How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Crate?5 min read
Wooden crate - Transport cost
Monika Keleshovska

How much does it cost to ship a crate?

Crate shipping costs depend on their size, weight, material, and so much more. If you are looking to ship wooden crates overseas, check our packing guidelines and contact us to get the safest and most cost-efficient solution. Our team handles all personalised requests individually and will let you know the cost of shipping your crate in no time.

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How do I ship a wooden crate?

There are many ways to ship a crate to any location. First and foremost, you have to find the right wooden crate to use for shipping your goods. One way to do that is to hire a crating company, purchase a pre-made box or get a custom-made one to fit the items accordingly.

Crate shipping is an ideal solution for the following types of shipments:

  • Big and bulky items (e.g. machinery)
  • Fragile items requiring more shock protection during transit
  • Valuable items requiring maximum security during transport
  • Large volumes of goods going to the same location

How much does it cost to ship a crate with Eurosender?

When you let Eurosender organise the transport for you, you can stop worrying about how much it will cost to ship your crate. All you need to do is request a custom quote, and our logistics specialists will compare pre-negotiated rates with various freight carriers to get you the most cost-effective solution.

Follow the steps below to find out the cost of shipping a crate with Eurosender:

  1. Click the button below and insert the shipping countries.
  2. Select “Add bulky item“.
  3. Provide the cargo dimensions and route.
  4. Write down any specific requirements you may have.
  5. One of our specialists will contact you with the price for shipping your crate.
  6. Once you are satisfied with the offer, complete the payment.
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How much does it cost to ship a crate as a registered business?

By working with a vast network of international logistics providers, we can provide all registered businesses with countless benefits! Apart from getting the right logistics solution that matches your business shipping needs, you will also benefit from already negotiated prices for shipping a crate, regardless of the volume. Therefore, registered business users on our platform have access to the best prices for shipping crates overseas.

Register now and optimise your time by using our user-friendly dashboard, allowing you to control all logistics operations.

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How to pack a wooden crate for shipping overseas

We have compiled the guide below to help you pack your crate for shipping:

  1. Get an appropriate crate size that fits all the items comfortably.
  2. Wrap each item individually in plastic, bubble wrap, or paper.
  3. Line the crate with foam padding and fill it up with packing peanuts.
  4. Distribute the items evenly inside the crate.
  5. Pack heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top.
  6. Use packaging material to fill any remaining voids.
  7. You can add a label with “This side up“.
  8. Attach the shipping label and bill of lading (if required) with clear tape.

How to build a wooden crate for shipping

An alternative to buying a wooden shipping crate is to make one yourself. Make sure you use good-quality materials and fasteners so as not to compromise the safety of your items in transit. You can follow these simple steps when building a wooden crate for shipping:

  1. Use quality wood such as plywood. Avoid oriented strand board (OSB), medium-density fibreboard (MDF), and particleboard.
  2. Choose wood with minimal knots. Don’t use fasteners on knots or other defective areas in the wood.
  3. Use diagonal braces on each panel to increase the strength and integrity of the crate.
  4. Use three-way corner construction with nails driven into the side grain.
  5. Choose appropriate fasteners, such as wood screws.

Are wooden crates safe for shipping?

One of the main concerns in logistics is which packaging material to use. The good news is that shipping your items in custom wooden crates is one of the safest methods you could choose.

Like all other packaging materials, wooden crates have advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of wooden crates

  • Compared to pallets, crates are easier to prepare for shipping.
  • Crates are stackable for optimised vehicle and storage space.
  • Wood is durable and can withstand the bumps of transport and handling.
  • A sturdy crate will keep your cargo secure and intact.
  • Crates are often reusable, and they can also be used for storage.
  • Wood as a packaging material is more eco-friendly than plastic.

Disadvantages of wooden crates

  • Custom-made crates may not be useful for other shipments after initial use.
  • Crates take up more storage space due to their size and volume.
  • Crates are usually a more expensive type of packaging as they use more material.
  • Crates can be harder to handle when compared to pallets.
  • Wood is prone to infestation, mould, and other damage.

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Can any type of wooden crate be shipped?

When shipping a wooden crate internationally, you need to make sure that it complies with ISPM 15 measures, meaning that the crate will have had to be heat-treated or fumigated before use and have an internationally recognised IPPC stamp.

These measures also apply to wooden pallets and any other wooden packaging used for international shipping. Find out more information about IPPC markings and what they mean.

Interested in learning more about pallet and freight shipping?

Check our pallet blogs