More than Just Wooden Crates: What You Need to Know About the Crating Process
Often underestimated, the role of wooden crates for the successful transit of a variety of goods is crucial. There is no such thing as just wooden crates. Crating is a technique that enhances safe transfer of the most fragile and valuable assets making specialty and international shipping possible anywhere across the world. The crating process has its specific industry requirements, while it very much depends on the particularities of each shipment. Here is what you need to know about crating and wooden crates:
· International shipping requires ISPM-15 certified wooden crates. The ISPM-15 stands for International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures no. 15, a measure developed by the International Plant Protection Convention specifying that wood materials with a thickness greater than 6 mm need to be debarked, treated, and stamped when used to ship products between countries.
· Wooden crates are not one and the same thing with wooden boxes. The two terms should not be confused. The main difference between wooden crates and wooden boxes in the way they are rated: the strength of wooden crates is calculated based on the weight that they can carry with the top in place, whereas the strength of wooden boxes is calculated before the top, end, or side is installed.
· There are several types of wooden crates used in the shipping industry across the world. In Canada, wooden crates depend very much on the type of asset they carry, which means that there are special crates for antique furniture, heavy equipment, sensitive items, or valuable pieces of art. Customized wooden crates often make the difference between a successful delivery and a disaster. Basically, technology makes it possible for shipping operators to design and produce any type of wooden crate for any item of any shape or size.
· Custom wooden crates may also involve the use of specialized materials and techniques for packing, which often refers to cushioning or foam-in place solutions to properly secure the shipment. Therefore, wooden crates are not only safe, but also convenient. A specialized shipping company will handle just as efficiently a sensitive lightweight shipment and thousands of pounds equipment. And you won’t have to worry about a thing!
· Crating is a versatile process that can occur both on-site and off-site depending on the actual requirements and needs of the customer, as well as on the scope of the project. That makes wooden crates very flexible solutions in design, shape, and purpose. Most well established and experienced shipping companies are perfectly prepared to meet just about any need related to crating in general and wooden crates in particular.
· Wooden crates protect shipments, ensuring a safe delivery and maximum reduction of risks. In addition, shipping experts use rigging, blocking, and bracing to further secure the wooden crate during transport and handling and prevent any potential damage.
As you can see, there is plenty to know and learn about the crating process. Once you understand the complexity beyond the seemingly simple wooden crates, you also understand just how many safety measures are implemented to make sure that your goods get safely to their new home. Navis Pack & Ship Toronto offers custom crating solutions that comply with all standards to ensure your shipment arrives safely.
