Having to ship large, heavy, or high-value products, using standard packaging often can no longer meet this need. Then, the solution is to use FedEx crate shipping services which can be very helpful for safely transport bulky, fragile, or oversized items. The services are through its FedEx Freight and FedEx Custom Critical services.
This guidance will help you have everything you need to understand about FedEx crate shipping services. Such information includes what crating is, when to use it, how to prepare the shipment, and how to arrange freight pickup through FedEx.
FedEx Crate Shipping Service
Crate shipping means to place your goods in a sturdy wooden or custom-built crate. The use of the crate is to give extra protection during transport. There are several functions of the crate in this shipping.
The crate will secure heavy equipment or machinery in the delivery process since these items need large space. It will also give extra protection for fragile items that need special treatment in the delivery process. The items can be things such as artwork or electronics.
The crate is also useful to prevent damage during long-haul or multi-leg shipments. By using crates for special items, the loading and unloading process will be easier with forklifts or pallet jacks. Since the crate will keep the items stored in.
FedEx crate shipping services are mainly through FedEx Freight and FedEx Custom Critical. Both services have good functions for large and sensitive shipments with more than standard size or weight limits.
This crate shipping service is ideal for special items with special characteristics. Such as large items with size over 150 lbs or larger than 108 inches in length. The crate is also for palletized freight or machinery, or any fragile materials such as electronics, glassware, or medical equipment.
Businesses having items in trade show displays and industrial tools also use crates in their shipment. At last, international shipments requiring extra security make use of this crate function for their product delivery.
Another function of crate shipping is good for helping you to comply with international shipping regulations and also to improve handling efficiency at ports and distribution centers.
Preparation for FedEx Crate Shipping
It is important to know and have proper preparation in this service so that it will have a smooth and secure shipping process. There are some steps in this preparation process. The first step is to build or buy a suitable crate based on your items or products for shipments. There are different crates used for different products and uses.
International shipping uses heat-treated wood (ISPM-15 compliant). You have to ensure that the crate is strong enough for the item’s weight. You may include internal padding or foam to reduce shock or vibration.
In some conditions, you can add bracing in order to prevent internal movement in the delivery process. To give definite protection, you can use screws or industrial nails to secure the crate from any leak or movement of the items in the crate.
The second step is giving labels and marks to the crate. It is to distinguish our crate from others. It is important to use shipping labels with full sender and recipient addresses so that there will be complete information about the item sender and receiver.
If it is necessary, you may include “FRAGILE” or “THIS SIDE UP” labels if your items need this. You may also need to attach the Bill of Lading (BOL) clearly to the outside of the crate.
The third step is to weigh and measure the items accurately. It is important to record the total weight of the items including the crate. You may also measure the length, width, and height in inches. By having accurate information about this, it will ensure correct pricing and avoid any delivery issues.
The costs of FedEx crate shipping is based on some issues. Such as freight class, distance, weight and dimensions, and also service levels which are standard, priority, and expedited. For accurate estimates, you may use the FedEx rate quote tool. You can also contact customer service for this need. There may be any additional chargers you have to meet such as for residential delivery, liftgate service, or inside pickup/drop-off.
Final note
Shipazon is in a unique position since it is between three of the most critical transportation hubs in Washington, the Port of Tacoma, the Port of Seattle, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac).
Shipazon has some facilities including storage, cross-docking, transloading, and last-mile delivery. This central positioning strengthens our ability to serve as a reliable 3PL partner for clients who ship their products across the Pacific Northwest and beyond including this crate shipping for your special items and products. We can assure you that this crate shipping as one of our facilities can meet your needs.