Strong shipping crates are essential for your business if your operations involve transporting vulnerable or unitised goods. A good crate will protect the shipments against the rigours of transit. In addition, the structure will keep the shipment stable, minimising the risk of some items falling out of the package. Under normal circumstances, you should acquire shipping crates from a pecialty dealer. However, if you need custom crates, you can build your own or hire a contractor for this purpose. Here are simple guidelines for creating the best crate for your needs.
Choose Your Material
The construction of a crate should begin with selecting an appropriate material. In general, shipping crates are built using wood, but there are different types of timber to evaluate before selection. When choosing your wood, it is essential to think about the type of shipment. For instance, if you are planning on placing heavy items into the crate, you will need resilient, high-density wood. If you are planning on using the wood for moving edible goods, you must avoid chemical-treated and recycled wood.
Consider Optimal Size
You should decide on the optimal size of your crates. If you are planning on utilising the shipping crates for diverse goods, you can build a crate similar to the standard options available on the general market. However, if you are interested in a truly custom box for unique goods, you will need to measure the potential shipment. This will guarantee that the goods fit perfectly into the container. If the crates are intended for reuse in the future within your business, it is important to consider all potential uses and build a versatile crate.
Decide on the Design
When building a crate, you can choose to build a sheathed or open crate. Sheathed crates are created as closed containers which conceal the shipment completely. Typically, this type of crate is made by creating a crate frame and then installing plywood or cardboard sheathing. This design is perfect if you want to protect the item from all external conditions. However, it is not necessary if the goods will be placed in a carton before being placed into a crate. The open design is cheaper to produce because it consists of the framing without the sheath. The design promotes ventilation of the goods, and it is suitable for goods which do not require comprehensive protection.
Finally, it is important to purchase high-strength, durable connectors for crate construction. If you choose the right nails and screws, your new crates will provide the best service.