products fit an auto lock bottom box?
Think of anything heavy for its size. Glass is the usual case.
Etsy and Shopify sellers like these cartons for sets. Three jars together weigh more than one flap should carry.
- Soy and beeswax candles in glass jars
- Olive oil, hot sauce and craft spirits bottles
- Honey, jam and other preserves
- Cookies and pastries sold in a carton
- Protein powder and supplement tubs
- Skincare jars and subscription kits
Which measurements do I need to size an auto lock bottom carton?
Measure your product at its widest and tallest points, with any cap or pump on. Those three numbers become the inside length, width and height.
Leave a little headroom so the tuck top closes without pressing on the product. The glued floor panels lie flat and take very little height.
Bottles often need a divider or cradle as well. Our guide to measuring inside size shows how much room to allow.
Which board works best for a crash lock carton?
Paperboard is the usual pick for retail cartons. It prints sharply, folds cleanly and keeps the carton light.
For a heavy bottle or a big jar, step up to E flute, about 1/16 in (1.5 mm). The floor feels stiffer and the walls resist bulging. Our flute guide for corrugated board compares the options.
White board makes bright colors pop. Kraft suits bakery, candle and natural goods with a plain brown look.
Not sure? Email the product weight and a photo, and we will suggest a board.
How should I print an auto lock box?
Every outside panel can carry full color CMYK. You can also pick plain, one color or two color for a simpler look.
Inside print makes a strong first impression when the lid opens. A black or bold interior is a favorite for gift sets. See custom printed box options for more ideas.
Matte or gloss lamination protects the ink. Foil stamping, spot UV and embossing work best on the front and top, where people look first.
Keep barcodes and small text off the glued overlaps on the floor.
What is the quickest way to open and fill these cartons?
Setup takes seconds. Many teams open a stack of cartons first, then fill them in a row.
- Pick up a flat carton and squeeze two opposite edges.
- Push the sides apart until the floor clicks into place.
- Press down lightly inside to seat the base.
- Add the product, plus any divider, card or leaflet.
- Fold the dust flaps in and tuck the top closed.
Can I use an auto lock box for food?
Yes. Bakeries, farm stands and takeout counters use them because the floor stays put when a customer carries the box.
For greasy or damp items, wrap or bag the food first. The carton then serves as the printed outer pack.
If shoppers want to see the goods, ask for a cut-out. Window boxes for food products show how it looks.
Mention the window with your sizes and it will appear on your proof.
What mistakes should I avoid with these cartons?
Most problems come from sizing or from artwork landing in the wrong spot. Hold your real product against the flat proof and check each panel.
If two glass items share a box, add a divider so they do not clink. Folding carton inserts for bottles keep them apart.
- Measuring height without the cap or pump
- Running a barcode across the glued floor panels
- Choosing thin board for a tall, heavy bottle
- Forgetting space for a divider between jars
- Pushing the floor up from below instead of letting it lock
How do I order auto lock bottom boxes?
Send your inside size, board choice and artwork by email or WhatsApp. No artwork yet? Our designers lay out your logo and text for free.
Tell us roughly what the filled product weighs. That helps us advise on board and floor strength.
We send a free design proof of every panel before anything is printed. Production takes 4–6 business days after you approve it, then shipping takes 2–3 business days.
To begin, request a quote by email and we reply within one business day.
How much do auto lock bottom boxes cost?
Pricing starts from $0.30 a box. The exact figure arrives in your quote by email, and it depends on size, board, print and finish.
Minimums are low and quoted per job. Shipping is free and tracked to any US address, and our free shipping details explain the timing.
If a misprint, damage or defect turns up, report it within 10 days with photos. We reprint the order or refund it.
Auto Lock Bottom Boxes: questions
12 answersWhat is a crash lock box?
Crash lock is simply a second name for the auto lock bottom style. The glued floor crashes into place when you open the flat carton.
Is an auto lock floor stronger than a tuck floor?
Yes. Glued, interlocking panels share the load and stay shut under heavier contents, where a single flap can slip.
Do I have to glue the base myself?
No. We glue the floor and side seam before the cartons ship flat to you.
Will it hold a wine or olive oil bottle?
Yes, if you size it to the bottle. For tall, heavy bottles, ask about E flute for extra stiffness.
Does the top lock automatically too?
Usually not. The top closes with a tuck flap, which keeps the carton easy to open and reseal.
Can I print on the bottom panels?
Yes. Just keep barcodes and small text off the glued overlap so they stay readable.
Are these boxes good for candles?
They are a strong match. The firm floor supports glass jars, and white or kraft board both suit candles.
How fast are they to pack?
Very fast. The floor forms as you open the carton, so you only fill it and close the top.
Can the front have a window?
Yes. A cut-out can go on the front panel, and it shows on your proof before printing.
Which board should I choose?
Paperboard covers most retail items. Pick E flute, about 1/16 in (1.5 mm), for heavy bottles or big jars.
Do you help with the artwork layout?
Yes. Our designers set up your artwork for free and send a proof for your approval.
When will my order arrive?
Allow 4–6 business days for production after proof approval, then 2–3 business days for free tracked shipping.
Still have a question? Phone (503) 461-4788, send our team a WhatsApp message or write to info@ordercardboardboxes.com.
Design Your Box
Pick a box photo, drop your logo onto it, choose the print and send it over. Our designers return a free proof ready for printing.
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Tell us about your boxes
Share the inside size, the board you want and how it should be printed. Our team emails a quote and a free design proof within one business day.
- Free design proof before any box is printed
- Made in 4–6 business days after you approve the proof
- Free tracked shipping to any US address
Rather talk it through? Phone (503) 461-4788 or chat with us on WhatsApp.