Buy Used Wood Crates in New York

Save Money on Wood Crates: Your Complete Guide to Buying Used in New York

What you'll get from this guide: Learn where to find quality used wood crates in New York, save up to 60% compared to new crates, and help the environment by reusing materials.

Why Used Wood Crates Make Sense

You need wood crates but don't want to overpay. Used crates solve three problems at once:

• Save money - Pay $20-125 instead of $50-300 for new crates

• Get them fast - No waiting weeks for custom builds

• Help the planet - Keep good wood out of landfills

Most used crates come from overseas shipments. They're already heat-treated and ready to use again.

What You Can Find

Small crates cost around $20 each in New York City. These work great for storage or moving.

Large shipping crates run about $125 each when you buy 12 or more. Perfect for businesses that ship big items.

Example: A 130-inch by 12-inch by 13-inch rigid crate costs $125. The same crate new would cost $250 or more.

Where to Buy Used Wood Crates

Online Marketplaces

RePackify lists used crates across New York. Average prices:

• Manhattan: $19.75 per crate

• Flushing: $20.20 per crate

• Bronx: $20.30 per crate

• Staten Island: $20.30 per crate

They offer bulk discounts and local delivery.

Local Options

Pallet recycling centers often have crates too. Look for businesses that say "pallet recycling" or "wood recycling."

Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace have individual sellers. You can often negotiate prices.

Industrial salvage yards sometimes carry small batches. Great for one-time projects.

Types of Crates Available

Open crates have slats with gaps. Air flows through them. Good for fruits, vegetables, or items that need ventilation.

Closed crates have solid walls. They protect contents completely. Best for valuable or fragile items.

Collapsible crates fold flat when empty. They save storage space but aren't as strong.

Rigid crates don't fold but handle heavy loads better.

How to Choose the Right Crate

Ask yourself these questions:

How much weight will it carry?

What size items will go inside?

Do you need it to stack?

Will it ship internationally? (You'll need heat-treatment stamps)

Do you need it to fold up when empty?

Example: You're shipping a 100-pound machine. You need a rigid crate that's slightly bigger than the machine, can handle 250+ pounds, and has heat-treatment stamps if going overseas.

Steps to Buy

Step 1: Measure what you're shipping or storing. Add 2 inches on each side for padding.

Step 2: Decide how many crates you need. Buying 10+ usually gets you a discount.

Step 3: Check online listings on RePackify first. Compare prices from different sellers.

Step 4: For large orders, call local recycling centers. They often beat online prices.

Step 5: Ask to see photos before buying. Look for:

• Broken boards

• Missing nails

• Mold or stains

• Bent corners

Step 6: Arrange pickup or delivery. Many sellers offer local delivery for $25-50.

Red Flags to Avoid

Don't buy crates that:

• Smell bad (could be chemicals or mold)

• Have lots of broken boards

• Are missing heat-treatment stamps if you need them

• Cost more than 70% of new crate prices

Your Next Steps

Start by measuring what you need to ship or store. Then check RePackify for available crates in your area. For large orders, call local recycling centers for quotes.

Used wood crates give you the same protection as new ones at half the cost. Plus you're helping reduce waste. That's a win for your wallet and the environment.