"Just Strap it to a Pallet"

Why is it that when we are asked to "Just strap it to a pallet", we try to offer a higher level of packing?  Take a look at the photo below.  This item originated elsewhere but made a pit stop at our facility to get repacked when the "strap it to a pallet" method clearly didn't hold up against the rigors of LTL transportation.

We understand that full wood crating isn't always required but it is our job to get your shipment to its destination safely.  Keep in mind that the packing shown above does not comply with the NMFC packing standards and therefore can void the carrier insurance release values.  The packing below is our recommended alternative and is commonly foam lined for additional protection.

See more photos in our Gallery

Chaos! Fire! Destruction!------Check out our Movie Trailer!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ao6RgA0eSOc

Craters & Freighters Featured on Business Day with Terry Bradshaw!

It's Easy Being Green! Part 1

An unfortunate truth of the packaging business is that it creates tons of waste.  Dedicated to be part of the solution, Craters & Freighters has been implementing Green practices for years.

One of our favorites is the cardboard shredder. It is a specialized piece of machinery that eats up used boxes and sheets of scrap cardboard to produce a quilt-like matting.  While it can be used to cushion and protect items, our main use is for void-fill because no one likes getting those annoying peanuts.

The best part is that once it arrives at the destination, it can be reused or simply recycled with their other cardboard.  Since we purchased the shredder, we've estimated that we have saved approximately 1400 cu ft of packing material a year!  That's the more than a 15' x 12' room filled floor to ceiling!

How do you expect Grandma to open the crate?

Should this even be something you need to consider?  While most freight companies stop at the curb and ask to "sign here", Craters & Freighters has the unique ability to offer delivery that includes unpacking and removal of packaging materials. So go ahead and send her that new mobile scooter or six foot tall portrait of the grandchildren.  Just let us know when placing an order and we will make the necessary arrangements. 

Helping customers reduce costs without sacrificing service

Our customers rely on us to handle their most delicate and valuable items.  We understand the importance of our role to deliver our customer's goods in the same condition it was in their facility.

There are numerous factors that help shape the best packaging solution.  For example, the lab test rack shown below is roughly 7' tall.  If this was being shipped within the US, it would have likely been shipped upright, but this was going overseas.  Crating the cabinet upright would have exceeded the maximum height for most cargo flights.  The limited service would have extended the transit time and been extremely expensive.

To avoid these issues, we worked with the manufacturer to see if the cabinet can be laid down.  Since this was discussed before the item was completed, they were able to make some minor design changes to avoid the concerns with shipping it this way.  When it came time that the unit was ready to ship, knowing upfront that were were able to lay it down minimized the time required for us to prepare it for shipping. That, along with the increased access to flights, reduced the overall transit time from our customer to their customer overseas.