# Crate > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Crate > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Crate.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crate > Source revision: 1345160540 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Shipping container, often made of wood For other uses, see [Crate (disambiguation)](/source/Crate_(disambiguation)). Shipment of bananas in wooden crates Military shipping crate A crate used to transport ordnance A **crate** is a large [shipping container](/source/Shipping_container), often made of [wood](/source/Wood), typically used to transport or store large, heavy items. [Steel](/source/Steel) and [aluminium](/source/Aluminium) crates are also used. Specialized crates were designed for specific products, and were often made to be reusable, such as the "bottle crates"[1] for milk[2] and soft drinks. Crates can be made of wood, plastic, metal or other materials. The term *crate* often implies a large and strong container. Most plastic crates are smaller and are more commonly called a [case](/source/Case_(goods)) or [container](/source/Container). Metal is rarely used because of its weight. When metal is used, a crate is often constructed as an *open crate* and may be termed a [cage](/source/Cage_(enclosure)). Although a crate may be made of any material, for these reasons, the term 'crate' used alone often implies one constructed of wood. ## Wooden crates An open frame style crate used for a bicycle An early open style crate for heavy cast iron A sheathed (closed) plywood crate A sheathed (closed) lumber crate Wooden crate with cleating A wooden crate[3] has a self-supporting structure, with or without sheathing. For a wooden container to be a crate, all six of its sides must be put in place to result in the rated strength of the container. Crates are distinct from [wooden boxes](/source/Box_(wood)). The strength of a wooden box is rated based on the weight it can carry before the top (top, ends, and sides) is installed, whereas the strength of a crate is rated with the top in place. In general conversation, the term crate is sometimes used to denote a wooden box. ### History Crates had been used for many years without a clear origin in documented history. Modern crates from the early 20th century demonstrate a very evolved technology already considering practical and economic considerations built into crate designs. Moving heavy products such as enamelled cast iron sinks, bath tubs, and lavatories was often done without any packaging prior to 1910, which lead to nearly 20% losses due to chipping of the enamel in shipping. Some manufacturers assumed that protecting the product in rugged crating would reduce their losses, however, they found that railroad and shipping workers would handle the crates much more roughly when in a heavy crate, and losses actually increased. The technological solution was to pack enameled bath ware into open crates, which allowed the shipment to be lighter and cheaper, the handlers to use more precautions knowing what merchandise was being shipped, and allowed the customer to inspect the purchase at arrival before opening it.[4] Another early documented reference to a shipping crate in the United States is in a 1930 handbook, *Technical Bulletin No. 171* written by C. A. Plaskett for the [U.S. Department of Agriculture](/source/U.S._Department_of_Agriculture). Plaskett was known for his extensive testing and defining of various components of transport packaging. The [USDA Forest Service](/source/United_States_Forest_Service) revised and expanded it in 1964 as the "Wood Crate Design Manual", Handbook 252.[5] ### Construction Although the definition of a wooden crate, as compared to a wooden box, is clear, construction of the two often results in a container that is not clearly a crate or a box. Both wooden crates and wooden boxes are constructed to contain unique items, the design of either a crate or box may use principles from both. In this case, the container will typically be defined by how the edges and corners of the container are constructed. If the sheathing (either plywood or lumber) can be removed, and a framed structure will remain standing, the container would likely be termed a crate. If removal of the sheathing results in no way of fastening the lumber around the edges of the container, the container would likely be termed a wooden box. ### Design There are many variations of wooden crate designs.