Custom Box with Foam Insert vs ATA Case
When it comes to packaging and shipping your products, you have a number of options to choose from. Two popular choices are custom corrugated boxes with foam inserts and custom ATA cases. Both options have their own set of pros and cons, and the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
WHAT ARE CUSTOM BOXES?
Custom boxes with foam inserts are generally made of corrugated cardboard and a custom foam insert inside to provide a degree of cushioning and protection for the contents. They are generally lightweight, easy to find and can be customized to fit a wide range of items. They are more cost-effective than custom ATA cases and are suitable for most standard shipping and storage needs. For example, if you need to transport items that are not extremely sensitive or valuable, a custom box with foam inserts would be a great option.
WHAT ARE ATA CASES?
Custom ATA cases, on the other hand, are typically made of a hard plastic or wood and include custom foam inserts to provide maximum protection for the contents. They are designed to withstand impact, water, dust, and extreme temperatures. They are often used to transport and ship fragile, valuable, or sensitive equipment. They are more expensive than custom corrugated boxes, but they are the best option for items that require the highest level of protection. For example, if you need to transport or ship items that are fragile, valuable or sensitive such as camera systems, radiation detection devices, or high-tech electronics, a custom ATA case would be the best choice.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
When comparing custom boxes with foam inserts and custom ATA cases, the key difference is the durability of the outer shell. Corrugated boxes will not hold up against impact, repeated use, and water, as well as an ATA case will. Therefore, if you plan on shipping the item multiple times or it may be exposed to the elements, then an ATA case is the best choice.
Another difference between the two is the cost. Corrugated boxes are generally significantly less expensive than custom ATA cases. This is because they are made of less expensive materials and are easier to produce. Custom ATA cases will likely also include longer lead times to manufacture.
In addition to protection and cost, there are other factors to consider when choosing between custom boxes and ATA cases. For example, if you need to transport or ship your items overseas, ATA cases may be the better choice because they are designed to withstand the rigors of international shipping. On the other hand, if you need to store your items for an extended period of time in a small area, corrugated boxes may be the better choice because they take up less space.
In conclusion, custom boxes with foam inserts and custom ATA cases are both great options for packaging and shipping your products. The best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you need to transport or ship items that are highly fragile, valuable, or sensitive, an ATA case will be your best bet. Otherwise a custom box with foam inserts would suffice. It’s important to consider factors such as the level of protection required, cost, and shipping or storage requirements when making your decision.
ABOUT VOL CASE
Volunteer Case & Container is the oldest custom crate and case manufacturer in the East TN area. Founded over 30 years ago, all of our protective packaging solutions are still designed and assembled at our facility in Oak Ridge, TN. We specialize in custom wood crates, ATA cases, wood or plastic containers, injection molded cases, and waterjet or CNC cut foam inserts. Our customers span a variety of industries including nuclear, government, aerospace, military, medical, R&D, and more. Our team has experience designing and building everything from huge wood crating for 70,000+ lbs machinery to small injection molded cases for key-sized objects. Whatever your needs, our team works on quick turnaround times to provide you with high quality protective packaging. Contact us today for a free quote.
OUR PRODUCTS
No matter the size or sensitivity of your product, Vol Case has a protective packaging shipping solution for you.
Wood Crates
All of our crates are stamped and certified for international export. Whether you need a single small crate delivered to you or dozens of oversized crates built onsite at your facility, we can handle the job. Our crates are fully customizable and can include foam, shelves, shock absorbers, ramps, latches, and more. We have experience building both commercial and military crates for equipment weighing 70,000+ lbs. Learn more here.
ATA / Road Cases
ATA / Road cases are best for highly sensitive objects that are light enough for one or two people to lift and move around. Our ATA cases can be either wood or plastic siding and all have durable metal edging. All ATA cases come with custom foam interiors and can have any number of wheels, handles, partitions, straps, latches, and more. Our cases are split or pop riveted together to ensure maximum strength and durability. Learn more here
PE & Wood Containers
If you need something lighter or cheaper than an ATA case, our PE and wood containers are the solution. PE containers are made with a strong, but lightweight, plastic siding and no metal edges. This provides a lighter and cheaper option to an ATA case, while still very durable. Our wood containers are made with wood sides and metal edges and are our most cost effective case option, but are heavier than the PE version. Learn more here.
Trunk Cases
Trunk cases are perfect for equipment regularly transported by box truck. Our trunk cases come in three sizes: Small - 22.5” x 30” x 30”, Medium - 22.5” x 45” x 30”, & Large 30” x 45” x 30”. These exterior dimensions allow them all to fit neatly in a box truck for maximum capacity. All trunk cases include handles, latches, four swivel castors, and castor cups on top to allow for secure stacking. As needed, labels, dividers, and foam can be added as well. Learn more here.
Injection Molded Cases
We are a certified distributor for Pelican, SKB, and Nanuk cases, meaning we offer better pricing than you’ll find anywhere else. All of our injection molded cases are watertight, comply with military specs, and are built to withstand the harshest environments. Custom waterjet or CNC cut foam inserts are available for all cases for maximum protection. Whether you need a case to hold one object or many, we can design a case for you. Learn more here.
Waterjet & CNC Cut Foam
We offer a wide range of foam types, densities, and colors to best fit your needs. We offer foams types such as PE, PU, Crosslink, and Zote foam. All of these are available in a variety of densities depending on the weight and sensitivity of your equipment. We also offer colors other than the standard black/charcoal and have options such as anti-static. All these foam varieties can be waterjet or CNC cut to perfectly fit your product. Learn more here.
CONTACT US
Whether you need one wood crate or hundreds of ATA cases, we’d love the chance to earn your business. All of our designs and quotes are done for free without any purchase required. We are able to work off dimensions/CAD files that you provide to us or we can visit your facility to take measurements of the equipment.
(865) 481-3801
sales@volcase.com
328 Warehouse Rd. Oak Ridge, TN 37830