When it comes to shipping valuable or fragile goods, off-the-shelf packaging often won’t cut it. That’s where custom crates come in – designed to match your product’s size, weight, and shipping requirements for maximum protection and efficiency. Before you order your next set of containers, here are the top considerations to keep in mind.
1. Dimensions in Inches
Always measure your product precisely – length, width, and height in inches – to ensure the crate is built for a snug yet safe fit. Undersizing risks damage, while oversizing increases costs and wasted space.
2. Product Weight in Pounds
The weight in pounds directly affects the crate design, from the thickness of the wood to the reinforcement required for handling. A crate designed for 50 pounds looks very different from one meant for 5,000 pounds.
3. Heat-Treated Wood – Why It Matters
If your product is shipping internationally, your crates may be required to use ISPM-15 certified heat-treated wood. This treatment prevents the spread of pests and diseases across borders and ensures compliance with international shipping regulations. Without it, your shipment could face costly delays or rejection.
4. Distribution of Load: Point vs. Distributed
Not all weight is equal. If your product’s weight is distributed evenly, the container floor can be designed differently than if the weight is focused at a single point load (such as a piece of machinery resting on narrow feet). This distinction helps avoid structural failure in transit.
5. Cushioning Needs
Ask: does your product need surface protection (like foam lining to prevent scratches) or additional cushioning (such as foam inserts or blocking and bracing) to absorb shock and vibration? The answer depends on fragility, material type, and sensitivity.
6. Photos and Documentation
Have clear photos of your product ready for your crating provider. Images help engineers design crates that account for irregular shapes, delicate surfaces, or protruding parts.
7. Quantity of Crates
The number of units being shipped determines whether bulk crating, modular solutions, or individual crates make the most sense. Higher volumes may also affect pricing and efficiency.
8. Product Value
High-value products demand higher levels of protection, security fasteners, and sometimes even tamper-proof designs. The value helps balance cost vs. protection level in crate design.
9. Mode of Transportation
Whether you’re shipping by air, sea, rail, or truck influences crate requirements. Air shipments benefit from lightweight yet strong designs, while sea shipments need extra moisture protection and durability.
10. Destination and Conditions
Where is your crate headed? If it’s going overseas or through multiple handling facilities, stronger protection and ISPM-15 compliance are non-negotiable.
11. Shipping Configuration
Decide how the crate will travel:
- Set up: Fully assembled, ready for immediate use.
- Knocked down: Flat-packed for storage and assembled on-site.
- Partial: A hybrid approach for easier handling.
12. Outdoor Storage Requirements
If your crate will spend time outdoors, it may need weather-resistant coatings or materials to withstand rain, UV exposure, or temperature swings.
13. Stacking Considerations
Will your crates be stacked during transport or storage? If so, engineers must design them with reinforced tops and bottoms to handle the extra load without collapsing.
The Bottom Line
Determining your custom crate needs isn’t just about size – it’s about protecting your product’s integrity from the factory floor to the final destination. By considering dimensions, cushioning, value, transport mode, and compliance factors, you’ll ensure your product arrives safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
👉 Looking for custom crating solutions that check all these boxes? Arnold Packaging’s experts design, build, and deliver crates tailored to your exact needs – from one-of-a-kind builds to high-volume production.
📞 Call Arnold Packaging today at 855-276-6537 or email us at info@arnoldpackaging.com.
Laura Cadden
Arnold Packaging
Protecting Your Product & Your Profit
