Whether you use wooden containers for shipping or storage, you will eventually run into choices. The first choice you have to make is what type of crate or container you want to use for your products. Then, once products are either delivered or no longer needed, you next decision is what to do with the wooden shipping containers you have.

There are many possibilities if you think outside the box, so to speak. Figuring out what to do with a wooden storage container is easy if you consider the size and shape of the boxes. Many wooden containers can be reused in different ways. You could:

1. Disassemble a wood container and reuse the wood.

2. Recycle wood containers, or reuse them.

3. Sell used containers to those looking for a bargain.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn how to build wooden crates to your specifications

If you are a business that occasionally needs to ship products in crates, it might be beneficial to learn how to build your own custom crates. This saves you money on the purchase price of a new crate, and you can build the crate to the size and shape you need to best protect your product.

I recommend: Better Stained Glass has an extensive how-to article that walks you through the steps of creating a crate that is custom for your product. Or, you can check out this Make a Crate Tutorial Video that takes you through making a solid wood crate step by step.

Find ways to reuse or recycle wooden storage containers

If you want to improve your company's green efforts, consider reusing or recycling your wooden storage containers. If you choose to reuse your crates, make sure you carefully inspect each create before reuse to make sure the structure is still solid. And to recycle a crate, all you have to do is disassemble the crate and scrap the wood.

I recommend: The most important thing to consider when buying a used crate is its strength, so buying a product guaranteed to be reusable in the first place is the way to go. The crate products from Quick Crate carry such a guarantee. Check out this article from Observation Mountain to learn about the tools you need to make for your own wood recycling system. Or, you can just find a company to recycle the wood for you at RecycleNet.

Resell your wooden shipping boxes

Many companies that work with a tight budget look for ways to improve their bottom line by reselling some materials, including wooden shipping crates and containers. Whether storage containers are wooden, steel or plastic, there are plenty of buyers looking for used containers in good condition.

I recommend: BuyerZone.com offers an informative article that outlines all the ways a company can save money when buying and selling used wooden shipping containers. If you are ready to sell your used wooden containers, sign up for an account at Container Exchanger. This service matches you with buyers looking for the containers you have to offer.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Depending on the size of the wood crate you use, you can easily find buyers who will purchase your used crates for other purposes, such as scrap wood or furniture building.

If you are a small business that has to ship using wooden containers, then you need to find a reliable supplier that can offer you the best prices on their products. Before placing your initial order, you’ll have to estimate your wooden container needs and the grade of these containers.

Most often, if you order your wooden containers directly from the manufacturer, they can give you wholesale prices. Purchasing wholesale wooden containers can not only ease your outgoing expenditures, but allow you to set up a long term buying relationship.

1. Pick the type of containers that you require for shipping. You may need a mix of wooden storage containers including boxes and wooden crates.
2. Choose a wood container supplier to order your equipment from. Compare prices and the product lines of the wooden storage container supplier.
3. Work with the wooden container vendor to decide on the specifications for your crates and boxes. You’ll have to let them know the grade of the wooden containers that you wish to order.

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The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose a vendor with the right grade wooden storage containers

Not every supplier will carry both large and small wooden boxes. Narrow down your search by getting estimates from manufacturers that carry the correct grade of wooden containers that you are looking for.

I recommend: Look to companies like GateWay Manufacturing Inc. and Universal Forest Products that carry numerous sizes and styles of wooden storage and shipping containers. Order the crates and containers that are able to accommodate the products that you plan to ship out.

Purchase used or new wooden crates

If you require a wood crate for storage or shipping purposes, you can pick out this type of product from several different wooden crate manufacturers. However, you may want to avoid sending out a used wooden box to a shipping client since it does not hold up as well as a wood crate.

I recommend: The Admiral Box Company and Pak Rite Ltd. are two companies that both distribute wood containers that are returnable and reusable. They also offer packaging services and custom box orders to their customers.

Post a listing to a wooden container exchange site

If you have no luck finding a wood storage container supplier, then have the companies go directly to you. You can request that different manufacturers send you a quote on the different wood containers in their product line.

I recommend: Through the Wood Exchange site, you can submit a listing and allow wooden container suppliers contact you with the prices of their products. You can also browse current listings that wooden container manufacturers have posted.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There are several reasons that you should use a wood container to ship to your clients. These products are not only cost effective, but can handle rough handling and weather condition better than most shipping alternatives.

