When you’re shipping goods, the only thing you want to concern yourself with is that they arrive safely. Wooden packing cases have long been a trusted solution for export packing, offering robust protection and versatility. This blog post explores the benefits of using wooden cases for export and what to look for in a reliable supplier.
Why Choose Wooden Export Packing Cases?
Wooden export packing cases offer a unique combination of strength and customisability, making them ideal for a wide range of export goods. Their robust construction protects goods from the rigours of international shipping, including impacts, vibrations, and exposure to the elements. Unlike other packaging options, wood can be easily customised to fit the exact dimensions of your products. The internals can be customised to fit your product’s specifications exactly.
This can be done by incorporating a few different techniques, with some cases just needing the skilled work of a professional with a Stanley knife to carve up some foam to ensure a snug and secure fit, or a more technical approach is required in some cases, which can be done by incorporating specialist techniques like CNC machines to create custom frames.
The Key Advantages of Wooden Export Cases
Wooden crates remain a favoured export packaging solution for several compelling reasons:
- Strength and Durability: Wood’s inherent robustness protects goods from international transport’s bumps, impacts, and general rigours. This makes them ideal for heavy or fragile items.
- Versatility: Wooden crates can be customised to fit various products, from machinery and electronics to car parts and delicate instruments. They can be designed to meet the specific needs of your cargo.
- Sustainability: Wood can be recycled or reused, making it an environmentally friendly option. Businesses are becoming increasingly conscious of their environmental impact, and this eco-friendly shipping option can provide you with a significant gain in achieving your business goals.
Types of Wooden Export Packing Cases
Different types of wooden cases cater to various needs. Fully enclosed cases are the most common, featuring a timber base and frame with strong sheet material sides. They provide complete protection from the elements and are ideal for sensitive or high-value items. These can be supplied fully assembled or flat-packed for on-site assembly. A screwed lid allows for easy loading and inspection. Crates typically feature a solid top and base with slatted sides. This design offers excellent physical protection while allowing for visual inspection of the contents, simplifying customs procedures. Crates are well-suited for goods that are less susceptible to weather damage, such as machinery or vehicles.
What to Look for in an Export Packing Case Supplier
Selecting the right supplier is essential for ensuring your goods are packed safely and comply with all regulations. Consider the supplier’s experience and expertise. Look for a company with a proven track record in manufacturing and supplying wooden packaging. A long history in the industry often indicates a deep understanding of best practices and a commitment to quality.
Flexibility and Customisation Options
Customisation options are also important. Your supplier should be able to tailor the cases to your specific requirements, including size, materials, and any additional features like protective linings. They should also offer expert advice on the most suitable packaging solutions for your products.
Regulatory Compliance – Including ISPM 15
ISPM 15 compliance is not just a formality; it’s essential for protecting global ecosystems. Untreated wood packaging can harbour harmful insects and diseases that devastate other countries’ forests and jungles. By choosing a supplier that adheres to ISPM 15 standards, you preserve the environment and avoid costly delays and penalties associated with non-compliant shipments. So, ensure your supplier is fully ISPM 15 compliant and a member of a recognised programme like the UK Wood Packaging Material Marking Programme (UKWPMMP). Regular audits are a good indicator of their commitment to compliance. Industry affiliations are another factor to consider. Membership in organisations like The Timber Packaging and Pallet Confederation (TIMCON) demonstrates a commitment to industry best practices and standards.
Cargo-Specific Designs
Make sure the company you work with can create a crate that is strong enough to support the weight of the goods and properly sealed to protect against moisture and contamination. The construction should be tailored to the specific cargo being transported, whether that’s via air, shipping container or lorry, all of which have their own dimensions and nuances that need to be followed.
Correct Documentation
Proper documentation, which can be for anything from Phytosanitary Certificates to Certificates of Origin and packing lists, all of which are essential for customs clearance and, if done wrong, can cause delays or even, in extreme cases, impound of your goods and ultimately destruction.
Measure Twice, Cut Once!
Accurate dimensions and weight are other crucial factors for cost-effective and safe shipping. A good crate supplier will carefully measure your goods to determine the perfect crate size for your products. A too-small crate could risk damaging the contents, whereas an oversized crate increases shipping costs, so your chosen company needs to make sure they find the golden ratio for your products. Consider how the crates will be stacked and transported. Crates that fit efficiently within containers or trucks maximise space utilisation and reduce costs. Think about palletisation and other unitisation methods.
Contact R. West & Son
R. West & Son were established in 1910 and are Plymouth’s leading provider of wooden export packaging cases and solutions. With over a century of experience in the timber packaging industry, we are members of the UK Wood Packaging Material Marking Programme (UKWPMMP) and The Timber Packaging and Pallet Confederation (TIMCON). We are fully ISPM15 compliant and are audited on a bi-annual basis to ensure we are meeting the industry’s exacting specifications.
As industry experts in the packing sector, we have a unique and long history thanks to our customer-focused approach and commitment to quality. We specialise in custom packing cases, crates and wooden pallets, and our clever design solutions can help you reduce your transportation costs. We also work in partnership with selected hauliers and shipping companies to deliver goods worldwide.
If you would like to contact us with a question about our packaging range, our services or your packaging requirements, we would love to hear from you!
Contact any member of the team on 01752 664345 or fill in the contact form to send us an email.