How to Properly Store and Maintain Wooden Shipping Crates for Lasting Durability?

A long time ago, wooden crates were used as containers for storing, protecting, and shipping goods. No matter if you run a small business, working as a warehouse employee, or using the wooden crates at home only, they are a perfect solution. They provide strength, are reusable, and quite flexible.

However wood being an organic material one could not just acquire it and assume that it will last forever. If one wants to store the wooden crates for a long time without them getting spoiled, one has to consider proper storage and maintenance, otherwise, the crates can become weak, spoiled and even dangerous to the users.

This article will show the different ways in which you can store and be kind to wood shipping crates. Obeying these you will extend the life of your crates and make them safer whenever you store or move them.

6 Best Practices for Storing and Maintaining Wooden Shipping Crates

Take a look at the tips on how to keep and use wooden crates properly:

1. Choosing the Ideal Storage Location

Proper storage of wooden crates is considered essential for preserving their quality. Wood being a natural product is always influenced by environmental factors, therefore, not only location but also how you put away the crates will impact their state.

• Keep Them Dry: Wooden crates are very susceptible to water damage. Besides, wood should never be kept near damp or wet places as it will absorb moisture which may cause the wood to swell, warp or rot. Never keep crates in wet places and if you can, make sure there is a good flow of air.
• Prevent Direct Sunlight: One of the effects of continuous exposure of the wood to strong sunlight is that the wood will lose moisture excessively. Eventually, ‍wood may crack or become brittle because of this. If you really have to leave the crates outside, consider covering them with a tarp or placing them in a shaded area.
• Avoid Soil: Don’t put the crates straight on the soil or grass. Soil is a source of moisture and insects that can harm the wood. So, use pallets or raised platforms to store them.

2. Stack Crates Safely

Improper stacking may lead to damage not only to the crates but also to the items inside.

• Avoid Overloading: Every crate has a limited weight capacity. When placing excessive items in a crate, the bottom slats could snap. Keep in mind the loading capacity of your crates and do not go over it.
• Equitable Distribution: One very helpful tip in packing crates is to remember to distribute the weight evenly. If the load is imbalanced, one part of the crate will be under extra stress and this will be a more likely cause of damage to the whole structure.
• Appropriate Alignment: If you stack crates one over another, be sure to align them correctly. If the piles are misaligned, they can lean and finally fall down, thus causing damage and injuries.
• Leave Breathing Space: Do ‍not stack crates so tightly that they are against walls or each other. Some space is necessary for airflow, and it is one of the best methods to prevent moisture from accumulating.

3. Routine Cleaning

Cleaning regularly helps avoid damage in the long run to wood shipping crates:

• Dusting: Remove dust and dirt with a dry cloth or brush. If there are lots of crates, a vacuum with a brush attachment can be used.
• Deep Cleaning: If a crate is stained, your first step should be to wipe it with a damp cloth and a little soap. Wood will swell if it gets completely wet and therefore, you shouldn’t let it happen. After cleaning the crate, let it dry thoroughly before storing it.
• Odor Control: Sometimes wooden crates can absorb the odor of the products stored inside them. If you want to get rid of the odors, put some baking soda in the crate, leave it overnight, and then clean it out.

4. Damage Inspection

Wooden crates can become weak after continuous use, so it is quite important to check them regularly.

• Examine Slats and Joints: Check ‍the crate for nails, screws, or slats coming off. Points of weakness like these can cause your crate to collapse while you use it.
• Check for Splits or Cracks: Minor cracks can be deceptive as small, harmless cracks. However, nowadays, they can become even bigger. It would be prudent to fix or replace the parts that have been damaged before they get bigger.
• Pay Attention to Pests: Wood ‍is one of the best sources of food for termites and other wood-boring insects such as ants and beetles. Tiny holes or powdery stuff resembling sawdust near crates may be evidence of insect damage.

5. Repair Without Delay

Wooden crates are easy to fix, which is one of their advantages. You should try to repair the crate if it is damaged before thinking about throwing it away.

• Replace Any Damaged Slats: The simplest way would be to remove the damaged slat and insert a new piece of wood of exactly the same size.
• Secure Fastening: Secure loose nails by pounding them down or, better still, use screws to ensure a firmer grip.
• Sand Rough Edges: Wooden surfaces can get rough or develop splinters after a while. To avoid injuries and to make crates easier and safer to handle, one should sand these areas down.

6. When to Replace a Crate

It’s possible that wood shipping crates might not be as durable as you are trying to make them, thus, just as punctual care for a crate, knowing when to get rid of it is equally essential.

• Unsafe Circumstances: If the crate is significantly damaged, then it would be the best option to simply dispose of it instead of risking your safety or the possible loss of your goods.
• Significant Damage by Pests: If the wood has been weakened by insects, it would be best to release the crate safely.
• Over-Repairing: If a crate gets damaged so often, then it becomes a good decision both financially and safety-wise to just replace it.

Find out how leading pallet suppliers contribute to the environment while providing their customers with true value. In our detailed guide, How Proven Pallet Wood Suppliers Deliver Real Value, we expose industry secrets that you will definitely find very interesting!

Wrapping Up

Wooden shipping crates are a reliable and environmentally friendly way of storing things. If you are good to them, they can be helpful to you for many years. The secret is to store them correctly, regularly clean them, handle them carefully, and repair them when necessary. Avoiding moisture, pests, and tough handling will ensure that your money is working for a longer time.

Now, if you are in the market for reliable crate and pallet companies nearby, then your search is over! At USA Pallet & Warehousing Inc., we not only manufacture durable, high-quality wooden pallets and crates but also offer reliable delivery and excellent customer service to fulfill all your storage and shipping requirements.

So, get in touch with us at (815) 822-4123 and place your order or ask for a free quote!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a wooden crate meets international shipping standards?

The ISPM-15 stamp must be there. It’s a sign the crate was treated to comply with international phytosanitary standards.

What’s the difference between softwood and hardwood crates?

Hardwoods are tougher; thus, they are used to pack heavy or high-value items. On the other hand, softwoods are lighter and cheaper, so they are great for light loads.

Can wooden shipping crates be reused for multiple shipments?

Yeah, if they are of premium quality materials and robust constructions, they can be very well re-used a number of times with hardly any wear. 

What types of wood are best for crates?

Oak, maple, and birch are hardwoods which, because of their strength and toughness, have been traditionally used to make crates. Indeed, it is also these characteristics that make them capable of withstanding heavy weights and rough conditions.