Global trading relies heavily on maritime shipping. Estimates reveal that about 80% of international cargo passes through the world's various waterways, making wooden shipping crates crucial for moving products across borders. Now, while most countries have port systems that can handle large volumes of commodities, only a few have excellent road networks or reliable air transport. (1)
As various types of cargo need different levels of protection during shipping, businesses need custom solutions to guarantee product freshness and integrity. Partnering with packaging and transport solutions providers helps boost logistics efficiency and address unique shipping challenges. Here are the most compelling reasons why you need to hire one:
Compliance With International Shipping Regulations
Packaging solutions providers use locally sourced high-quality timber in their products. A hardwood with a high ply count is ideal for enhanced strength and durability.
When shipping overseas, however, timber grades shouldn't be your only concern. Many countries require compliance with the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures no. 15 (ISPM 15). This mandates all international shippers to exclusively use debarked and treated wood packaging products, including wooden pallets, boxes, crates, packing cases, cable drums, and dunnage, to eliminate pests and diseases before use. (2)
If you need help or want to ensure compliance with international shipping regulations, you may explore our timber case options. Our company customizes packaging and transport solutions to fit your specific business requirements.
Custom Crate Sizes and Weight Capacities
There are no strict rules or universal size standards for crates used in international shipping. Many shippers from the US and Australia follow standard crate dimensions and consider the regulations in the destination country.
Packers often design the crate to fit the exact dimensions of the load precisely. As such, taking accurate size requirements is key to guaranteeing a snug and secure fit. It prevents movement inside the crate and reduces the risk of damage—whether you're shipping sensitive items, fragile equipment, or a piece of industrial machinery.
Companies cater to a variety of customization options, including bespoke sizes and custom dimensions for crates. Some offer on-site packaging options and can handle lightweight items to heavy and oversized cargo weighing up to 2,200 pounds (1,000 kilograms).
Reinforced Base and Sturdy Frame
Crate manufacturers will study the object's weight and distribution to determine the strength requirements for each section—base, sides, and top. The base absorbs most of the weight in most cases, so it's crucial to give extra attention here.
Custom wooden crates may have additional wood pieces at the base, arranged diagonally to help distribute weight evenly and prevent warping. For enhanced protection, packers can place additional support beams and thick cleats along the edges of the crate box.
It's also common to see metal corner brackets and plates to secure the joints at the base of the create. These measures prevent the crate from collapsing or the cargo from getting damaged during transit. Some place rubber mats at the base of the crate to minimize vibrations and protect the items from strong impact.
Bespoke Internal Support Mechanisms
Custom wooden crates can feature internal braces to hold the load in place and prevent shifting. Similarly, straps and tie-down points secure the item within the crate and guarantee stability across the entire shipping process.
Using foam lining and rubber pads in the crate's interior is a common practice for secure packaging. These provide cushioning and absorb shocks during transport, particularly useful for fragile items. If the load consists of multiple items, wooden packaging solutions can create custom compartments to hold each product securely.
Heavy machinery can benefit from additional customizable hardware options like saddles and cradles for added support and stability. These are wooden bases or frameworks that secure curved, circular, or tubular items during transit, including medical equipment.
Protection From the Elements
Multimodal transport, including trucking, rail, maritime, and air, is available in economic hubs. These systems will get even better, thanks to "smart port" development. Regardless, all cargo must have adequate protection to withstand the toughest conditions during long-distance shipping. On top of the ISPM 15 heat treatment, some also apply moisture-resistant coatings on their wooden crates to protect the load from humidity and moisture.
Ensuring proper ventilation is another must-do to prevent moisture buildup inside the box. Wooden packing crates often feature a slatted design that's ideal for items that don't need a fully enclosed box. In some instances, you might see ventilation holes in the crate to allow excellent airflow, particularly for loads that are sensitive to moisture or temperature changes.
Lifting and Handling Features
Heavy and oversized products are understandably more difficult to manage. Fortunately, premium quality wooden crates can facilitate secure transportation, storage, and machine or manual transfers.
For example, packaging solutions providers can add handles on the sides of the crate for easy lifting and handling or accommodate modifications for side-loading crates. In some cases, they use industrial packaging products like heavy-duty metal or plastic straps to secure the crate and provide additional support.
On top of wooden crates, you can request to add slots and skids for forklifts so it's easier and safer to move the box with machinery. Built-in pallets offer the same benefits. Providers may install casters or lockable wheels for smooth transport while preventing cargo from rolling unintentionally during transit.
What Role Do Pallets Play?
Wooden pallets provide a stable and elevated base, which helps distribute the weight of heavy loads evenly across the surface. More importantly, these timber bases protect cargo from direct contact with the ground to prevent moisture and contamination.
It comes as no surprise that the global demand for pallets is increasing. Estimates suggest that the sector's total market value will reach USD$ 3.3 billion by 2030, growing cumulatively by 5.3% from 2024 to 2030. (3)
Pallet manufacturers can design custom timber pallets that support easy handling with forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material-handling equipment. These modifications make it easier to move and transport heavy loads efficiently and without fear of damage.
Standard pallets may differ from export pallets in terms of size, design, and features, especially since they're covered by ISPM 15. Like timber crates, you can customize pallets to accommodate heavy business demands and your specific shipping needs.
Final Thoughts
There's no cookie-cutter approach to providing maximum protection for cargo. Most of the methods above provide reliable solutions, but your cargo might need extra care or a more innovative approach.
It's crucial to partner with a logistics services provider that offers a wide range of personalized solutions. If you're in Melbourne and other major cities in the world, you're lucky to have access to a few companies that fit the bill. You know you've found the right one if they're just as invested as you are in achieving operational efficiency for your business.
Citations
1. "Container shipping – statistics and facts". Source: https://www.statista.com/topics/1367/container-shipping/
2. "Regulation of wood packaging in international trade". Source: https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/1c3586f8-1433-4239-a997-cf8e8d34fb97/content (see pages 8-11)
3. ‘Wood Pallet Market report 2024: Global Trends, Forecast, and Competitive Analysis to 2030 – Standardized and Efficient Logistical Procedure Requirements and Reusability Driving Growth – ResearchAndMarkets.com.’. Source: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240424031052/en/Wood-Pallet-Market-Report-2024-Global-Trends-Forecast-and-Competitive-Analysis-to-2030---Standardized-and-Efficient-Logistical-Procedure-Requirements-and-Reusability-Driving-Growth---ResearchAndMarkets.com
