When it comes to protecting freight and ensuring smooth delivery, the right packaging solution can make a significant difference.
Two popular options among manufacturers and distributors are custom wood crating and pallet collar systems. While both offer secure, durable ways to ship goods, they each come with unique advantages depending on your shipping needs.
Midland Wood Products specializes in both systems and helps businesses determine which solution will optimize protection, cost-efficiency, and compliance.
The Case for Custom Wood Crating
Wood crating is a tried-and-true method of protecting high-value or fragile freight. These crates are typically custom-built for the product being shipped and offer full enclosure, making them ideal for items that are oversized, delicate, or require maximum protection during transport.
Custom crates are often used in international freight, especially for machinery, electronics, or goods requiring added bracing and blocking. They’re also the preferred choice for irregularly shaped items that don’t fit on standard pallets.
The downside to wood crates is that they are often heavier and more costly to produce, ship, and store. However, when maximum protection is non-negotiable, wood crates remain one of the most reliable solutions.
The Flexibility of a Pallet Collar System
A pallet collar system provides a modular and reusable alternative to traditional crating. Built using collapsible hinged frames that stack onto a base pallet, this system converts a standard pallet into a secure and adjustable box—commonly known as a pallet box.
This setup is ideal for businesses that ship consistent-sized goods in varying quantities. Because the collars fold flat when not in use, they take up far less storage space than crates and reduce return freight costs for businesses operating a closed-loop system.
At Midland, our pallet collar systems are compatible with standard and custom shipping pallets, offering flexibility across different product types and industries. They also make excellent use of vertical space, allowing you to stack goods securely while maximizing your shipping efficiency.
What About the Pallet Crate?
If you’re looking for something in between a full wood crate and a collar system, a pallet crate might be the perfect middle ground. These are typically framed or slatted wooden structures mounted to a pallet base, offering some enclosure and stability without the bulk of a full crate.
Pallet crates are often used for products that need containment but not complete sealing—such as agricultural goods, auto parts, or large industrial components.
Choosing the Right Option
Here are some quick guidelines:
Choose custom wood crating for:
- Fragile or irregular items
- Export goods requiring full ISPM-15 compliant protection
- High-value shipments needing maximum durability
Choose a pallet collar system for:
- Repeat shipments in standard sizes
- Businesses seeking reusable, space-saving solutions
- Maximizing container space and reducing freight costs
Why Choose Midland Wood Products?
Midland Wood Products can help you evaluate your product, shipping routes, and handling processes to determine the best solution whether you’re shipping delicate components, bulk goods or oversized equipment.
Based in Illinois, Midland uses high-quality wood, heavy-duty hinges, and ISPM-15 heat treatment to ensure every collar delivers reliable protection. Ready to reduce damage and increase customer satisfaction?
For a custom quote, email michael@midlandwoodproducts.com, call (800) 621-0792, or visit https://midlandwoodproducts.com/.
