Is Wood Crating Still the Best Option?
When it comes to shipping and transporting goods, one of the most popular options for packaging and protection has long been wood crating. But with the advent of new materials and technologies, is wood still the best choice for packaging and protecting your items during transit?
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF WOOD CRATING?
One of the main advantages of wood crating is that it is a natural and renewable resource. Unlike plastic or metal, wood is biodegradable and can be easily recycled or repurposed. This makes it a more environmentally friendly option compared to other materials.
Another advantage of wood crating is that it is relatively inexpensive compared to other options. While the cost of materials may vary depending on the type of wood and the thickness of the planks used, wood is generally less expensive than other materials such as metal or plastic. Additionally, wood is readily available, making it an easy material to find and purchase.
HOW DURABLE IS IT?
When it comes to strength and durability, wood crating is a solid choice. Wooden crates are built to withstand the rigors of shipping and handling, and can protect your goods from damage during transit. Additionally, wood is a good insulator, which can help protect your items from temperature changes and other environmental factors.
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES?
However, wood crating does have some drawbacks. One of the main disadvantages of wood crating is that it is heavy and bulky. This can make it difficult to handle and transport, and can also add to the overall cost of shipping. Additionally, wood is susceptible to moisture, which can lead to warping or rot if left in the weather for several months. This can be a concern when shipping goods that need to be kept dry. If your equipment needs to be kept completely dry, we are able to wrap the equipment in an airtight barrier bag with desiccant inside.
Another disadvantage of wood crating is that it is not always the most cost-effective option. While wood may be less expensive than some other materials, it can be more expensive than more lightweight and durable alternatives, such as injection molded cases or corrugated packaging. Additionally, some companies may prefer to use reusable or returnable crates, which can save money in the long run.
In conclusion, while wood crating is still a great option for packaging and protecting goods during transit, it is important to consider the cost, weight and environmental impact of your packaging materials. In some cases, alternative materials such as plastic or corrugated may be a better choice for your specific needs. If your object is light enough for one or two people to lift, a custom ATA case, injection molded case, or plastic container might be a better choice.
If you are unsure about what packaging style would be best for you, please contact us. We’d be happy to walk you through the varying cases and crates we offer to determine the best packaging solution for your product.
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