What Is Custom Crating?
Custom crating is one of the best ways to ship valuable items during a move. Read our guide to learn more about what custom crating entails.
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Custom crating is a cost-effective method of packaging and transporting fragile items such as antiques, invaluable artwork, or family heirlooms. Custom crates are superior to standard packaging and give you the peace of mind of knowing your items will arrive at your new residence safely and intact.
Our guide below breaks down the benefits of custom crating, the kinds of fragile items that custom crating moving services can package, and how to choose the best custom crating company for your needs.
What Types of Items Require Custom Crating?
You can pack almost anything in custom crating in preparation for a move. More specifically, you should consider crating the fragile and expensive items below:
- Aerospace and automotive parts
- Antiques and fine art, including valuable paintings
- Electronics and medical devices
- Industrial machinery and equipment
- Trade show displays and exhibits
If you aren’t sure whether you should use custom crating, consider whether you can risk damage to the items you need to ship. If you can’t, you should probably hire a custom crating company.
Benefits of Using Custom Crating Services
Custom crating is a high-quality packing service designed to safely transport items to a new space. Below are some benefits of custom crating:
Superior Protection for Valuable Items
One of the most obvious benefits of custom crating is the protection it provides for valuable items. Companies design custom wood crates to match each item you need to ship, creating a snug, secure fit. This prevents shifting that could cause damage during transportation. Standard packing and shipping services don’t include this custom-built cushioning.
Compliance With Shipping Regulations
Shipping items for a move can be confusing and expensive. Custom crating services help eliminate some of the guesswork involved. These companies have experience in shipping regulations and requirements and can provide custom pallets that meet strict guidelines for hazardous materials. This helps you avoid delays.
Cost-Effective Shipping Solutions
Custom crating is a cost-effective shipping solution. It can be more expensive than other shipping methods upfront, but it will probably save you money in the long run by preventing damage and minimizing the risk of expensive repairs or replacements. Many custom-built crates are reusable, which will save you money on future moves.
Materials Used in Custom Crating
Custom crating is typically made of wood, plastic, or metal, while the interior of each crate is typically filled with foam to protect your items.
Many factors influence which materials your moving company uses for custom crating, such as the weight and fragility of a particular item, the shipping distance, climate conditions, and your budget. Talk to your moving company about which materials it typically uses for crating and shipping and whether these methods work with your needs.
The Custom Crating Process
The custom-crating process starts when the client provides detailed information about a particular item to the moving company, such as dimensions, fragility, weight, and any other special requirements.
The crating company then designs a crate tailored to the client’s specifications. The crate could be made of wood, plastic, or metal. The company packs the item inside the crate, labels the crate, and then ships it to your new address.
How To Choose a Custom Crating Company
Choosing the right custom crating company is important to the overall success of your move and to the transport of your belongings. Below are some of the criteria to look for when hiring a company.
Experience and Expertise
The company you pick should have a proven track record of designing and building quality crates for the types of items you want to ship. If you plan to crate and ship valuable artwork, look for a company that has experience shipping artwork. The company should have an expert understanding of all shipping regulations and requirements.
Customization Options
The crating company you work with should offer a broad range of customization options to meet the needs of every item you need to ship. For example, if you need to ship both antiques and artwork, the company should be able to accommodate that request. The company should also offer additional protective features, such as custom labeling and branding.
Customer Service and Support
The company you hire should be responsive and helpful, offer top-notch customer service, and share clear guidelines and policies. Representatives should be available to answer questions and address concerns.
Read reviews online when researching moving container companies, and pay attention to what other customers have had to say. Talk to friends and family members about the best moving companies they’ve worked with, and ask if they have any recommendations.
Our Conclusion
There’s no better way to ship fragile and priceless items than with the help of custom crating services. Custom crating keeps your valuables safe while in transit and gives you peace of mind throughout the moving process. Research each crating company you’re considering carefully. Read reviews online, talk to family members and friends, and make sure each company can answer your questions. Working with the right custom crating company can make all the difference.
FAQ About Custom Crating
What does crating mean?
Crating means packing something in a crate for transportation. Crating is frequently used when a homeowner moves from one location to another.
What is crating used for?
Crating is used for packaging items that are too fragile or valuable to ship in a standard moving box. Crating is ideal for artwork, antiques, family heirlooms, and oddly shaped items.
What does a crating company do?
A crating company provides custom wooden shipping crates for valuable or fragile items. The crating company works with the homeowner and movers to safely transport packaging.
What is a crated package?
A crated package is a package or box that ships inside a heavy-duty crate. These packages are usually inside wooden crates, metal crates, or plastic crates.
How much does custom crating cost?
Custom crating varies in price depending on the materials a company uses, the size of custom packaging, any special transport conditions, and your budget. Talk to your moving company about rates for custom-made crating before signing a contract.
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