Wooden crates and pallets provide an ideal storage and shipping solution. They are sturdy, cost-effective, lightweight, and easy to use, making them an excellent choice for various types of cargo transportation.

These crates have special features that make them beneficial. They are reasonably priced compared to other options. When wooden pallets are chosen wisely, they optimize the supply chain processes.

Additionally, they offer multiple advantages, such as reduced fuel consumption, ease of handling, and enhanced safety. In this guide, we will explain the advantages of using wooden crates.

Types of Wood for Crates and Pallets

Wooden crates and pallets are a versatile and cost-effective way to store, transport, and protect items. They come in many sizes, shapes, and materials, making them suitable for various options.

Whether you need to store delicate items or heavy machinery, there is a wooden crate or pallet for every need. Some of the most common types include:

Softwood vs. Hardwood

Although hardwood is more expensive, it is less readily available as it comes from slow-growing trees. Hardwoods are more resistant to wear and tear and have greater hardness than softwoods. Examples include mahogany, oak, walnut, olive, cherry, ash, and elm.

For instance, mahogany is highly resistant to moisture and is commonly used in humid climates like the tropics. On the other hand, elm is highly resistant to decay, while teak withstands the test of time.

Softwood, on the other hand, is obtained from coniferous trees, which grow at a faster rate, making them more readily available and cheaper. They are also easier to process and work with. The main ones are pine, cedar, and fir.

Pine wood is widely used in carpentry, furniture production, and casting. Cedar, on the other hand, is sometimes used in construction. Lastly, fir is similar to pine in that it withstands chemicals well and has good durability, making it often used for roof and wall cladding.

Popular Material Options for Crates and Pallets

Currently, there are various types of packaging materials available. One of them is plastic, which is waterproof but not resistant to high temperatures, and it is more challenging to recycle. On the other hand, metals can also be used in packaging because they are strong and durable but prone to rust, require more maintenance, and are not biodegradable.

Wood, being a natural and recyclable material, absorbs shocks and falls due to its rigidity and durability. In addition to being a safe option, it is easily recycled, withstands high temperatures, and does not degrade due to rust.

Characteristics of Each Wood Type

In general, the classification of wood for packaging is divided into softwood and hardwood. Hardwoods include oak, elm, olive, cherry, and chestnut. Softwood is mainly cedar, poplar, pine, and birch.

The most common wood type specifically used for packaging is pine. However, within this classification, different subtypes are involved in the process:

• Larch Pine
• Maritime Pine
• Scots Pine
• Pine

Why is Pine the Most Chosen Option?

Several key properties of pine wood make it ideal for packaging production, as it possesses good strength. This is important because if the item is properly exported, it retains all its processing.

In addition to being a softwood, pines are abundant, grow quickly, and are readily available. Pinewood also exhibits good mechanical strength, hardness, density, shrinkage, as well as elasticity, and flexibility without damage. Not to mention, it is easy to transport and handle.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Wood Type

Choosing the appropriate wood for packaging may seem daunting, but it is not as difficult. Among the factors to consider, the following stand out:

Durability, strength, and weight capacity: Hardwoods like oak are identified by their weight and narrow grain pattern. They resist wear, marks, and scratches better than softwoods, which is important in deciding the wood finish.

Cost-effectiveness: Pallets offer more than efficient protection. Transporting products and protecting them against harsh climates or long journeys is possible. Using these crates as a packaging resource can be one of the best investments for companies engaged in product export.

Environmental impact: There is a recognized need for a solution that consumes fewer economic and environmental resources while ensuring the system’s sustainability. Recycling becomes the key to guaranteeing this sustainability.

Maintenance and Care of Wooden Crates and Pallets

Many precautions must be taken regarding wooden crates and pallets. They should be stored organized, especially when exposed to the outdoors, as pests can take shelter and become contaminated with animal droppings, leading to microbial growth.

Therefore, they should be cleaned and inspected to ensure they are free of cockroaches or mice. Keeping the trays separated is essential. Pallets used in hygiene areas must be properly identified.

The wood quality is also important. Quality control should guarantee good seam cutting and avoid waste. There should be no protruding nails.

A general rule is that the moisture content of the wood should be less than 20% to prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria. For meats and seafood, wooden pallets can only transport packaged products.

Types of Wooden Pallets

Pallets are a vital element in goods transportation. If you are an exporter or importer, knowing which types are available, which materials are most commonly used, and which are most suitable can be useful.

Their dimensions are based on the vehicles used in World War II. For example, the European pallet type was designed to fit the capacity of wagons delivering supplies and food to the troops.

Regarding the American pallet, it began to be used in the United States and Japan. They were also called iso pallets because they are manufactured according to the ISO 3676 standard. Additionally, pallet types are based on the manufacturing material: wood, cardboard, plastic, and metal.

Pallets are one of the most important elements in export. They are typically used as a support for merchandise, as they facilitate the lifting and handling the load. They can be classified based on their durability.

Advantages of Using Wooden Crates and Pallets

Pallets play a crucial role in handling products in the supply chain. They are used in packaging, storage, and transportation of goods. Some of their advantages include:

• Lower prices
• Easy to repair, as the boards are manufactured in different sizes, and the plugs can be easily replaced with new ones to avoid damage
• The material is readily available
• Wooden pallets can be ground into granules and/or recycled into paper
• Simple and quick design

​​​​Proper handling and loading of your products are crucial to ensure their good condition, and at DMD Custom Crates & Boxes, we understand this well. Our team has the experience and necessary tools to help you store, export, or showcase your products safely and efficiently. Need advice? Want to avail our quality service? Contact us today and discover how we can help grow your business.