EVC91003

Corrugated A-Frame Cup Carrier

This one-piece corrugated carrier folds into an A-frame to transport multiple beverages. Designed for foodservice, takeout, and event catering, it features a flat base with die-cut seats that separate cups during hand delivery.

The structure remains closed when the user grips the top handles together. Because the sides remain open and the top is angled, this carrier is intended for manual transport rather than parcel shipping or stacking.

  • Order custom samples, short runs, or production runs.
  • US-based. Nationwide service.
  • Nationally competitive pricing & delivery costs.
  • Available in a wide variety of configurations.

At a glance

  • Single-piece construction with die-cut cup seats
  • Closes when top handles are gripped together
  • Scales to fit specific cup counts and diameters

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Beverage Transport and Takeout Jobs

Multi-Cup Takeout

Useful for coffee shops, quick-service restaurants, and delivery drivers moving several drinks at once. The die-cut base separates cups during transit.

Event and Stadium Concessions

Allows attendees to carry multiple beverages with one hand. The A-frame walls transfer the weight to the handle.

Brewery Tasting Flights

Can be scaled down with smaller hole diameters to carry tasting glasses or sample cups from the bar to the table.

Office Coffee Runs and Catering

Helps individuals carry large beverage orders from a vehicle to a desk without needing a secondary bag or tray.

Foodservice and Event Operations

Food and Beverage Retail

Operations that need a flat-storing carrier that can be quickly folded at the counter. The open-sided design allows staff to verify the order at a glance.

Event Catering and Hospitality

Venues managing high-volume beverage service where attendees need a way to carry drinks back to their seats.

Craft Breweries and Taprooms

Businesses offering to-go flights or multi-pack growler sales that require a branded carrier.

When to Consider Enclosed or Locking Carriers

Parcel Delivery or Stacking

This carrier relies on a manual grip to stay closed and has an angled top that limits stacking. If shipping bottled beverages through a courier network, compare this to a fully enclosed partitioned box.

High-Speed Automated Packing

Because this A-frame involves manual folding and grip closure, operations looking for high-speed erection may want to evaluate pre-glued basket carriers.

Cup Fit, Board Strength, and Assembly Choices

Moisture Resistance

Cold drinks generate condensation that can affect standard corrugated board. If transporting iced beverages, discuss board treatments to help maintain base strength.

Assembly Labor

The carrier features side edges that fold inward. Discuss whether these edges can be pre-glued during manufacturing to save time at the packing counter, or left unglued for manual folding.

Handle Tear Resistance

The weight of the payload is carried by the top handle cutouts. For heavy loads, such as large sodas or craft beer flights, the board grade should provide enough tensile strength for the handle.

Cup Fit and Hole Diameter

The die-cut seats catch the taper of the cups. Providing exact cup dimensions helps the beverages sit at the right height.

Configuring the Carrier Layout

Cup Count and Spacing

The template adjusts to hold different quantities of cups. As you increase the grid size, the overall footprint expands automatically.

Hole Diameter

The circular cutouts can be adjusted to match the specific taper and height of the cups being packed.

Handle Height and Grip Clearance

The height of the carrying handle and the size of the finger cutouts can be modified for better ergonomics, especially on larger carriers.

Packing details

Base Deflection Under Heavy Loads

When configuring carriers for six or more large beverages, the center of the base carries substantial weight. A physical load test helps confirm if the board grade is stiff enough for the payload.

Additional notes

Base deflection and heavy loads

When configuring carriers for six or more large beverages, the center of the base carries substantial weight. A physical load test helps confirm if the board grade is stiff enough for the payload.

FAQs

Can this carrier hold different sizes of cups at the same time?

The standard layout uses a uniform hole diameter. If mixing drastically different cup sizes, the hole diameter should be sized for the smallest cup's taper, or a custom mixed-grid layout may be considered.

Can I stack these carriers in a delivery vehicle?

The A-frame design creates a peaked handle that limits vertical stacking. They are typically placed side-by-side on a flat surface.

What board type makes sense for this carrier?

A thinner corrugated board is often used because it folds cleanly. However, if the cups will sweat, a moisture-resistant treatment is worth discussing to help keep the base intact.

Does this carrier require glue or tape?

The main structure stays closed when the user holds the handles together. The side edges can be hand-folded, though some operations prefer them pre-glued during production for faster counter service.

How is this carrier delivered?

It is delivered flat to your location, ready to be folded as needed.

Should I test a sample before ordering?

Testing a physical sample with your actual filled cups helps verify the hole diameter catches the cup at the right height and the handle supports the total weight.

What happens if the cups sweat during transport?

Condensation can weaken standard corrugated board over time. If you primarily serve iced drinks, discussing a moisture-resistant board or coating with your supplier can help maintain the carrier's strength.

How do the short end walls stay up?

The short flaps at the ends of the base fold up and are held in place by friction against the angled side walls, providing longitudinal support to the base.

Review your cup dimensions, payload weight, and condensation risks to finalize a carrier that fits your beverage service.