What is a Freight Box?
Freight Box Advantages
A freight box is an enclosed shipping container used to transport one or more products. They may be constructed from a variety of materials, including cardboard, plastic, or wood. Freight boxes offer advantages such as a higher degree of protection when shipping goods. Standard shipping units generally do not provide the same protection, nor do they accommodate various sized loads or offer flexible costs for specific budgets.
Types of Freight Boxes
Each type of freight box has advantages.
Cardboard freight boxes typically offer the least amount of shipment protection. They offer several options like single, double, and triple wall corrugated construction, which provide the greatest protection for cardboard boxes. They provide ease in loading and removing front panels, while some offer integrated pallets for simplified handling. Generally, they are the least expensive, but shipping insurance may be more. The insurance company may consider cardboard boxes as having a shorter life and offer less protection from elements like humidity during transportation.
Plastic freight boxes offer more protection than cardboard freight boxes, and they have a greater level of durability. Plastic freight boxes are available in different thickness and stability, and commonly feature an integrated pallet for convenient handling. However, the downside of plastic crates is their tendency to shift during transport, which increases the risk of damage to the shipment.
Wooden freight boxes, or crates, provide the highest level of shipment protection compared to cardboard and plastic boxes. In addition, they offer greater durability and stability. Most shipping crates are constructed with thick plywood that is either 1/4, 1/2, or 3/4-inch-thick plywood, making it convenient for shippers to choose the degree of security they desire. These freight boxes come in some varieties that are collapsible for more efficient storage.
Freight Box Size
Freight boxes are available in many different sizes to meet the needs of a specific shipment. The North American standard pallet sizes, measured in length x width, are 48 x 40, 42 x 42, and 48 x 48. However, there are many other sizes, including those of various heights, convenient for tall products. The minimum weight capacity for most boxes is approximately 1,200 lbs. Some cardboard boxes below this capacity are less durable, while standard-sized wooden and plastic boxes may have a maximum weight of 2,000 pounds and others above. You may find that some companies may offer custom box options to meet your unique freight needs.
Items That Can Be Shipped in Freight Boxes
There are very few items that pose physical limitations that will make freight box shipping impossible. Barring certain legal restrictions for particular categories of products, it can be shipped if it can fit in the freight box. Government regulations may require special handling for items like hazardous material.
If you are looking for a company to help with your freight and shipping needs, Alliance Relocation Services is the right one for your freight box needs. We offer a variety of freight box options to make your shipping easy and convenient. Give us a call today at 877-242-0409.