Resources for Crates

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:

1. Closed, which is completely enclosed or almost completely enclosed with some gaps between the boards, allowing for expansion of the cargo inside the crate.
2. Open, which normally includes sheathing and has gaps wider than what is required for expansion.
3. Framed, which has only a supporting structure with no surface covering the crates.
   

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.

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.

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.

• 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.