What are shipping wood crates?
Shipping wood crates are wooden boxes made to house large cargo or complicated heavy items in order to transport items safely. These boxes are usually heavy duty, made of heat treated lumber, plywood or sheathing and have an inbuilt pallet. This pallet allows forklifts or pallet jacks to maneuver and load onto transport vehicles.
Because there are innumerable items that fall into this category of shipping, there are many types of wood crates. Depending on their use, they can have many additional hardware that makes the crate’s functionality extend from front to end user. Some examples of shipping wood crates are:
- Open Slat wood crates
- Trade-show Crates
- Knock Down Crates
- Re-usable Crates
- Heat Treated Wood Crates
Invariably, there are different guidelines to shipping items both domestically and internationally. For example, some countries have restrictions regarding bark in wood, while all other international shipping require wooden crates to be either fumigated or heat treated – follow ISPM 15 certification. In order to determine if the crates are ISPM 15 compliant, look for crates marked with an HT Stamp or a IPPC mark.
In addition to certifications, you will determine your means of transportation. Container sizes and shipping conditions will also determine what type of crate is best for you. I will also help determine additional packaging materials will be required to maintain your items from corroding, shifting or even breaking. Some examples of additional attributes may include:
- Floating deck
- Mylar and wrapping
- Strapping
- Foam Cushioning
- Metal Brackets
- Casters
- Double entry pallet
- Bracing