How Transportation Affects Timber Crate Design

Timber crates are a very common way to package products because they are lightweight and can be used in a large variety of situations. However, some manufacturers experience crate failures because they did not consider how those crates would be handled and transported when the crates were being designed. This article discusses some transportation considerations that you should bear in mind as you design the timber crates used in your manufacturing plant.

How Will the Crates Be Handled?

You should design your timber crates in such a way that they will stand up to the method of handling that they will be subjected to once products have been placed inside those crates. For instance, you need to equip the timber crates with very strong bottom supports if those crates will be pushed on the floor prior to transportation. Alternatively, sheath the crates using plywood boards if forklifts will tilt those crates as they are offloaded from trucks. Such measures will ensure that the products inside the crates remain undamaged during that handling.

How Will the Crates Be Stacked?

Storage space limitations compel distributors to stack products during storage. Consider how those crates will be stacked so that you design them appropriately. For instance, you should sheath the crates if different sizes of crates will be stacked together. Otherwise, it will be very hard to prevent goods from being damaged when dissimilar crates are stacked during storage. Additionally, the ends of timber crates should be made from strong varieties of lumber so that they can take the weight of the crates placed on them.

How Will the Crates Be Transported?

Here, you should think about whether the crates will be transported using a closed carrier or an open one. You should also bear in mind the sturdiness of the product inside the crate. A sheathed crate will be the most appropriate design to ensure that the products reach their destination safely if the product is delicate and it will be transported on an open carrier. You can design an open crate in case the products will be transported in a covered carrier.

The design of a timber crate should be the result of a careful consideration of several factors. Use the factors discussed above to make a crate design that meets your needs. You can also hire a timber crate specialist to assess your needs so that he or she gives you complete designs that you can use in your crate assembly unit at the manufacturing plant.