diff --git a/code.json b/code.json
index e9ac180..0c896ac 100644
--- a/code.json
+++ b/code.json
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
     "name": "liliservices",
     "organization": "U.S. Geological Survey",
     "description": "Web services for LILI (LIDE (Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment) Information Management System)",
-    "version": "v1.2.1",
+    "version": "v1.2.2",
     "status": "Production",
 
     "permissions": {
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@
     },
 
     "date": {
-      "metadataLastUpdated": "2020-04-28"
+      "metadataLastUpdated": "2020-04-29"
     }
   }
 ]
diff --git a/liliapi/models.py b/liliapi/models.py
index 70a43c4..ad5af48 100644
--- a/liliapi/models.py
+++ b/liliapi/models.py
@@ -511,11 +511,10 @@ def get_next_empty_box(self, last_spot):
         cur_box = last_spot.box
         while cur_rack <= last_spot.freezer.racks:
             while cur_box <= last_spot.freezer.boxes:
-                # get the initial spot in the box
-                first_spot = self.filter(
-                    freezer=last_spot.freezer.id, rack=cur_rack, box=cur_box, row=1, spot=1).first()
-                # if this box is empty (does not exit), return it, otherwise continue to the next box
-                if not first_spot:
+                # check if this box exists (meaning the actual physical box is empty)
+                cur_box_occupied = self.filter(freezer=last_spot.freezer.id, rack=cur_rack, box=cur_box)
+                if not cur_box_occupied:
+                    # if this box is empty (does not exit), return it, otherwise continue to the next box
                     next_empty_box['rack'] = cur_rack
                     next_empty_box['box'] = cur_box
                     next_empty_box['row'] = 1