When transporting delicate, high-technology and high-value capital equipment, the right wooden crate can make the difference between carrying out a safe relocation versus needing to make expensive repairs or replacements.
We have more than three decades of experience supporting OEMs and end users in high-technology industries to build and design the right crates to protect capital equipment in transit.
From our experience, here are five key things to consider when designing the right crate to transport your capital equipment.
Each piece of equipment has specific needs during transport. And it’s vital that you understand yours.
For example, high-technology capital equipment tends to be highly delicate and sensitive to shock, vibrations and temperature fluctuations.
You’ll need to understand exactly how sensitive the equipment is to each of these factors, so you can plan out how to protect it during transportation. For example, you might plan to use a vibration isolation base to reduce vibration or a controlled environment to regulate temperature.
You’ll also need to consider the optimal mode of transportation for the equipment, whether that’s by air, sea or land.
Your chosen mode of transportation will not only impact crate handling procedures, but also determine the negative environmental factors it will be exposed to during transit. For example, sea freight is not particularly suitable for equipment that’s highly sensitive to vibrations, and requires a high level of protection against moisture and water damage.
Finally, a wooden crate can add about 30 cm in each direction to the equipment’s dimensions. It’s important that you factor this in when planning your mode of transport. Otherwise, it could be over the size limit for the cargo hold or require special handling equipment as a result. Both of which, add costs and delay the delivery timeline.
So, when planning transportation, be sure to take the equipment’s total dimensions into account, including all its packaging.
The type of wood you use for the crate impacts its overall strength, durability and cost. Be sure to choose the right type of wood for the equipment and project.
Here are the three key types of wood to choose from:
Discover IES’s range of custom-made crates in our blog here.
A crate’s design plays a crucial role in how adequately it can protect high-value equipment during transit.
Closed crates are fully enclosed with solid panels on all sides, completely sealing the equipment inside from the outside world. This offers high levels of protection against dust, moisture and other environmental hazards.
When using a closed crate, the crate’s interior can also be outfitted with custom padding, shock absorbers and other protective features to cushion sensitive equipment against shocks and vibrations during transit. Note: Be sure to factor in your required protective features during design, as they’re very difficult and time-consuming to add in later in the process.
This makes closed crates a great option for sensitive equipment or equipment that needs to be kept in a controlled environment.
Skeletal crates (also referred to as “open crates”) provide structural integrity without completely enclosing the equipment inside.
This makes them much lighter than closed crates and easier to handle and transport. They also provide high levels of ventilation and natural air flow, which helps keep equipment cool. Lastly, they provide much easier access to the equipment inside should it be needed.
However, skeletal crates are unsuitable for items that are highly sensitive to temperature changes, dust or moisture, as they offer a low level of protection against the elements. As such, they’re far less commonly used than skeletal crates for transporting highly sensitive equipment.
Skeletal crates are ideal for large bulky and robust items that don’t need to be fully enclosed and that aren’t easily damaged during transit.
The crate’s base also plays a crucial role in protecting equipment against damage. Generally, there are three types of bases to choose from:
Finally, all items need bracing, whether that’s using ratchet straps, frames, chains, timber bracing or air-cushioning inflatable pillows. You may also need padding and cushioning (such as foam, bubble wrap or other) to protect sensitive equipment against shocks & vibrations.
Also consider whether you need to use sealants or waterproof materials (such as heat-sealed vacuum bags with desiccant) to protect against moisture or changes in temperature), and factor these into your design early on.
Do you plan on using your crate just once? Or will you need to re-use it multiple times? For example, if you need to transport equipment between shows and exhibitions or for routine maintenance and calibration.
In the event that you do need to re-use your crate, you’ll want to build the following features into your design:
Legislation associated with wooden packaging varies from country to country. But it’s your responsibility as the importer/exporter to ensure your crate meets all requirements.
Here are a few regulations you might need to consider in the UK:
If you’re unclear on which legislations apply to your specific project and region, check TIMCON, the timber pallets and packaging confederation, for guidance and legislative updates.
Learn more about the legal considerations for wooden packaging in our blog: Wooden Packaging: Legal Considerations for Export and Import.
Finally, the crate manufacturer you choose to work with can be the difference between a high-quality and reliable wooden crate and an unreliable one.
So we recommend partnering with a reputable, experienced and knowledgeable company that has:
Be sure to consult your selected crate manufacturer early on in your project, so they can create a plan, highlight any issues and find any required solutions in advance.
At IES, we’ve been supporting OEMs and end users in high-technology industries to design and manufacture high-quality crates for capital equipment since 1991.
Our service covers all aspects of crating and packing, from custom crate manufacture and export packing to freighting, if required.
Learn more about our crate manufacture and export packing service here.