Get Competitive Per-Thousand Pricing
President Container Group provides transparent Price/M quotes at multiple quantity levels so you can make informed purchasing decisions for your corrugated packaging needs.
What Does Price / M Mean?
In the corrugated packaging industry, Price/M refers to the price per thousand units. The “M” comes from the Roman numeral for 1,000. When you see a quote of $550/M, that means $550 for 1,000 boxes, or $0.55 per individual box. This convention is used across the industry because corrugated boxes are manufactured and sold in volume, and expressing prices per thousand keeps numbers manageable and easy to compare.
Price/M is the standard format you will encounter on quotes from corrugated manufacturers, including President Container Group. Understanding how to read and compare Price/M figures is essential for effective packaging procurement.
What Is Included in Price / M?
A Price/M quote typically includes the cost of corrugated board (priced by MSF), converting (cutting, scoring, folding, gluing), printing, and standard packaging of the finished product into bundles on pallets. It generally does not include one-time tooling or die charges, which are listed separately, or freight and delivery costs, which may vary by destination.
When comparing quotes from different manufacturers, make sure you understand what each Price/M includes. Some quotes may bundle freight while others separate it. Some may include setup charges in the per-unit price while others list them as a separate line item. Asking for a detailed cost breakdown ensures accurate comparison.
How Quantity Affects Price / M
Price/M decreases as order quantity increases, following a predictable pattern. Fixed costs like makeready and tooling amortization are spread across more units, and material costs may improve at higher volumes. A typical quote from President Container Group will show Price/M at several quantity breakpoints, such as 1,000, 2,500, 5,000, and 10,000 units, so you can see exactly how unit cost changes with volume.
This tiered pricing structure is why many buyers use blanket orders to lock in higher-volume pricing while scheduling deliveries over time. Committing to an annual quantity, even with periodic releases, qualifies you for the lower Price/M associated with the total run length.
Converting Price / M to Per-Unit Cost
To find the per-unit cost from a Price/M figure, simply divide by 1,000. A quote of $750/M equals $0.75 per box. To calculate your total order cost, multiply the Price/M by the number of thousands you are ordering. An order of 5,000 boxes at $750/M costs $3,750 (5 x $750), plus any applicable tooling charges and freight.
At President Container, our quotes clearly show both the Price/M and the total cost at each quantity level, along with any one-time charges, so you have complete visibility into your packaging investment. Submit a Request for Quote to receive detailed pricing for your specific design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is corrugated pricing expressed per thousand instead of per unit?
Per-thousand pricing is an industry convention that keeps numbers practical. A box priced at $0.47 each is easier to work with as $470/M, especially when comparing quotes across different suppliers, quantities, and box sizes. It also aligns with how manufacturers calculate costs based on production runs of hundreds or thousands of units.
Does Price/M include printing?
Standard printing (typically flexographic) is usually included in the Price/M quote. However, premium printing methods, special inks, or high-coverage designs may add to the per-unit cost. Your quote will detail any printing-related costs.
How do I get the best Price/M on my boxes?
Ordering at higher quantities, simplifying your design, and consolidating orders through blanket agreements are the most effective ways to lower your Price/M. Our sales team can also suggest design modifications or board alternatives that reduce material costs without compromising performance.
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President Container Group · 200 W Commercial Ave, Moonachie, NJ 07074 · (201) 933-7500