Plastic Crate Specifications

Complete material specifications, design configurations, and capacity ratings for all standard plastic crate sizes. Essential information for buying and selling used plastic storage crates.

HDPE & PP MaterialsStackable & NestableIndustry Applications

Standard Plastic Crate Specifications

Size (L×W×H)	Type	Material	Capacity	Volume	Weight	Stack Height	Primary Use
24×16×12	Stackable	HDPE	65 lbs	2.67 cu ft	3.2 lbs	8-10 high	Most common size, general purpose
24×16×8	Stackable	HDPE	50 lbs	1.78 cu ft	2.8 lbs	10-12 high	Low profile, automotive parts
24×16×6	Nestable	PP	35 lbs	1.33 cu ft	2.2 lbs	15-20 high (nested)	Space-saving when empty
27×17×12	Stackable	HDPE	75 lbs	3.21 cu ft	3.8 lbs	8-10 high	Heavy-duty applications
19×13×10	Stackable	HDPE	45 lbs	1.36 cu ft	2.4 lbs	10-12 high	Small parts, electronics
21×15×9	Stackable	PP	40 lbs	1.64 cu ft	2.1 lbs	10-12 high	Food service, bakery
26×18×14	Stackable	HDPE	85 lbs	3.78 cu ft	4.5 lbs	6-8 high	Large capacity, warehouse
23×15×5	Nestable	PP	25 lbs	1.0 cu ft	1.8 lbs	20-25 high (nested)	Shallow tray style

Material Types & Properties

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

Density: 0.94-0.97 g/cm³

High strength, chemical resistance, durability

✓ Advantages

+Excellent impact resistance
+Chemical and solvent resistant
+Temperature range -40°F to 180°F
+Food-grade options available
+UV resistant with additives
+Easy to clean and sanitize

✗ Disadvantages

-Higher cost than PP
-Heavier weight
-Less flexible
-Can stress crack under load

Best For

Industrial applications, chemical storage, food processing

PP (Polypropylene)

Density: 0.90-0.91 g/cm³

Lightweight, flexible, good fatigue resistance

✓ Advantages

+Lower cost than HDPE
+Lighter weight
+Better flexibility
+Good fatigue resistance
+Excellent chemical resistance
+Autoclavable options

✗ Disadvantages

-Lower impact strength at low temps
-More susceptible to UV degradation
-Limited temperature range
-Can become brittle over time

Best For

Food service, medical, light-duty storage

Recycled Plastic

Density: Variable

Mixed content, variable properties

✓ Advantages

+Lower cost option
+Environmentally friendly
+Good for non-critical uses
+Reduces waste stream
+Available in various colors

✗ Disadvantages

-Inconsistent properties
-Lower strength ratings
-Limited certifications
-Shorter service life
-Variable quality

Best For

General storage, non-food applications

Design Types & Configurations

Stackable

Designed to stack securely on top of each other

Features

•Interlocking rim design
•Stable stacking up to 10+ high
•Reinforced corners
•Even weight distribution
•Compatible with automation

Advantages

+Maximum space utilization
+Secure stacking
+Easy handling
+Warehouse friendly

Best For: Long-term storage, distribution centers

Efficiency: 6-12 high depending on load

Nestable

Designed to nest inside each other when empty

Features

•Tapered walls for nesting
•Space-saving storage
•Easy separation
•Reduced return shipping
•Lower storage footprint

Advantages

+Space efficient when empty
+Lower shipping costs
+Easy to handle
+Good for return logistics

Best For: Distribution, food service, retail

Efficiency: 5:1 to 8:1 space savings

Straight Wall

Vertical walls for maximum internal volume

Features

•Straight vertical walls
•Maximum internal space
•Easy loading and unloading
•Good for automated systems
•Uniform dimensions

Advantages

+Maximum capacity
+Easy access
+Automation compatible
+Efficient packing

Best For: Automated systems, picking operations

Efficiency: 95-98% space utilization

Ventilated

Perforated walls for airflow and drainage

Features

•Perforated sides and bottom
•Excellent airflow
•Quick drainage
•Reduced condensation
•Easy cleaning

Advantages

+Prevents moisture buildup
+Good for fresh products
+Easy to clean
+Prevents contamination