[6] By far the most common are 'closed', 'open' and 'framed'. A Closed Crate is one that is completely or nearly completely enclosed with material such as plywood or lumber boards. When lumber is used, gaps are often left between the boards to allow for expansion. An Open Crate is one that (typically) uses lumber for sheathing. The sheathing is typically gapped by at various distances. There is no strict definition of an open crate as compared to a closed crate. Typically when the gap between boards is greater than the distance required for expansion, the crate would be considered an open crate. The gap between boards would typically not be greater than the width of the sheathing boards. When the gap is larger, the boards are often considered 'cleats' rather than sheathing thus rendering the crate unsheathed. An unsheathed crate is a frame crate. A Frame Crate is one that only contains a skeletal structure and no material is added for surface or pilferage protection. Typically an open crate will be constructed of 12 pieces of lumber, each along an outer edge of the content and more lumber placed diagonally to avoid distortion from torque. When any type of crate reaches a certain size, more boards may be added. These boards are often called cleats. A cleat is used to provide support to a panel when that panel has reached a size that may require added support based on the method of transportation. Cleats may be placed anywhere between the edges of a given panel. On crates, cleat placement is often determined by the width of the plywood used on plywood sheathed crates. On other crates, cleats are often evenly spaced as required to strengthen the panel. Sometimes two cleats are added across the top panel of a crate placed as needed to give the top of the crate added strength where lifting chains or straps may press on the crate while lifting. When the dimensions of a crate side necessitate more than one piece of plywood be used in that crate side's construction, additional boards called 'battens' are used to cover and provide support to the seams between abutting pieces of plywood. Battens are typically wider than cleats, but do not need to be so. Cleats may have more specific names based on added benefit they provide. Some published standards only use those more descriptive terms and may never refer to these various lumber components as cleats. For example, lumber placed under the top of a wood container to add support for a large top are called "joists". Lumber is built into the midsection of the top of a wood container to strengthen the top are called "cleats". When the cleats are enlarged and constructed to support a large top, they may generically be termed "cleats" or more specifically be termed "joists". A plywood sheathed crate with a [pallet](/source/Pallet)-like bottom. "Skids" or thick bottom runners, are sometimes specified to allow forklift trucks access for lifting. Transportation methods and storage conditions must always be considered when designing a crate. Every step of the transportation chain will result in different stresses from shock and vibration. Differences in pressure, temperature and humidity may not only adversely affect the content of the crate, but also will have an effect on the holding strength of the fasteners (mostly the nails and staples) in the crate. In some countries, any wooden crate being designed to ship overseas must be treated to [ISPM 15](/source/ISPM_15) standards or commonly known as the “bug stamp” [7] to prevent the spread of disease and insects.[8] Although the above definition almost always stands true, there are many slightly altered or 'sub-definitions' used by and in various organizations, agencies and documents. This is the result of the small size of the industry and the fact that a single, finite definition of an item that is different every time it is made can be difficult to define. IATA, the International Air Transport Association, for example, doesn't allow crates on airplanes because it defines a crate as an open transport container. Although a crate can be of the Open or Framed variety, having no sheathing, a Closed crate is not open and is just as safe to ship in as a wooden box, which is allowed by IATA. ### Functional Uses Crates are used across a wide range of industries as protective containers for storage, handling, and transportation of goods. Their design and construction are typically tailored to the physical characteristics of the contents, the transportation environment, and regulatory requirements.[5] A large wooden crate #### Logistics and Supply Chain Crates are commonly used in domestic and international logistics to protect goods during handling, stacking, and transport. They are designed to withstand mechanical stresses such as compression, vibration, and impact encountered during road, rail, sea, and air freight. In many applications, crates are custom-built to accommodate irregularly shaped or high-value items, reducing movement and minimizing damage during transit.