SharkCrate FAQs.
Frequently Asked Questions about our wood shipping crates, ordering online, freight, and custom crates
SharkCrate FAQs.
Frequently Asked Questions about our wood shipping crates and ordering online
Wood Crate Assembly
How do I build my shipping crates?
After nesting the six panels together, simply secure the crate together with the supplied wood screws or pallet banding – poly or metal will work fine. For a more in-depth explanation, please see our Assembly page or check out this quick video.
Can I disassemble or reuse the crates?
If you are assembling your shipping crate with metal banding or screws, then yes, you can disassemble and store your wood crate and reassemble it again later. The easiest and fastest way to achieve this is by using pallet banding. Simply cut the pallet banding, stack the panels and store the crate.
While screws do work, you may lose some life of your crate due to stripped out panels. However, even if you do strip the panel, you would be able to use pallet banding without any loss in functionality.
How long does it take to build the crates?
- 2-3 minutes (metal banding)
- 3-5 minutes (using the supplied screws)
What kind of screws do you recommend?
We include #10-5/8” wood screws with all standard and custom crates. Please note that screws are not required in every hole. We recommend one screw every 12″. If one hole becomes stripped, you can easily use another.
Can you crate or ship my product?
Unfortunatley, we do not offer any kind of crating services either onsite or offsite. However, we can recommend several carriers and other service providers that may be able to assist with crating and/or shipping your contents to its final destimation.
Logistics
Are these shipping crates ISPM-15 certified and export ready?
Yes, all of our SharkCrates are ISPM 15 certified and ready for export. Download Here
How are the crates packed?
All crate sets (kits) are packed in the following order (from bottom to top): Base panel, top, ends, and sides. The sets are then individually strapped together and can be shipped up to 8x* high to minimize freight cost. (*Some crates must be shipped 4x high and some will need to ship fully-assembled. Please contact us for more details)
For larger volume ordres, we can also ship the crates in pallets of “parts.” For instance, we can ship on pallets of bottoms (pallet and bottom panel), tops, sides, and ends. This allows the customer to set up the parts along an assembly line and add each part as its required.
How are the fully-assembled crates shipped?
While we can ship assembled, we don’t recommend it due to the cost. Standard LTL 53′ vans can only accommodate 24 skid spots and based on the height of the crate. For instance, if the crate is 4x4x4, we can ship 48 fully-assembled crates in a full truck. If we flat pack the same crates and ship disassembled, we can fit over 250 crates in a truck. This dramatically reduces the freight cost per crate.
Can I track my order?
After your order has shipped, you will receive a confirmation email listing the carrier and tracking number (if available).
Technical
What kind of wood is used?
We use heat-treated pine lumber for the pallet and blocking and high-quality OSB (15mm – 19/32″) for the panels. However, we can also use plywood upon request. Please note that plywood tends to have more natural bow than OSB and than can make it difficult to assemble the crate.
What is the stacking strength of your shipping crates?
The stacking strength is between 15,000 and 17,000 lbs, which is perfect for stacking and storing products in SharkCrates in your warehouse. However, note that this is a static load rating and we recommend only stacking the same sized crates on top of each other.
Please see our product list for more specific information on individual load ratings.
What is the capacity of your crates?
The capacity of each SharkCrate is dependent on how the weight is distributed inside the crate. Please contact us for more information.
What is the pallet height?
Block Pallet – 5.5″ (4-way pallet jack, 4-way forklift)
ECO Pallet – 5.5″ (2-way pallet jack, 2-way forklift)
HD Pallet – 6.5″ (No pallet jack, 4-way forklift)
HD Lite Pallet – 5.75″ (2-way pallet jack, 2-way forklift)
SLED Pallet – 8″ (2-way pallet jack, 4-way forklift)
HD SLED Pallet – 10″ (No pallet jack, 4-way forklift)
How many disassembled crates can you stack for shipment?
For any standard crate size less than 4×4, we stack 8x high. For our 96 x 48 x 54, we stack 4x – 6x high. Typically, we will stack up to 1,500lbs, but we always stack to ensure the lowest freight cost possible.
Ordering Online
Can I order other sizes?
Absolutely! We manufacture all kinds of custom wooden shipping crates and can include additional dunnage, or blocking upon request.
The best place to start is using our online crate configurator or pallet collar configurator that allows you to design and build your own crate in just a few minutes.
If building your own isn’t your thing, feel free to fill out our special order form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
Can I order replacement parts?
Currently, we only offer spare parts for items damaged in transit to you. If you would like to file a claim, please contact us. Please be aware that any damage should be noted on the BOL.
What is your lead time?
Most of our stock crates will leave our facility in 1-2 business days, but we will keep you posted if anything delays your shipment much longer. Custom shipping crates will be quoted on a case-by-case basis, but we will always be transparent and try to manufacture as quickly as we can for you.
Transit time, of course, largely depends on your ship-to zip code. The days below are an estimate only
- Midwest: 1-2 days
- East Coast: 2-3 days
- South: 2-3 days
- South Florida: 4-5 days
- West: 4-5 days
Residential deliverys will typically add an additional 1-2 days.
Do you collect sales tax?
Unless we have a valid tax exemption certificate, we are required by law to collect sales tax on shipments within the state of Wisconsin. If your business qualifies for a tax exemption, please download and complete form S-211 and email it to our tax department.
Please note that you can still submit your order (even though it will still include tax). If you are tax exempt, we will update your account and remove the sales tax before finalizing your order and ultimately charging your credit card.
While we do not collect sales tax in any other states, plesae feel free to send us your state sales tax exemption form so that we have it on file.
When do you charge my credit card?
After submitting your credit card details, a hold will be put on your card. We do not complete the charge until your crates have shipped.
Can my company set up terms?
Of course! If you foresee ordering wood crates on a regular basis and would prefer to order by purchase order instead of online, we are happy to accommodate that as well. Please contact our accounting department to get set up as a customer.
Can you ship on my carrier account?
Absolutely. If you have better rate with your carrier, you are more than welcome to send them in to pick up. Just let us know who the carrier is and we will fill out the BOL either “freight collect” or we can bill a third party.
Still have questions?
Connect
