When your equipment is too big, too fragile, or too valuable for standard shipping, you need a crate built to exact specs. These five custom crating services have the experience and expertise to protect your assets from factory floor to final destination.
The Custom Crating Landscape
Custom crating is a specialized niche within the logistics and packaging industry, focused on designing and building protective containers for items that don't fit standard shipping boxes. From heavy machinery and aerospace components to fine art and electronics, these services ensure that sensitive, oversized, or high-value items arrive safely. The industry has evolved to include advanced features like moisture barriers, shock resistance, and ISPM 15 compliance for international shipping. Whether you're a Fortune 500 company or a small business, finding the right crating partner can mean the difference between a smooth delivery and a costly disaster.
How We Evaluated These Crating Services
We looked at each company's service scope, including their ability to handle custom designs, on-site crating, and specialized packaging like vapor barriers or anti-corrosion films. We also considered their experience and track record, as well as their commitment to quality through certifications and testing. Finally, we assessed how well each service fits the needs of a typical business looking for reliable, custom crating solutions.
Here's a quick look at the five crating services we're highlighting, with their key strengths and what they're best for.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Industrial Craters & Packers | Complex industrial crating and JIT support |
| Custom Crates of Waco | Custom crates and skids for high-value equipment |
| Sullivan Industrial Services | Heavy equipment and machinery crating |
| Craters & Freighters Seattle | On-site and turnkey crating for any item size |
| Navis Pack & Ship | Fragile and valuable items like art and electronics |
A Closer Look at Each Crating Service
#1 Industrial Craters & Packers
A screenshot of the Industrial Craters & Packers website.
With over 38 years of experience, Industrial Craters & Packers is a leader in custom crating and onsite packaging. They specialize in solving the most difficult crating challenges, from shock-resistant crates for high-tech products to moisture barrier systems for valuable equipment. Their production crating services include a just-in-time (JIT) system, allowing you to store crates at their facility and call for delivery when needed. They also offer CAD design, shrink wrapping, and ocean container loading, making them a versatile partner for complex shipping needs. If you're looking for a full-service crating expert with a proven track record, this Portland-based company is a solid choice.
#2 Custom Crates of Waco
A screenshot of the Custom Crates of Waco website.
Custom Crates of Waco has been designing and manufacturing custom crates since 1997, serving clients nationwide including Fortune 500 companies. They build every crate to your precise specifications, ensuring dependable protection for sensitive, oversized, or high-value equipment. Their commitment to quality is evident through rigorous testing and quality control measures, and they carry a hefty COI and ISPM 15 stamp for international shipping. Beyond crates, they also specialize in custom decks, showcasing their versatility. If you're in Texas or need a reliable crating partner with nearly 30 years of experience, this is a team you can trust.
#3 Sullivan Industrial Services
A screenshot of the Sullivan Industrial Services website.
Sullivan Industrial Services offers custom crating solutions for a wide range of industries, including commercial, automotive, and aerospace. They specialize in creating custom domestic and global solutions for packaging, skidding, and crating needs. Whether you're shipping parts, putting a unit in storage, or need empty crates, they have you covered. Their team also provides vacuum wrapping and shrink wrapping services to protect your items from moisture and damage. With a focus on heavy equipment and machinery, they are a great choice for industrial businesses.
#4 Craters & Freighters Seattle
A screenshot of the Craters & Freighters Seattle website.
Craters & Freighters Seattle provides fully customized crating and packaging solutions for high-value, heavy, fragile, and unique items. They have no weight or size limitations, and their team of crating experts designs each crate based on dimensions, weight, value, fragility, and final destination. They offer on-site crating, turnkey solutions, and ISPM 15 compliant export crating, making them a flexible option for both domestic and international shipping. Their comprehensive services include custom packaging, blocking, and bracing to ensure your items arrive safe and sound. If you need a crating partner that can handle anything you throw at them, this is it.
#5 Navis Pack & Ship
A screenshot of the Navis Pack & Ship website.
Navis Pack & Ship specializes in building custom shipping crates for fragile, valuable, and oddly-shaped items, from art and antiques to electronics and machinery. They offer professional crating services for both domestic and international shipping, ensuring your items are shielded against the hazards of transit. Their team of crating experts designs each crate to fit your specific shipment, providing peace of mind. With locations across the U.S., they are a convenient option for businesses and individuals alike. If you're looking for a reliable crating service with a national presence, Navis is worth considering.
How to Choose the Right Custom Crating Service
Start by assessing your specific needs: what are you shipping, how big is it, and where is it going? Look for a company with experience in your industry, whether that's aerospace, heavy machinery, or fine art. Check for certifications like ISPM 15 if you're shipping internationally, and ask about their quality control processes. Consider whether you need on-site crating, storage, or just-in-time delivery, and make sure the company can accommodate those requirements. Finally, get quotes from multiple providers and compare their service scope and pricing to find the best fit for your budget and timeline.
Streamlining Your Crating Workflow
Once you've selected a crating partner, you can streamline your shipping process by establishing a clear workflow. Provide detailed specifications for your items, including dimensions, weight, and any special handling requirements. Work with your crating service to design a standard crate template for recurring shipments, which can save time and reduce costs. For high-volume shippers, consider a just-in-time program where the crating company stores your crates and delivers them on demand. This frees up your warehouse space and ensures you always have the right crate when you need it.
Final Thoughts on Custom Crating Services
Choosing the right custom crating service is about more than just finding a box for your item—it's about ensuring your assets arrive safely and on time. Each of these five companies brings something unique to the table, from decades of experience to specialized capabilities like on-site crating and JIT support. Whether you're shipping a single piece of machinery or managing a complex logistics operation, there's a crating partner here that can meet your needs. Take the time to evaluate your options, ask the right questions, and you'll find a team that treats your equipment like their own.