7 advantages of using wooden export crates (and 5 disadvantages)

One of the critical benefits of wooden export crates is their durability and strength. These properties make them inherently suited to protecting large, heavy, complex items during transit.

They are largely resistant to knocks, mishandling and impact, protecting contents during their time in transit. As a result, they help to minimise instances of damage during shipping.

In turn, fewer (if any) items arrive damaged, preventing the need for costly returns, replacements or refunds. It also ensures happy customers and can improve customer loyalty and repeat business.

Wooden export crates are relatively inexpensive compared to alternative options such as plastic dolavs, GRP, or rotationally moulded cases. They are, however, more costly than heavy-duty corrugated packaging.

However, it is vital to consider all costs, not just the initial price of your crates.

As wooden export crates can be manufactured in custom sizes, they can help enhance protection, minimising costs associated with damage. They can also improve transport efficiency – and therefore costs – by preventing the shipping of empty space.

Although it is easy to overlook, due to their popularity and widespread use, wooden export crates are widely accepted by ports, freight providers and businesses taking delivery of goods.

Whilst there are several standards and regulations that the crates must adhere to – for example, ISPM 15 heat treatment of the timber – it is generally straightforward to use wooden crates for your export packaging.

Wooden export crates use natural materials in their construction. Besides the obvious sustainability benefits, the material’s properties provide many benefits, too.

Timber packaging is typically manufactured using softwood due to its lighter weight (than hardwood), better shock absorption, ease of workability, and cost-effectiveness.

Softwoods, such as pine or spruce, are also more abundant, grow faster, and are generally more sustainable. Additionally, some softwoods offer natural moisture resistance, contributing to the protection of contents during transportation.

Suppliers usually design wooden export crates as a “single trip” solution. However, the reason for this is simply that it is often not cost-effective to return the empty crates for reuse after the initial delivery.

Due to their durability and longevity, you can use wooden export crates as part of a returnable supply chain loop or repurpose them for other applications.

The timber used to manufacture wooden export crates is fully recyclable at the end of its usable life. As export packaging is mainly for B2B (business-to-business) applications, well-established waste and recycling streams are typically available post-shipping. They are also biodegradable.

However, it is essential to note that, besides recyclability, the construction of wooden export crates makes them repairable. This feature means that, even if they become damaged, it is possible to repair and reuse them.

Arguably, the most crucial benefit of using wooden export crates is their customisation options.

As already highlighted, the provision for custom sizes can significantly improve product protection during transit by minimising the potential for movement within the case. Bespoke-size crates also reduce shipping costs through improved space efficiency.

However, other options, particularly integral pallets for improved handling and manoeuvrability or foam inserts for additional cushioning, can frequently make wooden export crates the most suitable packaging for a vast range of applications.

Whilst softwood is considerably lighter than hardwood, timber export crates are still among the heaviest forms of packaging.

Although this poses little of an issue for sea freight or road transit, it makes timber cases expensive if shipping by air. For this, lightweight containers such as aluminium cases are frequently more cost-effective.

Softwood is more water-repellent than hardwood but is still susceptible to moisture. It also does not keep contents dry if it becomes wet (and is definitely not submersible).

If it is vital that the parts or equipment you are shipping do not become damaged by water, plastic cases such as roto mould or GRP options are usually a better choice.

Similarly, moisture ingress can make wooden export crates unsuitable for ferrous metal products (which could suffer from corrosion) unless additional VCI packaging is employed.

Whilst wooden export crates are solid and robust, they can split, be punctured or splinter in cases of severe mishandling.

Whilst this is unlikely, other forms of export packaging, such as plastic cases, can mitigate this potential.

You should also consider that the protection provided by timber crates – as with most other export packaging – can be improved further with a range of inserts (particularly foam). Timber can also be an essential component of most composite packaging for particularly technical or demanding packaging requirements.

Wooden export crates offer slightly less security than most other forms of shipping packaging (with the exception of corrugated cardboard packaging).

Timber can be relatively easy to cut, whilst nailed and even screwed panels can be prised apart if a thief is determined enough.

Whilst this is a very minor consideration, other forms of export packaging may be more suitable for very high-value items (that would be attractive to thieves).

Finally, although wood is a natural resource you can recycle, wooden export cases may find their way into landfills at the end of their life.

Similarly, if the timber used to construct the crates is not from sustainable sources – such as being FSC certified – it can lead to several other environmental issues (for example, deforestation).

It may also be the case that, as part of a returnable supply chain, export packaging with a longer lifespan (including plastic) may be a better option (through reduced use of resources).

Deciding on the right export packaging and whether to use wooden shipping crates can seem quite daunting. With tick boxes to check and regulations to follow, you are far better off finding a packaging provider who can both supply the packaging you need and ensure it is the best option for your application.

At GWP, and as part of Macfarlane, we have extensive experience manufacturing wooden export crates to the exact specifications you require. Crucially, we also offer a range of alternatives, ideally placing us to provide you with genuinely impartial advice on the export packaging most suited to your application.

So, if you would like further information and advice on wooden export crates and whether they are a good fit for your business, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

What is ISPM 15? A comprehensive guide

Export packing lists – 10 crucial details to include in 2024

Export packaging guide – 7 considerations for international shipping

17 reasons to switch to returnable transit packaging

Analysis: Single trip packaging vs returnable packaging

Transit cases – how to decide which is right for you

Shipping cases: 5 options for safe transit of your goods

Equipment damage: 8 causes of products breaking in transit

7 tips for shipping high value equipment, tools and parts