Pros and cons of using wooden crates for shipping

Whether you are a seller in need of shipping advice, or just want to move some stuff overseas, you need to know what type of crates you should use. There are many types of crates including plastic crates, cardboard crates, wooden crates, metal crates, etc. However, you recently stumbled upon a shop that offers affordable wooden crates and you want to know the pros and cons of using wooden crates for shipping. What are the benefits, and what are some of the things that can go wrong with using wooden crates. We have made this article just to answer that question, and we sincerely hope that it will be as helpful as possible. So, without any further ado, let’s dive in!

Using wooden crates for shipping

Wooden crates are just one type of crates you can use for shipping. However, it is one of the best types of shipping container you can use. They are sturdy and they are known for great protection of the load you are shipping. They are also eco-friendly, simple to store, and easy to stack. Wooden boxes offer great protection from natural elements such as precipitation, salt, humidity, temperature, snowfall, etc. Many shippers prefer wood over steel because steel is an amazing conductor of heat. Just for the record, that is a bad thing when you want to keep your load safe.

It is the same as when you rent an outdoor storage unit. Many problems due to the fact that the unit is steel and offers little to no protection from natural elements. However, there are some Lebanon storage options that offer climate-controlled storage units which are great for keeping your cargo safe. Let’s see what are the pros and cons of using wooden crates for shipping.

Pros of using wooden crates for shipping

The benefits are more numerous than the shortcomings so we will start with that.

Stacking ability

Wooden crates are great when you want to stack them one on top of another. They are usually made to be able to withstand the load from multiple stacked crates. They are also great considering the time you can use them as the primary crating material. Their longevity and strength are rarely matched. It is not a coincidence that many homes are made of wood!

It is cheap and effective

Wood is one of the cheapest materials around if we do not include plastic. However, plastic is the worst thing you can do when it comes to the safety of your product. In addition, it is one of the most non-ecofriendly materials in existence. In response to that, wood is one of the most eco-friendly materials. You can recycle wood easily, and when paired with the longevity we mentioned in the previous paragraph, it really makes it one of the best options for crating. You can get standard wooden shipping crates online at fairly low prices and they are a great way to reduce global shipping expenses. Another option is to go with the heavy-duty crates, which are designed to hold up to 7000 lbs of weight. Using wooden crates for shipping seems like an amazing idea, right?

They are really secure

Wooden crates are one of the best crating options when it comes to security. Opening a wooden crate can be difficult because you need tools to do so. Some corrupt workers at customs clearance Lebanon may want to try and steal your shipment. If you are using a cardboard box, they will have no trouble in cutting the cardboard crate and leave everything for the taking. Opening a wooden crate requires a bit more time and effort and will most likely not go unseen. So, buy wooden crates so your cargo is always secure!

Using wooden crates for heavy loads

Wooden crates are a great thing when handling robust and heavy furniture. As we have already mentioned, heavy-duty wooden crates can hold up weights from 4000-7000lbs, which is close to 4 metric tones. This will be quite enough for any big item you plan on shipping, be it robust machinery, or just a big piece of furniture.

Cons of using wooden crates for shipping

While most packaging companies in Lebanon use wooden or steel crates, some of them do not prefer using them. There are a couple of reasons to do so, but they are far less numerous than the benefits you get.

Crates of specific shapes will probably not be usable again

If you order a crate with a specific shape, there will be no further use for it after your shipping is done. If, for example, you bought a crate in the shape of a sofa, there is no way that you will be able to put a drum kit inside that or a table. Think about this when ordering crates with specific shapes.

Takes up a lot of space

This is again related to when you receive the package. A wooden crate is robust and will take up a lot of space. However, most wooden crates can be disassembled. But still, even when disassembled, these crates will take up a lot of space in your warehouse, or your basement if you plan on keeping it at home.

Some types of wood are expensive

Just as the title suggests, some wood types are really expensive. This is because of the added protection from the elements and sturdiness. If you have a budget big enough to sustain a better wood type, then go for it. It will certainly boost your chances that the item will arrive safe and sound.

Wood can become smelly and filled with toxins

Some woodworkers spray their wooden crates with a pesticide in order to suppress the accumulation of bugs inside the crate. This can make the wood give out a certain unpleasant odor. If the wood is not sprayed with pesticide, the pest itself will recompensate that idea.

With all that said, good luck with your endeavors in using wooden crates for shipping!