Crates are self-supporting containers that may or may not have sheathing. A container is usually called a crate if it remains standing as a framed structure when the sheathing is removed. Otherwise, it is probably considered to be a box.
The difference between a box and a crate is an important distinction because of the difference in the way their strength is measured. Crates have a rated strength based on all six sides being in place. A box's strength, by comparison, is based on the weight it can carry before the ends, sides and top are put in place. Wooden crates are the most common and are typically large, strong containers used for transporting large, awkward or heavy objects.
The most common types of design for shipping crates are:
- Closed, which is completely enclosed or almost completely enclosed with some gaps between the boards, allowing for expansion of the cargo inside the crate.
- Open, which normally includes sheathing and has gaps wider than what is required for expansion.
- Framed, which has only a supporting structure with no surface covering the crates.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Buy closed shipping crates online
Closed crates provide the most secure protection for transportation. Wooden crates are usually constructed of 1/4 inch plywood and connected with bolts or hinges on all sides. A common size for a shipping crate is a cube 4 feet on a side with a capacity of 1 to 1.5 tons.
I recommend: Find a wide range of wood shipping crates and other shipping supplies at
Uline. This crating service runs monthly
specials that include catalog items, items sold only over the Internet and overstock items. As an alternative to wood shipping crates, check out plastic crates from
Case Technology.
Get custom shipping crates made for hard-to-pack items
Some items cannot be securely packed in the usual cubical crate or have other unusual shipping requirements. You can find some companies that will build custom shipping crates for you.
I recommend: Look at a
slideshow of wooden shipping crates that Ozark Custom Crates has made.
All American Crafting specializes in packing difficult items in crates for long distance transportation.
Combine a crating service with shipping when moving goods overseas
A forwarding agent has experience in packing and transporting a large quantity of goods to other countries and can handle the documentation, insurance and customs requirements for you.
I recommend: Find the type of crating that a full service company such as
Caseworks Crating and Shipping provides.
Export Packaging is experienced in packaging large goods into wood crates that must be disassembled to achieved a smaller cube size for more economical shipping.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Changes in humidity, pressure and temperature must be considered when deciding among which wood crates to use. This is the primary reason that the International Air Transport Association specifically allows only closed crates on airplanes.
The official source of Crates is the Crates page at Business.com
Featured Vendors
GlobalSpec.com: CratesProvides database of suppliers for crates. Includes catalogs, technical information, and supplier contact information.
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