When most people think of wooden crates, they immediately think of the standard boxes stacked in neat piles at warehouses, holding predictable goods like furniture or electronics. But at Trafalgar Cases, our everyday is sometimes far from ordinary. From custom wood cases for shipping vintage musical instruments to precision packaging for oversized engine parts.
Crating the Unexpected
Let’s start with some of the packaging challenges we have encountered. One challenge involved designing wooden packaging for a full-sized grand piano. This task required shock-absorbing white polylam foam lining to minimise movement.
Then there was the work of fine art being exported to the USA that we were tasked to provide a wooden case for. Due to the sensitivity of the artwork and the value of the item, we designed a vacuum-sealed foil bag for humidity control and combined it with LD45 plastazote foam for shock absorption. This level of detail not only ensured the artwork’s safe arrival but also showed how specialist knowledge can keep irreplaceable assets safe during transport.
Another project we worked on was creating a custom shipping crate for a CT scanner – delicate medical equipment needed fixing points on the base to firmly fix in place and additionally mounted on a floating base for shock absorption. Another time, we helped an automotive client prepare an engine system for international export, using a sturdy wooden crate with custom plastic inserts and reinforced compartments to support several hundred kilos.
Behind-the-Scenes Challenges
Unusual items bring unique challenges. Odd shapes. Extreme weights. Sensitive materials. Each of these challenges requires careful thought and has different packaging needs. Our team then designs timber crates specifically for these requirements using reinforced, lined, or tailored packaging based on the export destination and item fragility.
Oversized items (antique furniture, sculptures, etc.) may need crates with removable panels and bolted reinforcements for accessibility and handling. Conversely, precision parts, such as instruments or medical equipment, require secure packaging to prevent shifting and ensure they arrive intact.
International regulations are also taken into consideration, such as ISPM 15 compliant treated timber, which is required for export shipments.
Record-Breaking Shipments
The world is full of amazing feats. Did you know that the largest wooden crate ever built was over 30 feet long, used in 2011 by Geodis Wilson to transport wind turbine blades—the longest cargo flown by aircraft at that time. These components required specialised packaging and logistics for safe delivery.
What’s in it for you?
If you’re in the removals business, an engineering team, or handle high-value equipment exports, using professional wooden packaging means:
- Peace of mind: Our custom wooden packaging prevents damage during transit.
- Quality compliance: Our timber meets ISPM 15 standards for exporting.
- Efficiency: Proper packing reduces loss, damage, and returns, saving money and time.
- Expert support: Work with experts who understand your product and shipping needs.
From the bizarre to the brilliant, our job is to ensure every item, no matter how strange, arrives safe, secure at its final destination. Have something unusual to ship? Let Trafalgar Cases take the burden off of you… and put it on our expertly designed wooden packaging.
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