Wooden Containers Key Terms

Select the best wooden container for your shipping needs

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.

 

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

 

• 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.

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