A system for dispensing electrical communications cable includes first and second containers of wire or cable wound on reels placed inside respective first and second cartons. The first and second cartons are disposed to be adjacent one another and a clear passageway extends completely through the cartons, the reels, and any internal support structures in the cartons that support the reels. An elongate rod is disposed in the clear passageway and extends at least from the left panel of the first carton to the right panel of the second carton.