Remember, the original box really was large. I could almost fit my tandem in one, but not quite. For most reasonably normal bikes, you will still be able to fit it into the box without much trouble. However, you won't have that extra six inches of length that you did last year nor will the bars fit without a bit of effort if you have a very long stem, but that is easily dealt with. The cardboard also seems a bit wimpier. That wouldn't make any difference at all if the baggage handlers would resist the urge to lay them on their side and then stack things on top of them.
I'll try to stop by and get some measurements when I am able. The station that got the new ones that I referred to is in Eugene, OR. (Yes, the station that is notorious for "forgetting" to take your bike off the train when you come to town.)