This paper describes the collapse characteristics of the rectangular tube under eccentric compressive load. Local buckling stress and maximum crippling load are investigated. A thin-walled tube under load is controlled by local buckling or yielding of material according to the ratio of thickness to width (t/b) of the cross section, and subsequent collapse of the section. The relationship can be divided into three regions : elastic , post-buckling and crippling . the load-displacement relationship is theoretically presented in each region by introducing the stress distribution of the cross section in the loading process. And the maximum load carrying capacity is derived in the closed form as a function of normal stress on the flange and web.