Abstract: A shipping unit is provided for accommodating a product, such as table, chest or the like, in an upright position within a foldable container of variable height. The upper portions of the side walls of the container are provided with a plurality of vertically spaced substantially parallel foldlines. Top closure flaps are provided at the upper portions of the container side walls and are foldable relative to the side walls into overlying relation about corresponding selected foldlines. A spacer means is positioned in sandwiched relation between the folded closure flaps and the product upper surface. The spacer means includes a base member having a peripheral configuration corresponding to the area delimited by the side walls of the container. Depending from the base member and affixed thereto are a plurality of retainer elements which snugly engage in encompassing relation peripheral segments of the upper surface of the accommodated product.