What Items Require Custom Wooden Crates for Shipping?

Custom wooden crates are required for shipping items that are heavy, oversized, fragile, high-value, or irregularly shaped. At Pakrite Express in New York, we design and build custom crates to protect goods that cannot be safely shipped in standard boxes or pallets, especially during long-distance or international transport.

Why Certain Items Require Custom Wooden Crates

Standard packaging is designed for uniform, lightweight products. Items that exceed weight limits, have sensitive components, or require structural protection need custom wooden crating to prevent damage, shifting, or compliance issues.

Custom crates provide load support, internal bracing, and impact resistance that cardboard and standard packaging cannot offer.

Heavy and Industrial Equipment

Heavy items require crates engineered to support weight evenly and withstand forklift or crane handling.

• Manufacturing machinery and CNC machines

• Engines, motors, and compressors

• Construction and engineering equipment

• Server racks and data infrastructure

• Large metal components and tooling

These items often exceed standard freight limits and require reinforced bases and internal blocking.

Fragile and High-Value Items

Delicate or valuable goods require isolation from vibration and surface contact during transport.

• Fine art and framed artwork

• Antiques and collectibles

• Glass panels, mirrors, and sculptures

• Scientific instruments and lab equipment

• High-end electronics and control systems

Custom crates prevent movement and protect finishes from abrasion or breakage.

Medical and Sensitive Equipment

Medical and technical equipment often includes calibrated components that can be damaged by shock or misalignment.

• Imaging equipment such as X-ray or diagnostic systems

• Surgical equipment and tools

• Laboratory instruments

• Biotech and research devices

These shipments often require documentation, precision packing, and export-compliant materials.

Oversized or Irregularly Shaped Items

Items that do not fit standard packaging dimensions need custom crate designs to ensure stability.

Examples of Oversized or Irregular Items

• Designer furniture

• Sculptural or architectural elements

• Large speakers or display units

• Automotive parts or prototypes

• Film, TV, and museum set pieces

Custom crating ensures proper weight distribution and safe handling during transit.

High-Security or High-Risk Shipments

Some items require additional protection due to value, theft risk, or regulatory requirements.

• Aerospace components

• Defense or industrial technology

• Proprietary manufacturing equipment

• Museum and exhibition assets

Wooden crates provide a more secure enclosure and tamper resistance than boxes or shrink wrap.

International and Long-Distance Shipments

Many items require custom wooden crates simply because of how far they are traveling.

Why International Shipping Requires Crates

• Longer transit times increase handling risk

• Multiple transfer points require structural durability

• Export regulations require ISPM-15 certified wood

• Insurance carriers often mandate professional crating

Custom crates reduce customs delays and help meet international compliance standards.

How Pakrite Express Determines When Crating Is Required

At Pakrite Express, we evaluate every shipment based on objective criteria rather than assumptions.

Factors We Review

1. Weight and dimensions

2. Fragility and surface sensitivity

3. Value and insurance requirements

4. Shipping method and distance

5. Domestic or international destination

If an item cannot be safely shipped on a pallet or in a box, custom crating is recommended.

Why New York Businesses Choose Pakrite Express

For more than 40 years, Pakrite Express has supported New York manufacturers, designers, and production teams with precision-built custom crates.

• Established in 1982

• In-house crate design and fabrication

• ISPM-15 certified materials for export

• Experience across industrial, art, medical, and entertainment sectors

• Local pickup and nationwide shipping coordination

Contact Pakrite Express for Custom Wooden Crating in New York

If you are unsure whether your item requires a custom wooden crate, Pakrite Express can assess your shipment and recommend the safest solution. Contact our New York team today for a consultation or quote and protect your shipment with professionally engineered crating.

FAQs

What items require custom wooden crates for shipping?

Items that are heavy, fragile, oversized, high-value, or irregularly shaped typically require custom wooden crates for safe transport.

Are custom wooden crates required for international shipping?

Yes. Many international shipments require crates built with ISPM-15 certified wood to meet export regulations.

Can fragile items be shipped without a crate?

Fragile items may ship without crates only if they are small and properly protected, but custom crates provide the highest level of safety.

Do insurance companies require custom crating?

For high-value or industrial items, insurers often require professional crating to approve coverage.

Does Pakrite Express offer custom crating?

Yes. Pakrite Express offers custom crating and coordination throughout New York and nationwide.