Best For: Fresh produce, wet environments

Efficiency: 20-40% open area

Industry Applications

Automotive

Applications

•Small parts storage
•Assembly line bins
•Component transport
•Tool organization
•Work-in-process storage

Common Sizes: 24×16×8, 19×13×10

Requirements: Chemical resistance, durability

Food & Beverage

Applications

•Ingredient storage
•Bakery trays
•Produce transport
•Kitchen organization
•Cold storage

Common Sizes: 21×15×9, 24×16×6

Requirements: Food grade, easy cleaning

Electronics

Applications

•Component storage
•ESD protection
•Clean room use
•Assembly operations
•Shipping containers

Common Sizes: 19×13×10, 24×16×12

Requirements: Anti-static, clean room compatible

Retail

Applications

•Display containers
•Stock organization
•Back room storage
•Distribution centers
•Return processing

Common Sizes: 24×16×12, 27×17×12

Requirements: Attractive appearance, durability

Healthcare

Applications

•Medical supplies
•Pharmaceutical storage
•Laboratory samples
•Sterile environments
•Equipment organization

Common Sizes: 19×13×10, 21×15×9

Requirements: Autoclavable, chemical resistance

Condition Grading System

New/Unused

100% of market price

Brand new crates, never used

Characteristics

✓Factory fresh condition
✓No wear or damage
✓Full load capacity
✓Original color and finish
✓Complete documentation

Best For: Food grade, pharmaceutical, clean room

Expected Life: 10-15+ years with proper use

Like-New

85-95% of new price

Minimal use, excellent condition

Characteristics

✓Very light wear only
✓No structural damage
✓Full capacity retained
✓Minor scuff marks acceptable
✓Clean and sanitized

Best For: Food applications, retail display

Expected Life: 8-12 years remaining

Good Condition

70-85% of new price

Previously used but structurally sound

Characteristics

✓Visible wear but functional
✓Some discoloration acceptable
✓All features intact
✓No cracks or damage
✓Clean and serviceable

Best For: Industrial storage, warehousing

Expected Life: 5-8 years remaining

Fair Condition

50-70% of new price

Functional but showing significant wear

Characteristics

✓Heavy wear and discoloration
✓Minor surface damage
✓Still structurally sound
✓Reduced aesthetic appeal
✓Functional for storage

Best For: Back-of-house storage, internal use

Expected Life: 2-4 years remaining

Damaged/Recycle

Recycling value only

Damaged crates for recycling only

Characteristics

✓Cracks or structural damage
✓Missing handles or features
✓Unsafe for load bearing
✓Suitable for recycling only
✓Plastic material value

Best For: Plastic recycling, material recovery

Expected Life: End of service life

Truckload Quantities

Crate Size	Quantity per Truck	Total Weight Range	Loading Notes
24×16×12	1,200-1,500 crates	3,840-4,800 lbs	Standard size, efficient loading
24×16×8	1,500-1,800 crates	4,200-5,040 lbs	Lower profile allows more units
24×16×6 (Nested)	6,000-8,000 crates	13,200-17,600 lbs	High nesting ratio saves space
27×17×12	1,000-1,200 crates	3,800-4,560 lbs	Larger size, fewer per truck
19×13×10	2,000-2,400 crates	4,800-5,760 lbs	Small size allows high count

Key Facts for Plastic Crate Trading

Size Standardization

24×16×12 inch crates represent 60% of the market - highest demand and best resale value. Standard modular sizing ensures compatibility.

Material Selection

HDPE offers superior durability and chemical resistance. PP is lighter and more flexible. Choose based on application requirements and budget.

Design Benefits

Nestable designs save 80% space when empty. Stackable designs maximize storage density. Ventilated options prevent moisture buildup.

⚠️ IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

All used plastic crates are sold AS-IS with NO WARRANTIES, guarantees, or representations of any kind. These are USED PRODUCTS that will NOT meet strict regulations, compliance requirements, or quality standards. Load capacity ratings, material specifications, and condition grades are LOOSELY DEFINED and subjective. Buyers are solely responsible for inspection, testing, and suitability determination. Capacities, dimensions, material properties, and condition grades are estimates only and do not constitute any warranty or guarantee of performance, safety, compliance, or fitness for any particular purpose.