Wooden containers are used in many businesses for a variety of purposes, mainly warehouse storage and shipping products across the country or across the world. Many wooden shipping containers come in standard sizes and can hold a number of items or a single large item, such as a motorcycle, piece of furniture or machine.

Wooden containers are also used in warehouse storage, to make it easier to store oddly shaped or small items together. The pricing and costs of wooden containers depend on the product's specs, from the construction of a container to the materials it's made from. Here are some factors to consider:

1. The type and strength of wood used for the container.

2. The shapes and size of the wood container.

3. How long it takes to make a particular type of crate.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose used wooden storage container products

Businesses that need a real bargain will find it with used wooden storage containers. These not only save money, but also help reduce waste by reusing materials. Used crates cost $15 to $150, depending on size and condition.

I recommend: Container Exchanger is a place to post ads for those who want to buy and sell used wooden shipping crates and containers. If you are looking for either new or used crates at a location near you, check out the listings at WoodenCRATES.org. RecycleNet also offers a wooden pallet and crate exchange.

Buy pre-made wooden containers to save costs

If you want new storage or shipping containers for your products but don't want to spend the money on a custom built container, choose a wood crate manufacturer that can provide you with pre-made wooden containers. These containers are available in a range of sizes and shapes and cost anywhere from $60 to $200 per container.

I recommend: Craters & Freighters offer large, pre-made wood crate products for shipping and storing a number of products. Uline offers many shapes and sizes of wood container products for your shipping or warehouse storage needs.

Explore custom made wooden storage containers for your product

If you have items that need special protection during shipping or while in storage, a cookie-cutter wooden container may not work as well as a custom built product. Custom storage containers cost $45 to $500, depending on the size of the crate and the strength of the wood used to create the container.

I recommend: Industrial Wood Products not only offers pre-made boxes and bins in specific sizes, they can also manufacture any type of wooden crate made to your specifications. Hainley Packaging offers a free on-site estimate to determine the cost of a custom built crate, and no minimum orders.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Pay attention to the policies of wooden crate manufacturers when comparing prices between suppliers. Many manufacturers have a minimum order requirement.

Wooden Containers come in a variety of types and sizes, so choosing the right one for your shipping job takes some thought. If you are shipping something fragile, such as glass, a fully enclosed container lined with foam is best. You can ship less fragile items in containers built of slatted wood.

Purchasing containers is expensive, so consider lower cost alternatives such as purchasing used wood containers, leasing wood containers, or building containers using recycled wood.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Custom crating

If you have goods to ship that are bulky or of an unusual shape or size, consider having a crate built to your specifications. That way, you can ensure that the product arrives at its destination intact.

I recommend: Gateway Manufacturing explains the factors to consider if you need a custom crate, including transportation issues.

Solid shipping crates

When shipping fragile or breakable items, your best bet is a solid shipping crate. These crates are totally enclosed. The builders usually construct these crates using one solid sheet of wood per side. The strong sturdy sides can withstand damage and protect the contents.

I recommend: Better Stained Glass shows how to build solid shipping crates for fragile objects.

Heat-treated wood

One option to consider when purchasing containers is whether or not the wood has been heat treated. If you are using your container for shipping, it needs to be sturdy enough to withstand blows and droppage. One way to ensure a stronger container is to be sure the wood has been heat-treated. This means the wood has been heated to prevent insect infestation.

I recommend: Universal Forest Products describes the heat-treating process and explains its benefits.

Semi-sheathed crate with exterior battens

A semi-sheathed crate is constructed of wooden slats. It is reinforced with additional wood pieces called 'battens.' These battens are attached to the exterior of the crate for added protection.

I recommend: Nicklin shows a picture of a horizontally semi-sheathed timber crate with exterior battens and lists its benefits.

Leasing wooden containers

To reduce shipping costs, you might consider leasing wooden containers rather than buying them. Not only can it save money, but you also do not need to handle the warehousing of empty crates. For many people who ship goods, leasing proves to be the best option for their shipping needs.

I recommend: Universal Package Systems, a company that offers container leasing, explains how the system works and its advantages.

Used wooden shipping containers

Used wooden shipping containers are another cost-effective option. Companies collect and repair containers and later offer them for resale. Check them over carefully to be sure they are still travel worthy.

I recommend: BuyerZone.com discusses the benefits of used wooden shipping containers and gives information on selecting them.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Used shipping containers are marked with vehicle identification numbers (VIN). These numbers indicate the age of the container, which can assist you in deciding whether or not to purchase or reuse them.