Stack and Nest Plastic Totes and Fiberglass Containers, 17-7/8 x 10-5/8 to 42-1/2 x 20 in
Stack and Nest Containers are rugged, reusable totes designed to deliver durability, organization, and space efficiency in high-activity operations. These containers stack securely when loaded to maximize vertical storage and nest compactly when empty, reducing clutter and wasted space during returns, staging, or off-shift storage. Built to withstand daily handling, they provide a reliable alternative to fragile or disposable containers.
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 Akro-Mils Plastic Stack & Nest Tote
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 Akro-Mils Plastic Container Covers
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 Kadon Plastic Stack & Nest Containers
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 Quantum Plastic Stack & Nest Containers
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 MFG Fiberglass Heavy Duty Containers & Lids
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 MFG ESD SAFE Fiberglass Containers
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 MFG ESD SAFE Fiberglass Covers
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 Orbis Ventilated Containers
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 Quantum Clear Stack and Nest Totes
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 Orbis Stack-N-Nest Plastic Container
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 LEWISbins Plastic Stack & Nest Containers
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 LEWISbins Plastic Stack & Nest Container Covers
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A stack and nest container has tapered walls and an asymmetric rim. Set one on another in the same orientation and it nests down inside, and rotate it 180 degrees and the rims engage so it stacks. That makes it the default for closed-loop operations with a return leg, at the cost of a little interior volume against a straight wall tote of the same footprint. The feature only works if operators turn the container, and an untrained crew builds unstable, half-nested columns. CustomMHS lists stack and nest containers from Akro-Mils, Kadon, Quantum, Orbis, LEWISbins and MFG, from 17-7/8 x 10-5/8 in up to 42-1/2 x 20 in outside.
Nest ratio is the number to compare. Four hundred empties at a 4.0:1 ratio occupy the space of 100, and at 2.5:1 they occupy 160, so the difference is real floor space and return freight. Check two load figures: the capacity per container, which runs from 150 to 200 lb on Kadon and up to 500 lb on MFG fiberglass, and the bottom container support rating, which limits stack height. Size by the inside bottom dimensions, since a part has to clear them.
Most plastic totes are HDPE and are frequently rated only to about 120°F. MFG fiberglass is rated for continuous use from -60°F to 250°F and does not deform under hot components, but it costs several times what a plastic tote does. For electronics, ask for measured surface resistance in ohms. A target of 10^6 to 10^9 ohms bleeds charge in a controlled way, and a material below 10^5 can be too conductive for charged device protection.
Product Lines
Akro-Mils and Quantum SNT stack and nest containers in nine matching sizes, Quantum clear SNT-CL totes, Kadon heavy duty containers rated 150 to 200 lb, Orbis Stack-N-Nest GS-Series containers and AF2416 ventilated containers, LEWISbins Polylewton containers, matching covers, and MFG fiberglass containers in 13 footprints with lids, dollies and conductive versions.
Selecting the Right Model
◆ Nest ratio, ask for the published ratio and compare it between models, since it sets empty storage and return freight
◆ Footprint, choose the outside footprint for the pallet, rack or conveyor, then the depth for the load height
◆ Material, choose HDPE for general use, and MFG fiberglass for heat up to 250°F, loads up to 500 lb, or automated systems
◆ Load, check both the per-container capacity and the bottom container support rating, since stack height follows the second
◆ Visibility, choose Quantum clear SNT-CL totes when contents should be identified without opening
◆ Airflow, choose Orbis AF2416 ventilated containers for produce, plants or wet parts
◆ Static sensitivity, choose MFG conductive containers for electronics, and ask for the measured surface resistance in ohms
◆ Covers and dollies, order covers, lids and dollies matched to the container model, since they are model specific
◆ Handling, train operators to rotate the container 180 degrees, or the stack will not hold
Containers, Totes & Trays Buying Guide
Not sure whether to stack, nest, or both?
See the stack and nest math in the Containers, Totes & Trays Buyer’s Guide
Where Commonly Used
Stack and nest containers are commonly used in closed-loop returnable programs, warehousing and distribution, line-side staging, produce and nursery operations, and electronics assembly.
CustomMHS carries Akro-Mils, Kadon, Quantum, Orbis, LEWISbins and MFG stack and nest containers. All purchases include the manufacturer’s factory warranty.