Integrated paperboard container and pallet system

A method of making an integrated container and pallet comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing an upstanding wall portion having a pair of oppositely-disposed side walls, and a pair of oppositely-disposed end walls each extending between said side walls intermediate a first and a second edge fold line, each of said side walls having at least one side tab extending downwardly therefrom, and each of said end walls having a central vertical fold line disposed intermediate said first and said second edge fold line and being inwardly folded on said central and said first and second edge fold lines collapsing said wall portion;
• (b) providing a deck portion formed as a generally planar member having an upper side forming a floor surface and a lower side forming a support surface, said planar member having edges forming a generally polygonal periphery and having a first opening therethrough for each said side tab, each said first opening being disposed along one of a first pair of opposite edges of said polygonal periphery;
• (c) providing a first and a second runner each formed as having a top wall, each said top wall being attached to said lower support surface for supporting said deck portion between said first and second runner and having a slot therethrough for and in registry with each corresponding said first opening of said deck portion;
• (d) inserting each said side tab from one of said side walls through a corresponding said first opening and slot;
• (e) outwardly expanding the collapsed wall portion about each said central and each said first and second edge fold line to space apart said side and said end walls;
• and
• (f) inserting each said side tab from the other of said side walls into a corresponding said first opening and slot to attach said wall portion to the floor surface of said deck portion forming said integrated container and pallet.