[8] #### Art, Museum, and Exhibition Transport Museums, galleries, and cultural institutions use specialized crates to transport artworks, artifacts, and exhibition materials. These crates are designed to provide protection against shock, vibration, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. Custom interior supports and cushioning systems are commonly used to accommodate fragile or uniquely shaped objects while allowing repeated transport for touring exhibitions.[9][10] A crate for an airplane engine #### Military and Aerospace Use Crates are widely used in military and aerospace applications to transport equipment, spare parts, and sensitive systems. These crates are often designed to meet specific durability, environmental, and handling requirements, including resistance to moisture, temperature extremes, and rough handling. In some cases, crates are integrated into long-term storage or deployment workflows, serving both transport and field storage functions.[11][12] #### Industrial and Manufacturing Applications In industrial and manufacturing settings, crates are used to transport machinery, components, tooling, and assemblies between facilities or to customers. Heavy-duty crates may incorporate internal blocking, bracing, and shock-absorbing materials to secure loads and maintain alignment. Industrial crates are often engineered to allow forklift or crane handling and to support repeated loading and unloading cycles.[13] An agricultural crate holding potatoes #### Agriculture and Food Distribution Crates are used in agricultural and food supply chains to handle produce, beverages, and other goods. Reusable plastic and wooden crates are commonly employed to facilitate stacking, airflow, and efficient handling during harvesting, processing, and distribution. In food applications, crate design may prioritize hygiene, ease of cleaning, and compatibility with automated handling systems.[14] ## Other crates Reusable [mineral water](/source/Mineral_water) bottles in crates [Milk crates](/source/Milk_crate) and [bottle crates](/source/Bottle_crate) are a form of [reusable packaging](/source/Reusable_packaging) used to ship to retail stores and to return empty bottles to the bottler or packager. These are usually molded plastic designs expected to make several round trip shipments. Wood structures are also used. ## See also Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Crates](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Crates). - [Banana box](/source/Banana_box) or banana crate, a type of box designed for transportation of bananas - [Box](/source/Box) - [Bulk box](/source/Bulk_box) - [Case (goods)](/source/Case_(goods)) - [Container compression test](/source/Container_compression_test) - [Dog crate](/source/Dog_crate) - [Gestation crate](/source/Gestation_crate) - [ISPM 15](/source/ISPM_15) - [Wooden box](/source/Wooden_box) ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** See, for example, ["Patentability, Bottle-Crate"](https://books.google.com/books?id=wFILAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA23), U.S. Patent Office, 1914 (216 O.G. 1238). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** See, for example, the Woolsey Crate, [patent US2160631](https://patents.google.com/patent/US2160631). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Twede, D (2001). [*Cartons, Crates and Corrugated board*](https://www.destechpub.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Cartons-Crates-and-Corrugated-Board-2nd-Ed-preview.pdf) (PDF) (Second ed.). Institute of Packaging Professionals. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Underhill, Dillen (June 1910). "Enameled Cast Iron Sanitary Ware: Arrangement of the enameling room and a description of the cooling ovens -- Method of crating tubs and lavatories". *Foundry*. **36** (4). Penton Publishing Co.: 181 – via Google Books. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_5-1) Anderson, L O; Heebink, T B (1964), [*Wood Crate Design Manual*](https://web.archive.org/web/20150319084840/http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/usda/ah252.pdf) (PDF), Handbook 252, US Forest Products Laboratory, USDA, archived from [the original](http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/usda/ah252.pdf) (PDF) on 19 March 2015, retrieved 10 June 2015 1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** [Morrison, Jasper](/source/Jasper_Morrison); Picchi, Francesca (11 May 2020). ["Unexpected design: the crate"](https://www.domusweb.it/en/design/gallery/2020/05/11/the-crate.html). *[Domus](/source/Domus_(magazine))*. Retrieved 2024-12-02. