Wood Crate Specifications

Complete construction details, dimensions, and capacity specifications for all standard wood crate sizes. Essential information for buying and selling used shipping crates.

Construction TypesWood SpeciesISPM-15 Compliance

Standard Wood Crate Specifications

Size (L×W×H)	Type	Weight	Capacity	Volume	Construction	Primary Use
48×40×36	Standard Shipping Crate	75-95 lbs	2,000-3,000 lbs	27.8 cu ft	Plywood sides, 2×4 frame	Most common export size
48×48×48	Square Export Crate	95-120 lbs	3,000-4,000 lbs	53.3 cu ft	OSB/Plywood, reinforced corners	Heavy machinery shipping
96×48×48	Large Equipment Crate	180-220 lbs	5,000-8,000 lbs	106.7 cu ft	Heavy-duty frame, thick panels	Industrial equipment
72×36×36	Medium Shipping Crate	85-110 lbs	2,500-3,500 lbs	33.8 cu ft	Standard frame, plywood	Mid-size products
36×24×24	Small Parts Crate	35-50 lbs	800-1,200 lbs	7.2 cu ft	Light frame, thin panels	Small components, parts
Custom	Made-to-Order	Varies	Varies	Varies	Customer specifications	Any size available

Construction Types

Nailed Construction

Lowest cost option

Traditional nailed frame and panel construction

✓ Advantages

+Lower cost
+Quick assembly
+Standard tooling
+Easy repairs

✗ Disadvantages

-Less secure than screwed
-May loosen in transit
-Difficult disassembly

Best For

One-way shipping, standard products

Screwed Construction

Premium pricing

Frame and panels secured with wood screws

✓ Advantages

+More secure connection
+Easier disassembly
+Better for reuse
+Stronger joints

✗ Disadvantages

-Higher material cost
-Longer assembly time
-Requires power tools

Best For

Reusable crates, valuable contents

Collapsible Design

Highest cost option

Hinged or removable panels for space-saving storage

✓ Advantages

+Space-efficient storage
+Reduced return shipping costs
+Easy setup/breakdown
+Reusable design

✗ Disadvantages

-Higher initial cost
-More complex construction
-Hardware wear over time

Best For

Reusable applications, return shipping

Wood Species & Materials

Southern Yellow Pine

Strong, readily available, cost-effective

Common Usage: Most common for standard crates

ISMP-15: ISPM-15 compliant when treated

Characteristics

Good strengthEasy to workAffordable

Douglas Fir

Excellent strength-to-weight ratio

Common Usage: Premium crates, export applications

ISMP-15: ISPM-15 compliant when treated

Characteristics

LightweightStrongStraight grain

Plywood (Various)

Engineered wood product, consistent properties

Common Usage: Panel material for sides and tops

ISMP-15: Already heat-treated in manufacturing

Characteristics

Uniform strengthNo grain directionSmooth surface

OSB (Oriented Strand Board)

Engineered panels, lower cost than plywood

Common Usage: Budget crate panels

ISMP-15: Heat-treated in manufacturing process

Characteristics

Cost-effectiveConsistent thicknessGood strength

Condition Grading System

New/Unused

100% of market price

Factory-fresh crates, never used

Characteristics

✓No wear or damage
✓All hardware intact
✓Clean, dry condition
✓Full structural integrity
✓Original protective finish

Best For: Export, high-value goods, food applications

Expected Uses: Full service life potential

Like-New

80-90% of new price

Minimal use, excellent condition

Characteristics

✓Very light wear only
✓All original hardware
✓No structural damage
✓Minor scuff marks acceptable
✓Dry and clean interior

Best For: Export, valuable products, multiple uses

Expected Uses: Near-full service life remaining

Good Condition

60-75% of new price

Previously used but structurally sound

Characteristics

✓Visible wear but no damage
✓All hardware functional
✓Some staining or discoloration
✓Minor cosmetic issues
✓Structurally intact

Best For: Domestic shipping, industrial use

Expected Uses: Several additional uses

Fair Condition

40-55% of new price

Functional but showing significant wear

Characteristics

✓Heavy wear and discoloration
✓Some loose hardware
✓Minor panel damage
✓Still structurally sound
✓Cosmetically poor

Best For: One-way shipping, internal use

Expected Uses: 1-2 additional uses maximum

Repair/Parts Only

Lumber/parts value only

Damaged crates suitable for parts or repair

Characteristics

✓Significant structural damage
✓Missing or broken panels
✓Loose or missing hardware
✓Not safe for shipping
✓Useful for parts/lumber

Best For: Parts harvesting, repair material

Expected Uses: Not suitable for shipping use

Truckload Quantities

Crate Size	Quantity per Truck	Total Weight Range	Loading Notes
48×40×36	45-60 crates	3,400-5,700 lbs	Standard size, efficient loading
48×48×48	25-35 crates	2,400-4,200 lbs	Larger footprint reduces count
96×48×48	15-20 crates	2,700-4,400 lbs	Large size, weight limited
72×36×36	35-45 crates	3,000-5,000 lbs	Medium size, good efficiency
36×24×24	120-160 crates	4,200-8,000 lbs	Small size allows high count

ISPM-15 Export Compliance

International Shipping Requirements

Heat Treatment Required

• Core temperature of 56°C for 30+ minutes
• Proper IPPC marking with HT stamp
• Debarked lumber requirements
• Chain of custody documentation

Marking Requirements

• IPPC logo clearly visible
• Country code (US for United States)
• Producer code identification
• HT (Heat Treatment) designation

Key Facts for Wood Crate Trading

Export Compliance

All wood crates for export must comply with ISPM-15 heat treatment requirements. Proper marking and documentation are essential.

Construction Quality

Screwed construction offers better reusability than nailed. Collapsible designs save on return shipping but cost more initially.

Size Optimization

Standard 48×40×36 crates offer the best balance of capacity and shipping efficiency. Custom sizes available for special needs.

⚠️ IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

All used wood 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. Condition grades and specifications are LOOSELY DEFINED and subjective. Buyers are solely responsible for inspection, testing, ISPM-15 compliance verification, and suitability determination. Weight capacities, dimensions, and condition grades are estimates only and do not constitute any warranty or guarantee of performance, safety, compliance, or fitness for any particular purpose.