Abstract: Paper suitable for use in corrugated shipping containers is provided. Medium paper of this invention has a basis weight of at least about 15 pounds and a relatively high cross-direction crush resistance typically exceeding 2.4 pounds force per six inches width per unit base weight of the oven-dried product in lbs/1000 ft.sup.2. Linerboard of this invention has a correspondingly greater cross-direction crush resistance. The paper is preferably produced by applying starch solutions at high percent solids at elevated temperatures using a size press technique to provide at least about 30% of the starch in a defined inner zone of the paper sheet. The strength of the paper is improved through a carefully controlled distribution of the starch throughout the thickness of the paper.