A shipping carton having a force receiving area located adjacent opposing edges of the carton's top and bottom edges. The force receiving area is configured to deform in the presence of an external force and distribute that force through the force receiving area while minimizing the transfer of force directly to the appliance and minimizing damage to the surface panels of the shipping carton.

An impact-cushioning rib structure for a molded-pulp cushioning material is hollow and includes a top plate, a side wall, and an open bottom. A distance from the bottom to the top plate is a height of the impact-cushioning rib structure. At least one opening is in a range of half or less of the height in the side wall.