Domestic sea freight container cargo packaging: wooden crate

Use of Wooden Boxes in Ocean Shipping Packaging

Wooden boxes were once the most widely used packaging containers. With the development of container transport, the proportion of wooden boxes used as packaging containers has gradually declined. The main reasons include: after containerization, packaging can be simplified and strength no longer needs to be as high as before; timber prices are relatively high; wooden box handling is relatively difficult and costly; they are difficult to mass-produce; and the emergence of high compressive strength corrugated cardboard has replaced some use cases. However, when goods are heavy (usually above 100 kg) or transport conditions do not provide "door-to-door" service, wooden boxes remain a necessary choice. Currently, the most commonly used wooden boxes mainly include framed wooden boxes and crates.

1. Framed Wooden Case

Framed wooden cases are used for packaging goods that are heavy and large in dimensions. The skid at the bottom of the case is a longitudinal sturdy component that bears most of the weight of the packaged items and transmits the load to the side walls; friction wood is nailed under the skid to facilitate balancing the center of gravity during lifting. Framed wooden cases are suitable for heavy cargo packaging that requires high strength.

2. Crates

Crates come in several forms, such as ordinary crates, open crates, and wirebound crates. Wirebound crates are mostly used for containerized cargo. Wirebound crates are made by nailing wire to thin boards, then reinforced with anti-warp wooden strips. They mainly rely on the frame composed of the wire and anti-warp wooden strips to bear the load, while the boards mainly serve to cover and protect the goods.

Advantages of wirebound crates

• Lower manufacturing cost compared with ordinary wooden crates
• Can be reused
• Can be folded for storage when not in use, saving storage space
• Lighter in weight than wooden crates
• Can be used together with corrugated cardboard boxes
• Can utilize wood resources such as hardwood

Limitations of wirebound crates

• Depend on specialized machinery for production, suitable for mass production; small-batch production is uneconomical
• The weight of packaged goods is generally limited to within 250 kg
• The width of the crate is limited by the manufacturing machine, generally not exceeding 2 m
• Higher price than corrugated cardboard boxes

3. Box Selection Recommendations

In container transport, the strength of wire-bound crates can meet conventional needs, and their applicable conditions fall between those of corrugated cardboard boxes and ordinary wooden boxes. Wire-bound crates made of plywood are suitable for packing medium-weight goods of 100–250 kg, with good printability and low moisture content.

Further reading: How to Choose Packaging for Sea Freight compares five packaging methods; Corrugated Boxes covers light and medium cargo; Bundles, Bags, and Barrels covers bulk and liquid cargo; Packaging and Insurance Guide for complete requirements.

Common Questions About Wooden Box Packaging (FAQ)

Q: What goods are suitable for wooden box packaging?

A: For goods that are heavy (usually over 100kg), require high strength, or need sturdy packaging because transportation conditions do not include "door-to-door" service, wooden boxes are the necessary choice.

Q: How to choose between wire-bound crates and ordinary wooden boxes?

A: Wire-bound crates have lower manufacturing costs, can be folded for storage, and are lightweight, making them suitable for batch packaging of medium-weight goods between 100-250kg. For overweight goods or those requiring stronger protection, framed wooden boxes should be used.

Bofeng Logistics specializes in one-stop logistics services including domestic container shipping, international shipping (FCL/LCL), Hong Kong and Macau logistics dedicated lines, as well as trailer, customs clearance, and warehousing. Contact number: 130-7567-8958 (Manager Huang), call now for a customized quote!

Disclaimer: This article was compiled by the Bofeng Logistics team and verified as of August 2026. Packaging requirements may change with destination country quarantine regulations, carrier policies and industry standards; always refer to the carrier's current requirements for your shipment.