Crating refers to the process of packing and securing items, typically for shipment or storage, in a crate. A crate is a large, sturdy container, often made from wood, that provides structural support to protect goods from damage during transportation or handling.

Crating is an essential part of logistics and shipping, particularly for industries dealing with high-value, fragile, or oversized items. Crates can be built to meet any item’s needs. During Crate design many factors should be considered. This includes dimensions, weight, value, fragility, and final destination.

Custom packaging, blocking, and bracing are essential to proper crating. These crucial elements ensure your items arrive safe and sound.

Different types of crating:

• Large/heavy equipment crating and shipping
• Sensitive & fragile components crating
• On-site crating
• One way crates – usually nailed with no additional hardware
• Multiple trip crates

Crating Process

• Assessment of the Item: The first step is evaluating the item to be shipped, considering its weight, dimensions, fragility, and any specific handling requirements (e.g., climate control, vibration protection).
• Custom-Building the Crate: In many cases, crates are custom-built to fit the dimensions of the item. This ensures minimal movement inside the crate and optimizes the level of protection.
• Securing the Item Inside: Various methods are used to secure the item, including:
  • Foam Padding: Custom foam inserts can be created to cushion the item and absorb shocks or vibrations.
  • Strapping or Bracing: Heavy items are often strapped or braced inside the crate to prevent movement during transit.
  • Moisture Barriers: Items susceptible to water damage may be wrapped in plastic or sealed in vapor barriers to protect against humidity or moisture.
  • Palletizing: The crate may be placed on a pallet for easier forklift handling during transport.

Advantages of Crating

• Protection Against Damage: Crating provides robust protection against various forms of damage, such as impacts, drops, or exposure to the elements.
• Security: Crates, especially when reinforced with additional materials, deter theft or tampering during transit.
• Stackability: Crates are designed to be stackable, which maximizes space during storage or transportation, reducing shipping costs.
• Versatility: Crating can be customized for almost any kind of item, from industrial machinery to delicate artwork, making it a versatile solution.

Specialized Crating Techniques

• Heat Treated or ISPM 15 Crates: For international shipping, wood used for crates may need to be heat-treated or fumigated to meet International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM 15). This prevents the spread of pests or diseases across borders.
• Foam-In-Place Crating: Foam is sprayed around the item inside the crate, expanding to form a perfect fit around the object. This is often used for items with irregular shapes.
• Shock and Vibration Control: For highly sensitive items (such as electronics or medical devices), special cushioning materials or suspension systems can be incorporated to reduce the impact of vibrations or sudden jolts during transit.

Applications of Crating

• Industrial Equipment and Machinery: Heavy-duty crates are used for large industrial machines or parts to ensure they arrive in working condition.
• Artwork and Antiques: Museums, galleries, and collectors use custom crating to ship paintings, sculptures, and antiques safely. These crates may include climate control features.
• Automotive Industry: Parts such as engines or transmissions are often crated to protect them during transportation.
• Electronics: Servers, data centers, and other sensitive electronic equipment require specially designed crates with anti-static and shock-absorbing materials.

Crating is a key part of the supply chain and ensures that items, regardless of size or fragility, arrive at their destination intact and undamaged.

Hardware for Reusable Wooden Crates

With TCH hardware components, builders have the flexibility to customize crates to meet specific transportation needs. Our durable latches and handles are reinforced with a robust ridge, ensuring added protection against potential damage during transit.

Whether you’re building reusable, take-apart lay-flat crates or fixed-structure crates, our hardware offers the versatility and reliability needed to support any crate design.

1. Simple installation with no cutting needed.
2. A protective steel rib encases the latch for added durability.
3. Coil springs, secured beneath the mounting plate, adjust automatically to handle up to 0.16” (4mm) of misalignment.
4. The twist latch is securely staked to prevent accidental opening.

1. Heavy-duty surface mount handle with a protective steel rib.
2. Bail automatically springs back into position when not in use.

Foam In Crating

PE foam is crucial in crating applications, providing essential protection and support for sensitive or valuable items during shipping and storage. Here are key applications of PE foam in crating:

• Cushioning and Shock Absorption: PE foam is used as a protective lining inside crates to cushion items and absorb shocks or impacts that may occur during handling, transport, or storage. This prevents damage to fragile or sensitive goods like electronics, glassware, or precision instruments.
• Surface Protection: The foam helps prevent scratches, scuffs, or abrasions on delicate surfaces, ensuring that products arrive pristine. This is particularly important for polished or painted items such as furniture, automotive parts, or metal equipment.
• Void Fill and Stability:PE foam can be cut or shaped to fill empty spaces inside crates, ensuring that items do not shift during transport. This stabilization reduces the risk of items moving and potentially being damaged.
• Vibration Dampening: In situations where goods may be subjected to vibrations during transit (e.g., in trucks or airplanes), PE foam helps reduce vibration-related damage, especially for sensitive electronics and machinery.
• Temperature and Moisture Barrier:PE foam’s water-resistant and insulating properties make it useful in crating to protect against temperature fluctuations and moisture exposure, ensuring items remain dry and unaffected by environmental changes.
• Custom Inserts: PE foam can be custom-cut into inserts that are designed to cradle specific items, providing a snug fit for products of various shapes and sizes. This is commonly used in crating high-value or uniquely shaped items like medical equipment, sculptures, or industrial machinery.

PE foam is a versatile material that enhances the protective qualities of crates, ensuring that goods are transported safely and securely.