Shipping large equipment can be a challenging task. The size, weight and fragility of the equipment can make it difficult to ensure that it arrives at its destination safely and in good condition. One solution to this problem is to use wood crating for shipping and transportation. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of using a wood crate for shipping large equipment.
First, let’s look at the pros of using wood crating for shipping large equipment. One of the main advantages of using wood crating is the level of protection it provides for the equipment. Wood is a strong and durable material that can withstand the rigors of shipping, such as vibrations and impacts. Additionally, wood crates can be custom-built to fit the exact size and shape of the equipment, ensuring a snug and secure fit. This helps to minimize the risk of damage during transport.
Another advantage of using wood crating is that it can be used to ship items that have non-standard shapes or sizes that do not fit well in other types of packaging, such as boxes or pallets. This is particularly useful for large, bulky or oddly shaped equipment that may be difficult to package using other methods. A wood crate allows for the item to be bolted or secured to the wood in a way that is not easily done in other forms of packaging.
Lastly, wood crating can be used to ship items internationally. Many countries have regulations regarding the type of packaging that can be used for international shipments, and wood crates are often considered to be a suitable option. That’s why all our crates are made with ISPM-15 certified, heat treated lumber.
Now, let’s take a look at the cons of using wood crating for shipping large equipment. One of the main disadvantages is the cost. Wood crates can be relatively expensive to purchase compared to other protective packaging styles. Additionally, the weight of wood crates will also increase the shipping costs compared to plastic or corrugated solutions.
However, it is important to mention that we often design our crates to be reused if needed. The crates are designed to be strong enough to endure multiple trips and have removable tops, sides, or ramps so you can load and unload your item without damaging the crate. This helps spread out the cost of a single crate.
Another disadvantage is the weight of the wood crate. This will add extra weight to the shipment, which will likely increase shipping costs. Depending on the form of transportation, this may make a large difference in shipping costs. If transporting by road, rail, or ship, the difference will not be extremely large. However, if you are transporting by airplane, the weight increase will cause a major jump in cost.
In conclusion, wood crating for shipping large equipment can have its pros and cons. On one hand, it provides a high level of protection for the equipment, can be custom-built to fit the exact size and shape of the item, and can be used for international shipping. On the other hand, it can be relatively expensive and heavy. Ultimately, the decision to use wood crating will depend on the specific needs of the shipment and the equipment being shipped. It’s important to consider the cost, weight, and equipment sensitivity before making a decision.
If you think you may need custom crating in the future, please reach out to us on our contact us page. We’d be happy to help answer any questions and give you a free estimate. We also offer custom ATA cases, injection molded cases, foam, corrugated boxes, and more, so we’d be happy to advise you on whether a crate is ideal for your product or if you need a different style of protective packaging.
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.
No matter the size or sensitivity of your product, Vol Case has a protective packaging shipping solution for you.
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 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
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 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.
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.
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.
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