Question 1

How do I determine the right size for a custom wood crate?

Accepted Answer

To protect your product during shipping or storage, choosing the correct crate size is key. At Advanced Packaging, we use a simple formula for standard wood crate construction:

Crate sizing formula:
•	Length: Product length + 4”
•	Width: Product width + 4”
•	Height: Product height + 8”
•	Leaves ~¾” gap around the product and ¾”–2½” at the top.
•	Add protective packaging thickness to the dimensions if needed.
•	Tip: The type of crate base build configuration can affect the fit, especially the space above your product.

Our team at Advanced Packaging can design and build custom wood crates tailored to your product, ensuring safe transport, secure storage, and compliance with shipping standards.

Question 2

What is the difference between a skid and a pallet?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a skid and a pallet comes down to their base design and how they’re used in material handling. A pallet has both a top deck and a bottom deck, while a skid has only a top deck and runners underneath. Pallets are the standard choice for modern warehousing and transport, while skids are often used for heavy machinery, long-term storage, or situations where the load needs to be moved less frequently.

Key differences:
•	Pallet: Includes a top and bottom deck; more stable; ideal for forklifts, pallet jacks, and high-volume shipping.
•	Skid: No bottom deck; lighter and easier to drag; often used for equipment storage or as a foundation for heavy loads.
•	Handling: Pallets are better for frequent movement; skids suit static storage or specialty applications.

At Advanced Packaging, we design and build both pallets and skids to fit your specific loading, handling, and shipping needs. Our custom wood packaging solutions ensure durability, safety, and performance across any application.

Question 3

What’s the difference between a 2-way pallet and a 4-way pallet?

Accepted Answer

The main difference between a 2-way pallet and a 4-way pallet is how a forklift or pallet jack can enter and lift the pallet. A 2-way pallet allows entry from only two sides, typically the front and back, while a 4-way pallet can be lifted from all four sides.

Key differences:
•	2-Way Pallets: Accessible from two sides; often used for heavier, one-directional loads; generally more cost-effective.
•	4-Way Pallets: Accessible from all four sides; easier to maneuver in tight spaces; ideal for efficient handling and transport.

At Advanced Packaging, we design and build both 2-way and 4-way wood pallets to meet your specific material handling, storage, and export requirements. Our custom wood packaging solutions ensure strength, efficiency, and compliance with all shipping standards.

Question 4

What is the difference between a block pallet and a stringer pallet?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a block pallet and a stringer pallet comes down to how the pallet is built and how it can be handled. A block pallet uses blocks in each corner and along the sides for support, while a stringer pallet uses continuous boards (stringers) that run the length of the pallet. These designs affect strength, weight, and forklift access.

Stringer Pallet vs Block Pallet:
•	Stringer Pallet:
o	Uses “stringer” boards running lengthwise.
o	Often designed as 2-way entry, with some styles notched for 4-way entry.
o	Common in North American warehouses and general shipping.
•	Block Pallet:
o	Uses individual blocks in each corner and under the deck.
o	True 4-way entry for forklifts and many pallet jacks.
o	Often preferred for high-throughput, automated, or export applications.
•	Performance & Handling:
o	Block pallets typically offer better maneuverability and multi-directional access.
o	Stringer pallets can be more cost-effective and work well for many standard loads.

At Advanced Packaging, we design and supply both block pallets and stringer pallets, matching the pallet style to your load requirements, handling equipment, and shipping environment. Our custom wood pallet solutions focus on durability, safety, and efficient material handling.

Question 5

What types of wood and panel materials are used in custom crates and pallets?

Accepted Answer

Custom wood crates and pallets can be built from several different wood and panel materials depending on strength, cost, and application. Common options include softwood lumber, OSB (Oriented Strand Board), and plywood such as CDX. Each material has its own benefits for industrial packaging, shipping, and storage.

Common materials used in wood packaging:
•	Softwood Lumber (2x and 1x boards):
Frequently used for pallet stringers, deck boards, and crate frames. Softwood is strong, cost-effective, and ideal for most general-purpose wood packaging.
•	OSB (Oriented Strand Board):
Engineered panel made from wood strands and resin. Often used for crate sheathing, walls, and lids. OSB is economical and provides consistent performance for many shipping and export applications.
•	Plywood (e.g., CDX):
Plywood panels are made from thin wood veneers. CDX is a common grade used in industrial and export crates because it offers good strength, durability, and resistance to handling and stacking.
•	Sheathing Panels for Bases and Decks:
½" or ¾" OSB or plywood is often used for crate bases or pallet-style decks when a solid surface is needed under the product.

At Advanced Packaging, we select the right combination of lumber, OSB, and plywood based on your product weight, shipping environment, and budget. Our team can recommend the best wood materials for your custom crates and pallets to balance strength, protection, and cost.

Question 6

What are the different types of wood crate base build configurations?

Accepted Answer

The crate base affects how your product sits inside and impacts fit, stability, and handling. At Advanced Packaging, the most common base types are:

Base build options:
•	¾” Sheathing Base: Solid base for medium to light loads; slightly higher gap above the product.
•	2x Lumber Base: Stronger base for heavy products; tighter fit with less airspace.

Selecting the right base ensures your product stays secure, works with protective packaging, and is ready for shipping or storage.
Our team at Advanced Packaging can help you choose the ideal base configuration for a custom wood crate that meets your product’s size, weight, and handling needs.

Wood Packaging Solutions

Built to Protect. Built to Ship. Built to last.

A New Era of Wood Packaging at Advanced Packaging

Wood Packaging Services

Crates

Protective, engineered, export-ready

Pallets and Skids

Durable, compliant, built to spec

Cut Lumber

Precision-cut, any quantity

Why Choose Advanced Packaging for Wood Packaging?

More than packaging — engineered solutions and service you can trust