Craters & Freighters has decades of knowledge and experience in customized packaging and crating for government agencies. Having worked within the industry for so long, we’ve learned the sensitive nature of these assets, and have produced specific solutions to meet their unique requirements.
Designed and engineered within our Seattle-based shipping facility, each project is thoroughly assessed with intention. Our team draws from numerous sources to create the optimal containing and protecting environment for government and industrial items.
Sources used include:
- An extensive MIL-Spec library
- SolidWorks
- Crating and cushioning software
Crate-building and packaging materials are determined based on the characteristics of the asset to be shipped, including density, shock value, drop, vibration, and recovery.
Crating & Shipping Supplies & Services for Government Organizations
To be relied upon by government organizations, high-quality shipping supplies and services are necessary. Craters & Freighters is classified as a small business by the Small Business Association; however, we have an extensive national and global presence.
Our network offers our government and industrial shipping customers confidence in their priority shipments, keeping their items within our control at all times.
Some of our MIL-SPEC crating solutions include:
- MIL-P-15011: This military specification is for wood post construction pallets with 4-way entry used for material handling, shipment and storage of ammunition. It establishes the requirements for the pallets’ design, materials, fabrication, and examination.
- MIL-B-2427: This military specification applies to boxes and crates for shipping and storing ammunition. It requires two exterior vertical cleats on each end and specifies requirements for strapping and closing filled boxes.
- MIL-DTL-2427: This military specification applies to packing ammunition in wood boxes that are nailed together. The boxes may include hinge and hasp hardware, rope handles, and double-end construction.
- MIL-STD-731: This standard establishes quality requirements for wood used in constructing boxes, crates, pallets, and blocking and bracing within containers. It covers three classes of wood members and applies to domestic and international shipments. It includes width, group, grain, content, knot, joint, and weight requirements.
- ASTM-D6251: This standard specification for wood-cleated panelboard shipping boxes covers the fabrication and closure of empty and full containers. It’s used in domestic and international shipments of general materials and supplies.
- MIL-C-104: A standard that provides guidelines for packaging wooden crates, lumber, and plywood.
- NN-P-71: A Department of Defense standard that specifies the design, materials, and fabrication of wood pallets for storage and materials handling.
- MIL-P-15943: A standard for pallets used in material handling, wood, ship cargo, and stevedoring (the handling of cargo).
- MIL-L-19140: This military specification sets requirements for fire-retardant-treated lumber and plywood.
- MIL-B-46506: a military specification describing the wire-bound box design used to pack ammunition.
- MIL-STD-2073: This military standard outlines how to package and ship military items to ensure they don’t get damaged during transport or while in storage.
- MIL-STD-129: This standard outlines the requirements for marking and labeling military equipment and supplies for shipment and storage.
Other shipping and crating services that often accompany MIL-SPEC shipments include:
- Vapor barrier packaging
- Custom skids and pallets
- Domestic shipping
- International shipping
- Full insurance
We also prioritize safety and nuanced protocols by implementing Voluntary Product Standards, which are rules, guidelines, and characteristics requirements recognized nationally and adhered to by our teams. While VPS is not mandatory, working with shipping companies that adhere to these rules is vital to effective MIL-SPEC crating and shipping operations.
These standards serve to:
- Establish a nationwide, shared understanding of a product’s characteristics
- Establish safety standards for designing products
- Reduce risk by meeting industry-established standards
- Enhance confidence in manufacturers and the supply chain
- Increase credibility with consumers
- Offer further protection for assets and peace of mind for our clients
With these solutions and many others, we’re able to curate specialized crating and shipping solutions to meet almost any requirement, no matter how demanding.
Our Government Relationships
Partnering with many trusted and respected government agencies has been a privilege. Within our network of 65 locations in the continental US, we have provided packaging and crating expertise to clients such as:
NAICS CODES:
- 488991: Packing & Crating
- 488510: Freight Forwarding
- 321920: Wood Container & Pallet Manufacturing
CONTACT
Tell us about your government or industrial shipping project, and Craters & Freighters Seattle/NW will provide a tailored quote to meet your needs. You can contact our team, start a quote online or call us at (253) 872-6869.
With 33 years of experience, we specialize in providing packaging, crating, and shipping solutions, both domestically and globally. In Seattle, we offer a one-stop solution for all your shipping needs. We handle everything from packaging and crating to domestic and international shipping, including final destination delivery and custom clearance.
Proudly serving most of Washington and Idaho and parts of British Columbia. Including but not limited to Bellingham, Vancouver, WA, Vancouver/BC, Victoria/BC, Spokane, Tacoma, Bellevue, Kirkland, Federal Way, and the Islands near Seattle. We are also experienced in shipping to/from Guam, Canada, Alaska, and the Hawaiian Islands.