The Pros and Cons of Wood Crating for Shipping Large Equipment

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.

WHAT ARE THE PROS?

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.

WHAT ARE THE CONS?

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.