It aims to study varying pattern of deformation and compressive strength of corrugated cartons under non- uniform load. Local compression tests were firstly carried out to two different types of cartons, and then compressive tests with variable loading area were carried out to the same position of cartons. Finally, the experiment data was analyzed. Provided that the loading area was constant, compressive strength in the center of cartons was the worst while that in edges was the best. For rectangular cartons, the compressive strength in short edges was greater than that in long edges. Provided that the loading position of cartons was constant, the larger the loading area was, the greater the compressive strength of cartons was. With the increase of the loading area, the compressive strength of cartons increased exponentially. Non-uniform load had great influence on the compressive strength of cartons. Substantial deformation will be present in vertical direction of cartons when central section of the cartons carried non-uniform load. Therefore, corrugated cartons should be free from non-uniform load caused by local or staggered stacking during transshipment.