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["ISPM-15 Wood Crates"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160304080258/http://www.packcrateandship.com/ispm-15-wood-crates/). Archived from [the original](http://www.packcrateandship.com/ispm-15-wood-crates/) on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2015-09-17. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:1_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:1_8-1) ["ISPM No. 15 Regulation of Wood Packaging Material in International Trade (2017)"](https://ispm15.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ispm15_international-standards-for-phytosanitary-measures_adopted-2013_published_2017.pdf) (PDF). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Dickson, Andrew (2019-03-21). ["How to move a masterpiece: the secret business of shipping priceless artworks"](https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2019/mar/21/how-to-move-a-masterpiece-secret-business-shipping-priceless-artworks-art-handling). *The Guardian*. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0261-3077](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0261-3077). Retrieved 2026-03-24. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Institute, Canadian Conservation (2021-01-29). ["Features of Effective Packaging and Transport for Artwork – Technical Bulletin 34"](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/technical-bulletins/effective-packaging-transport-artwork.html). *www.canada.ca*. Retrieved 2026-03-24. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Packaging - The Basics"](https://www.pscc.army.mil/Portals/92/Documents/PKG_01_Packaging%20_the_Basics.pdf?ver=jVqRtUlH0eGE9rfwrGlXnA%3D%3D) (PDF). *Army Packaging, Storage, and Containerization Center*. June 2020. Retrieved 24 March 2026.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: url-status ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_url-status)) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Military and Aerospace Packaging Requirements: Transport, Storage, and Environmental Protection"](https://volcase.com/articles/military-and-aerospace-packaging-requirements/). *Vol Case & Container, LLC*. Retrieved 2026-03-24. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["GDV Packaging Handbook – Transport Informations Service"](https://www.tis-gdv.de/tis_e/verpack/verpackungshandbuch/verpackungshandbuch-htm/). *www.tis-gdv.de*. Retrieved 2026-03-24. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Management of reusable plastic crates in fresh produce supply chains"](https://www.fao.org/4/i0930e/i0930e00.pdf) (PDF). *Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations*. August 2009. Retrieved 24 March 2026.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: url-status ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_url-status)) ### Bibliography - Yam, K. L., "Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology", John Wiley & Sons, 2009, [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-470-08704-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-470-08704-6) - McKinlay, A. H., "Transport Packaging", IoPP, 2004 ### ASTM Standards - D6039 Standard Specification for Crates, Wood, Open and Covered - D6179 Standard Test Methods for Rough Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates - D6199 Quality of Wood Members of Containers and Pallets - D6253 Treatment and/or Marking of Wood Packaging Materials - D6255 Standard Specification for Steel or Aluminum Slotted Angle Crates - D7478 Standard Specification for Heavy Duty Sheathed Wood Crates v t e Packaging General topics Active packaging Child-resistant packaging Contract packager Edible packaging Modified atmosphere/modified humidity packaging Overpackaging Package delivery Package pilferage Package testing Package theft Packaging engineering Resealable packaging Reusable packaging Reuse of bottles Shelf life Shelf-ready packaging Shelf-stable Sustainable packaging Tamper-evident Tamper resistance Wrap rage Product packages Alternative wine closure Ammunition box Banana box Beer bottle Box wine Case-ready meat Coffee bag Cosmetic packaging Currency packaging Disposable food packaging Drink can Egg carton Evidence packaging Field ration Flour sack Foam food container Food packaging Fuel container Gas cylinder Glass milk bottle Growler Juicebox Low plastic water bottle Luxury packaging Milk bag Milk churn Optical disc packaging Oyster pail Popcorn bag Pharmaceutical packaging Pizza box Plastic milk container Purdue Improved Crop Storage bags Sand bag Seasonal packaging Self-heating food packaging Screw cap (wine) Single-serve coffee container Spray paint Toothpaste pump dispenser Unit dose Water bottle Wine bottle Containers Aerosol spray dispenser Aluminium bottle Aluminum can Ampoule Antistatic bag Bag-in-box Bag Barrel Biodegradable bag Blister pack Boil-in-bag