5 Common Mistakes Businesses Make When Selecting Shipping Crates

Shipping crates are an important part of many businesses. Whether you are sending machinery, electronics, food products, or fragile items, the crate you choose plays a major role in keeping your goods safe during transport. Yet many companies overlook key details when choosing shipping crates. This often leads to damaged goods, higher costs, or wasted time.

1. Ignoring the Weight and Size of the Goods

One of the biggest mistakes companies make is picking a crate without fully considering the weight and size of what they are shipping. It might seem obvious, but many businesses assume that any strong-looking crate will work.

If a crate is too small, items may not fit securely, leading to breakage or the need for extra packing materials. On the other hand, using a crate that is far larger than required wastes space and increases shipping costs. More importantly, if the crate is not designed to handle the weight of the goods, it may crack, collapse, or cause injuries during handling.

How to avoid this mistake:

• Always measure the length, width, height, and weight of your items before ordering crates.
• Confirm the load-bearing capacity of the crate matches or exceeds the total weight of the shipment.
• For heavy machinery or oversized goods, consider custom-built crates instead of trying to fit them into standard sizes.

2. Overlooking the Type of Material

Not all crates are the same. Businesses often choose crates based only on cost, without paying attention to the type of material. This mistake can lead to goods being exposed to moisture, pests, or rough handling.

For example, wooden crates are strong and affordable but may not be ideal for goods that need to remain dry, as wood can absorb moisture. Plastic crates are resistant to water and reusable, but they may not be strong enough for very heavy items. Metal crates offer excellent protection for high-value goods, but they are expensive and heavy to move.

How to avoid this mistake:

• Think about the journey your goods will take. Will they be exposed to rain, humidity, or long storage times?
• Match the crate material to the product type. For food and medical supplies, plastic or treated wood may be better. For heavy industrial parts, reinforced wood or metal may be necessary.
• Remember that durability and protection should come before short-term cost savings.

3. Forgetting About International Shipping Rules

Another common mistake is ignoring regulations for international shipping. Countries have different rules about what materials can enter their borders. Wooden crates, in particular, often need to be treated or certified to prevent the spread of pests.

If your crates do not meet international standards, customs may delay your shipment or even reject it completely. This not only causes frustration but can also lead to extra costs in storage fees, penalties, or re-shipping.

How to avoid this mistake:

• If shipping internationally, check the ISPM 15 standard, which applies to wooden packaging materials in many countries.
• Make sure your crate supplier can provide the necessary certification and markings.
• Work with a logistics partner who understands international rules and can guide you in choosing the right crates.

4. Ignoring Reusability and Storage

Some businesses look only at the immediate shipment and forget about long-term use. They may choose crates that are cheap but not reusable, leading to repeated purchases over time. Others select bulky crates that take up too much space in storage when not in use.

If your business ships regularly, reusable crates can save money in the long run. Stackable or collapsible crates can also help save storage space, making warehouse operations more efficient.

How to avoid this mistake:

• Consider the total cost of ownership, not just the purchase price.
• If you plan to reuse crates, check that they are durable and easy to clean.
• Look for designs that can be stacked or folded when not in use to save storage space.

5. Not Thinking About Handling and Safety

A crate may be strong, but if it is difficult to handle, it can slow down operations and create safety risks. Many companies choose crates without considering how workers will lift, move, or load them. This often leads to injuries or damage during transport.

For instance, crates without proper lifting points may require extra effort with forklifts or manual labor, increasing the chance of accidents. Overly heavy crates can also make handling unsafe and may violate workplace safety guidelines.

How to avoid this mistake:

• Choose crates with handles, slots, or forklift access points.
• Make sure the weight of a fully loaded crate is manageable for your team and equipment.
• Consider ergonomics and safety when making decisions, not just cost and size.

Final Thoughts

Shipping crates are more than simple boxes. They are an investment in protecting your products, your reputation, and your bottom line. By avoiding these common mistakes, businesses can ensure their goods arrive safely, on time, and without unnecessary costs.

To recap, the five most common mistakes are:

1. Ignoring weight and size requirements
2. Overlooking the type of material
3. Forgetting about international shipping rules
4. Ignoring reusability and storage
5. Not thinking about handling and safety

The next time you select shipping crates, take the time to measure your goods, consider the environment they will face, check regulations, plan for long-term use, and prioritize safety. A careful choice now can save your business time, money, and headaches later.