Shipping containers are not to be confused with a wooden crates. Often, these two terminologies get used interchangeably, but they are not one in the same. Both a shipping crate and a shipping container can be used to hold or transport items, but a shipping crate is often made of wood, while a shipping container is typically made of Corten steel. Although they both are used for transportation and storage, they have vastly different strengths and weaknesses during the transportation process.
Wooden Shipping Crates
Shipping crates are large containers, often made of wood used to transport or store heavy items. A crate has a self-supporting structure, with or without sheathing. This makes wooden crates much stronger and more supportive than merely a wooden box. Not only do wooden crates have optimal support, but they are also simple to stack, easy to store, and have considerable mobility.
If you are transporting items that are sensitive to temperature or heat, wooden crates can definitely be the better option. Steel or other metal containers can have issues with conducting heat, which might have a negative impact on your load. Another distinction is weight. Wooden crates are considerably lighter than steel, making them easier to move and often cheaper to transport.
Shipping Containers
A Shipping container crate is a standard size box built to withstand storage, handling, and shipment via different modes of transportation. There are two main categories for shipping containers:
- A maritime shipping container is for shipping by sea, rail, or land
- ISBU modules, used mainly for storage or any type of building and construction
Often times, shipping containers are made out of Corten steel which is a high-quality metal that corrodes slowly and makes it optimal for surviving extreme conditions. This makes it especially ideal for overseas transportation. Shipping containers are designed to withstand harsh conditions, and do not need to be unloaded or reloaded on different modes of transport, making them optimal for global shipping.
Why Choose Wooden Crates?
Wooden crates can be the preferred method of storage and transportation for multiple reasons:
- Easy to transport and move around
- Provide optimal protection and support
- Eco-friendly — wooden crates are naturally made and can be reused over and over again.
- Customizable
- Cost efficient — wooden crates are simply-made and less of an investment, which end up being a huge saving for large and heavy shipments.
Ultimately, it depends on what and where you plan on transporting the products. With all your shipping needs, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of each shipping method and make the choice that is ideal for your business.
At Anderson Pallet and Crate, we offer a variety of wooden shipping and storage products. Our selection of wooden crates are made to protect your products during transportation, with a variety of unique shipping options, including heat treated wood, shrink wrapping, customization, and more. If you would like to know more about what we offer, you can contact our friendly and knowledgeable team today!