Bottle Box Bulk box Cage Case Carboy Carton Chub Clamshell Corrugated box design Crate Disposable cup Drum Endcap Envelope Euro container Flexible intermediate bulk container Flexible tank Folding carton Glass bottle Gunny sack Inhaler Insulated shipping container Intermediate bulk container Jar Jerrycan Jug Keg Mesh bag Multilayered packaging Multi-pack Packet (container) Padded envelope Pail Paper bag Paper sack Plastic bag Plastic bottle Retort pouch Salvage drum Sachet Water sachet Security bag Shipping container Shipping tube Skin pack Soy sauce fish Spray bottle Squround Stand-up pouch Steel and tin cans Tetra Brik Thermal bag Tub (container) Tube Unit load Vial Wooden box Materials and components Adhesive Aluminium foil Bail handle Bioplastic Biodegradable plastic BoPET Bubble wrap Bung Cellophane Closure Coated paper Coating Coextrusion Container glass Corrugated fiberboard Corrugated plastic Cushioning Desiccant Double seam Flip-top Foam peanut Gel pack Hot-melt adhesive Humidity indicator card Kraft paper Label Lid Linear low-density polyethylene Liquid packaging board Living hinge Low-density polyethylene Meat absorbent pad Metallised film Modified atmosphere Molded pulp Nonwoven fabric Overwrap Oxygen scavenger Package handle Packaging gas Pallet Paper Paper pallet Paperboard Plastic-coated paper Plastic film Plastic pallet Plastic wrap Polyester Polyethylene Polypropylene Pressure-sensitive tape Pump dispenser Screw cap Screw cap (wine) Security printing Security tape Shock detector Shock and vibration data logger Shrink wrap Slip sheet Staple (fastener) Strapping Stretch wrap Susceptor Tamper-evident band Tear tape Temperature data logger Time temperature indicator Tinplate Velostat Processes Aseptic processing Authentication Automatic identification and data capture Blow fill seal Blow molding Calendering Canning Coating Containerization Converting Corona treatment Curtain coating Die cutting Die forming (plastics) Electronic article surveillance Extrusion Extrusion coating Flame treatment Glass production Graphic design Hazard analysis and critical control points Hermetic seal Induction sealing Injection moulding Lamination Laser cutting Molding Package tracking Papermaking Plastic extrusion Plastic welding Printing Product development Production control Quality assurance Radio-frequency identification Roll slitting Shearing (manufacturing) Thermoforming Track and trace Ultrasonic welding Vacuum forming Vacuum packaging Verification and validation Machinery Barcode printer Barcode reader Bottling line Calender Can seamer Cap torque tester Cartoning machine Case sealer Check weigher Conveyor system Drum pump Extended core stretch wrapper Filler Heat gun Heat sealer Industrial robot Injection molding machine Label printer applicator Lineshaft roller conveyor Logistics automation Material-handling equipment Mechanical brake stretch wrapper Multihead weigher Orbital stretch wrapper Packaging machinery Pallet inverter Palletizer Rotary wheel blow molding systems Seed-counting machine Shrink tunnel Staple gun Tape dispenser Turntable stretch wrapper Vertical form fill sealing machine Environment, post-use Biodegradation Can collecting Closed-loop box reuse Environmental engineering Extended producer responsibility Glass recycling Industrial ecology Life-cycle assessment Litter Packaging waste Paper recycling PET bottle recycling Plastic recycling Recycling Reusable packaging Reverse logistics Source reduction Sustainable packaging Waste management Category: Packaging v t e Containers Aerosol spray Aluminium bottle Aluminum can Amphora Ampoule Antistatic bag Bag Bag-in-box Barrel Basket Bin Biodegradable bag Blister pack Body bag Bottle Box Box wine Bucket Bulk box Cage Canister Carboy Carton Cartridge Case Chub Clamshell Coffin Corrugated box design Crate Desiccator Dewar flask Drum Envelope Flagon Flask Flexible intermediate bulk container Foam food container Folding carton Food storage container Garbage bag Gas cylinder Growler Gunny sack Insulated shipping container Intermediate bulk container Intermodal container Jar Jerrycan Jug Juicebox Keg Kōbako Multi-pack Nuclear flask Padded mailer Pail Paper sack Plastic bag Plastic bottle Pocket Popcorn bag Pot Pouch Pressure vessel Retort pouch Sachet Self-heating can Self-heating food packaging Shipping container Skin pack Spray bottle Square milk jug Tin can Tobacco pouch Tube Unit load Vial Wooden box Zipper storage bag Category Commons WikiProject Containers Authority control databases NARA Yale LUX --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Crate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crate) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crate?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.